Apple has recently agreed to a settlement of $95 million in response to a lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant, Siri, recorded conversations of users of iPhones and other Apple devices without their consent. This legal action was unexpected, given Apple's strong emphasis on privacy, which is a fundamental aspect of its brand identity.

In a media statement, Apple asserted that it has never utilized Siri data for the purpose of creating marketing profiles, has not made such data available for advertising, and has not sold it to any third parties. The company emphasized its ongoing efforts to enhance the privacy of Siri, stating its commitment to developing technologies that prioritize user confidentiality.

Apple further elaborated that privacy is integral to its design philosophy, guided by principles such as data minimization, on-device intelligence, transparency, user control, and robust security measures. These elements work in concert to deliver exceptional user experiences and ensure peace of mind. This commitment extends to all of its products and services, including Siri, which has been specifically designed to safeguard user privacy and is regarded as the most private digital assistant available.

What is the Siri Lawsuit about?

The lawsuit, initiated by the Wood Law Firm in August 2019, was prompted by a report from The Guardian that accused Siri of covertly recording conversations. The complaint claimed that Siri's microphone was activated at inappropriate times, capturing private discussions without the users' awareness.

The controversy reportedly originated from a software update in 2014 that allowed Siri to be activated by the phrase "Hey, Siri." However, the lawsuit contended that Siri often recorded audio beyond this specific command to enhance Apple's machine-learning capabilities.

Additional allegations indicated that Apple may have shared these recorded conversations with advertisers, facilitating targeted marketing based on private conversations, which constitutes a significant violation of privacy.

Who Is Covered by the Settlement?

The settlement pertains to tens of millions of consumers in the United States who owned or acquired Siri-enabled devices, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, during the period from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2022. Those eligible will have the opportunity to submit compensation claims.

How Much Will Consumers Receive?

The settlement proposes compensation of up to $20 for each Siri-enabled device, with restrictions on the number of devices that can be claimed by a single consumer. Nonetheless, the actual payout may fluctuate based on several factors:

The volume of claims submitted: It is anticipated that only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers will file claims.

Legal expenses: Approximately $30 million of the settlement is allocated for legal fees and costs, pending approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White.

A hearing to assess the proposed settlement is scheduled for February 14, 2025, in Oakland, California. The final approval will establish the timeline for disbursements to eligible consumers.

How to Disable Siri

To maintain privacy, users have the option to deactivate Siri on their devices by adhering to the following procedure:

Access Settings and select Siri & Search.  

Disable the options for "Listen for 'Hey Siri'" and "Press Side Button for Siri."  

Confirm your choice by selecting Turn Off Siri in the pop-up window.  

To restrict certain applications from utilizing your microphone, go to Settings > [App Name] > Microphone and turn off the corresponding option.

This lawsuit brings to light significant issues regarding privacy in the digital era, especially for organizations that emphasize the importance of user trust.

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