WASHINGTON ( DC News Now — Apple customers might be entitled to receive part of a $95 million settlement stemming from a class action lawsuit regarding alleged privacy breaches related to Siri.
People who own an iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, or any other device with Siri capabilities and have had unintended activation of the voice assistant during confidential discussions may be eligible to submit a claim for compensation.
The legal action, initiated in 2021 with the U.S. Court of the Northern District of California, claims that Apple improperly captured and shared users' private discussions via unintended activations of Siri, lacking adequate permission from the users.
Although Apple maintains that it didn’t engage in any misconduct and denies all allegations of wrongdoings, the tech giant opted to resolve the lawsuit by settling it on December 31, 2024.
Many in the consumer technology field are dubious about Apple’s claim that the Siri eavesdropping incidents were accidental.
They claim it was triggered unintentionally, providing them with plausible deniability. Plus, only $95 million—more like a light tap on the wrist," stated Patrick Moynihan, President and CEO of Tracer Labs. "That sum amounts to less than one percent of their total earnings during that timeframe, which seems quite insignificant.
Customers who bought or possessed a Siri-equipped gadget within the U.S. or its jurisdictions from September 17, 2016, through December 31, 2021, and encountered an unexpected Siri activation during a confidential discussion, qualify for compensation as per the settlement conditions.
Claims for amounts up to $20 can be submitted for as many as five devices per individual.
To receive a payout, consumers must submit a claim form through the official settlement website by July 2.
Those who received a notification via email or postcard about the settlement may use the included codes when filing.
That same deadline also applies to individuals who wish to opt out of the settlement in order to retain the right to pursue separate legal action.
Moynihan said many smartphone users unknowingly consent to apps tracking their activity and listening in on conversations.
“The reality is that if you read the terms of service of these large platform companies, you know they’re extremely long and filled with legalese, and they may have the right to effectively listen to you even though you’re not opted in. You may not know you’re getting listened to,” he said.
Moynihan said the best way to protect yourself from such surveillance is to close applications, so they’re not running in the background when you’re not actively using them.
Users may visit the lawsuit website to apply to participate in the settlement.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
0 Comments