In January, Apple reached a $95 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning claims that its virtual assistant, Siri, allegedly intruded on private conversations. Affected users have until July 2, 2025, to submit their claims for compensation.
The lawsuit, identified as Lopez v. Apple Inc., was initiated in December and accused Apple of inadvertently recording private discussions through unintentional activations of Siri, which were then allegedly shared with third parties. Plaintiffs reported specific instances where they received targeted advertisements following personal conversations on certain brands, alongside one claim regarding medical treatment ads after a discussion with a doctor.
This isn’t the first instance of Siri facing scrutiny. In 2019, a whistleblower revealed to The Guardian that contractors assessing Siri’s capabilities had access to private interactions, including sensitive matters. Apple subsequently ceased utilizing those third-party evaluators. Despite the settlement, Apple maintains that it has engaged in no wrongdoing, stating through an official representative that “Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles and it has never been sold to anyone for any purpose.”
Under the settlement agreement, users of Siri-enabled devices who experienced unintended activation during confidential conversations may be eligible for compensation of up to $100, with a cap of $20 per device for a maximum of five devices. Eligible devices include various models like the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, iMac, HomePod, Apple TV, and iPod touch purchased or used between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. This settlement applies only to US customers.
To file a claim, eligible individuals should visit the designated case website and select “New Claim.” Required information includes personal details, the email linked to their Apple ID, and evidence of purchase or device serial numbers. Claimants must confirm experiencing at least one unintended Siri activation during a confidential conversation within the given timeframe.
It’s important to be aware that while the maximum payout per device is set at $20, the actual amount received could vary based on how many valid claims are submitted. A court hearing scheduled for August 1, 2025, will review the claims and determine the fairness and adequacy of the settlement amounts.
This settlement not only provides a pathway for affected users to receive compensation but also highlights the ongoing concerns about privacy in the age of smart technology. As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for companies to maintain transparency with users about how their data is handled and to ensure robust privacy safeguards are in place.