A recent email regarding the “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement” could mean financial compensation for some Apple users. This settlement is part of a $95 million lawsuit in which Apple faced allegations of secretly activating its Siri virtual assistant to record private conversations without users’ consent.
The lawsuit, which Apple has agreed to settle without admitting any wrongdoing, spans over a decade, from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024. Individuals who purchased or owned a Siri-enabled device—like an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch, or Apple TV—that experienced unintended activation of Siri during personal conversations may qualify for compensation.
Eligible claimants who received an email or postcard containing a Claim Identification Code and Confirmation Code should use these codes to submit a claim on the Lopez v. Apple Inc. class action lawsuit website. Even those who didn’t receive such notifications can still file a claim if they believe they are eligible.
The deadline for filing a claim is July 2, and those interested can submit their claims online, potentially covering up to five Siri devices. The settlement funds aim to offer up to $20 per device, although this amount may vary based on the number of valid claims submitted.
After the deadline, the settlement will need approval from a U.S. district judge, with a hearing scheduled for August 1. If the settlement is approved and no appeals arise, claimants will soon be notified about when to expect their payments.
This settlement represents a significant step for consumers concerned about privacy and data security. It highlights the increasing legal accountability that tech companies face regarding user privacy.