If you’ve used an Apple device with Siri, you might be entitled to a payout from a recent class action lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit alleged that Siri violated user privacy by inadvertently recording and sharing private conversations.
Siri’s Privacy Slip-Up
Back in 2019, it was revealed that Siri was accidentally activating and recording conversations even when users didn’t intend to use the voice assistant. This happened because Siri sometimes misheard words or phrases as its “wake word” (“Hey Siri”).
To improve Siri’s accuracy, Apple sent snippets of these recordings to third-party contractors for evaluation. Although Apple claimed these recordings were anonymized and not linked to user accounts, they still contained sensitive information like location data and app usage. This meant that contractors could potentially hear private conversations, including those involving personal or confidential information.
Apple’s Response
Following the reports of Siri’s privacy issues, Apple made changes to its policies, allowing users to opt out of sharing Siri recordings and eventually stopping the storage of these recordings altogether.
Settlement Details
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve the lawsuit, which covers the period from 2014 to 2024. If you believe your Apple device accidentally triggered Siri and recorded your private conversations during this time, you may be eligible for a payout of $20 per device, with a maximum of five devices.
Important Notes
- Apple has denied any wrongdoing in this case.
- The settlement still requires approval from a U.S. District Judge.
- The actual payout amount per device may be reduced depending on the number of claims filed.
A Reminder About Privacy
While the settlement amount represents a small fraction of Apple’s profits, it serves as a reminder of the importance of user privacy and the responsibility of tech companies to protect sensitive information.