Apple has reached an agreement to pay $95 million to resolve a lawsuit that claimed its virtual assistant, Siri, violated user privacy by eavesdropping on conversations without consent. Filed by the Wood Law Firm in August 2019, the lawsuit came after allegations were made in The Guardian about Siri’s microphone being activated to record discussions unwittingly, contradicting Apple’s long-standing commitment to privacy.
The lawsuit alleged that a software update from September 2014, which was intended to activate Siri only with the wake phrase “Hey, Siri,” did not fully ensure user privacy, as Siri reportedly recorded interactions at more times than intended. It was also claimed that some of these recordings were shared with advertisers to better target potential customers.
The proposed settlement will potentially benefit tens of millions of U.S. consumers who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and the end of 2020. Each eligible consumer could receive up to $20, although final amounts will vary based on the number of claims submitted and legal costs deducted from the settlement fund. It’s estimated that only about 3% to 5% of eligible individuals may file claims.
While the allegations could have resulted in severe penalties for Apple, the company has firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating that it would have successfully defended itself in court. Lawyers for the plaintiffs suggested that if the case had gone to trial, Apple might have faced damages up to $1.5 billion.
Though concerns remain regarding the privacy of device microphones, similar legal challenges are in motion, such as a case against Google regarding its virtual assistant, which serves an extensive user base on Android devices.
For those concerned about their privacy using Siri, they can easily disable the assistant through their device’s settings.
This case underscores the importance and complexity of user privacy in technology, and Apple’s decision to settle demonstrates a willingness to address consumer concerns, rather than prolonging a potential legal battle. As technology continues to evolve, users should remain vigilant about their privacy and be proactive in managing the functionalities of their devices.