iPhone Users Receive Payouts from $95 Million Siri Privacy Settlement
Apple Inc. has begun disbursing payments to users as part of a $95 million settlement related to Siri’s privacy practices. This settlement addresses a class action lawsuit that alleges unlawful recording of conversations through the virtual assistant, Siri.
Settlement Background
The lawsuit originated from a 2019 report by The Guardian, which revealed that Apple contractors were inadvertently overhearing private conversations while evaluating Siri’s responses. In response, Apple affirmed that less than 1% of interactions were shared for quality assurance purposes. However, concerns persisted regarding unintended activations of Siri, leading to discussions that were recorded without user consent.
Details of the Settlement
- Total Settlement Amount: $95 million
- Eligible Devices: Siri-enabled Apple devices purchased between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024
- Payout Estimates: Originally anticipated at up to $20 per device
- Final Payouts: Approximately $8.02 per device, with a maximum of $40.10
To qualify for payouts, individuals needed to experience unintended Siri activations and could submit claims for up to five devices. Direct deposits for the settlement have started, with alternative payout methods available, such as prepaid gift cards or checks. Users are advised to monitor their email for updates or check their spam folders.
Changes in Siri Privacy Policies
Since the lawsuit, Apple has implemented measures to enhance Siri’s privacy, including allowing users to opt-in for recording interactions for quality assessment. The company no longer outsources these services to contractors, aiming to remove any potential for accidental recordings.
Regardless of the settlement, Apple maintains that recordings were not linked to user accounts and were never used for marketing purposes. This development marks a significant response to user concerns about privacy and data security within Apple products.
