Apple is paying nearly $95 million to resolve a lawsuit over Siri. It states that the Apple voice assistant illegally recorded private conversations without the user’s consent and will likely impact millions of U.S. citizens owning a device such as iPads, iPhones, or Apple Watches with Siri enabled. Let’s examine the case further.
Why Apple Was Sued
One of the mentions in the plaintiff’s suit is that Siri has accidentally recorded people. Siri listens for the “Hey, Siri” prompt, but at times, it is activated without being called. This leads to some private conversations being recorded. It is then said to have been released to advertisers and other companies.
Some have noticed ads that are intended for them after talking about things that are private. For example, one person animatedly talked about sneakers and then saw ads for some of the sneakers later. Another mentioned they discussed medical treatments and began seeing related ads. These claims raised concerns for many about their privacy.
Who Can Get Money
The settlement pertains to Siri-enabled devices in the United States from September 17, 2014, through December 31, 2024. If eligible, claimants will receive up to $20 per device. Individuals may claim for a maximum of five devices. This means that if someone used Siri on an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, the total amount could be $60.
The payout per person will depend on how many people’s claims are made under the settlement. So if a lot of people file, the payout will probably be lower. Make sure to file your claim on time if you’re eligible.
Why Apple Is Settling
Apple always denies wrongdoing and argues that no evidence exists to prove Siri recordings caused targeted advertisements. But this fight in a courtroom will take years and lots of money. Fast was the settlement option for Apple.
In response to complaints, Apple revamped its system to the point of apologizing to users as well as introducing new privacy controls. Siri recordings can now be deleted and prevent data from being collected, if one chooses to do so. The company has stated that more work is continuing to ensure better protection of user privacy.
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What Happens Next
The courts are subject to the approval of a judge in Oakland, California, for the agreement. In connection with this, a hearing is set to take place on February 14, 2025. If this approval comes through, users will be able to file claims for their Siri-enabled devices. Keep your eyes open for announcements.
The lawyers of this case may take home $30 million for their fees. Now, that leaves the remaining balance for users that can file legitimate claims. Be sure not to miss your chance to claim a portion of the settlement if you’re eligible.
How to File a Claim
For those who think they qualify, have a look at the latest updates regarding filing your claim. Proof of ownership or use of a Siri-enabled device during the eligible period is going to be necessary.
Follow the guidelines very carefully to ensure that your claim will be eligible.
Keep your receipts or device serial numbers handy. Filing a claim is so easy; however, you need to act within the time frame. Don’t delay too much, or you might miss it.
Protect Your Privacy
This is really something, isn’t it? The kind of stuff that makes you want to go and adjust the settings of your device. Just take some time and go through the permissions you have given the apps. You’ll be surprised at how much control you have over whether or not to share information and with whom you share it.
Update your devices from time to time. In most cases, a new update has some improvements to the existing privacy features. If you also have no use for Siri, turning it off won’t hurt. It would just take a few little steps to make a big difference.
Why It Matters
To everyone, privacy should be priority number one. People put faith in companies like Apple to guard their secrets, but when the proverbial stuff hits the fan, companies need to be taken to task about their degrees of accountability. This settlement is evidence that user privacy counts.
If you’re eligible for this settlement, pretend to fill out a claim even if it’s only a token gesture toward getting some money back for the privacy you’ve lost. Keep up to date with what is happening and take control over your own data.
Final Thoughts
Privacy rights have received a huge $95 million settlement to speak for them, and it proves mistakes aren’t just for small companies like Apple. So, if you qualify, don’t forget to apply for your part. While doing so, adopt privacy measures. Keep reviewing your settings and always be on your guard. Each one of us deserves privacy.