Apple to Settle $95 Million Lawsuit Over Siri Privacy Concerns

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million (£77 million) to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing its virtual assistant, Siri, of recording private conversations without users’ consent. The settlement, filed in federal court in Oakland, California, resolves a five-year legal dispute and affects millions of Apple device owners across the U.S.

While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to the payout, allowing individuals who owned Siri-enabled devices, such as iPhones and Apple Watches, to claim up to $20 per device. The lawsuit centers on claims that Siri was unintentionally activated without the usual “Hey, Siri” wake word, leading to private conversations being recorded and shared with third parties, including advertisers.

The plaintiffs allege that these recorded conversations, which often focused on personal discussions about products or services, led to targeted advertisements for the very items discussed. For example, users reported that conversations about specific medical treatments or branded products, such as Air Jordans, appeared to trigger related ads shortly afterward.

This legal settlement could tarnish Apple’s reputation for prioritizing user privacy, a core element of the company’s branding under CEO Tim Cook. Apple has long positioned itself as a leader in safeguarding customer data, contrasting itself with competitors in the tech industry.

Despite the settlement’s potential impact on Apple’s privacy image, the payout represents only a small fraction of the company’s profits. Since 2014, Apple has accumulated an estimated $705 billion in profits. The $95 million settlement, while significant, is a minor financial impact for the tech giant.

The proposed settlement still requires court approval, with a hearing scheduled for February 14 in Oakland. If the settlement is approved, eligible U.S. customers who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and the end of 2023 will be able to submit claims for compensation.

Additionally, lawyers representing the plaintiffs may request legal fees and expenses from the settlement fund, which could amount to as much as $29.6 million.

This settlement marks the latest chapter in a long-running legal battle over privacy concerns, highlighting growing scrutiny of tech companies’ handling of user data.