Apple proposes $95M settlement over Siri privacy concerns

Apple has proposed a $95 million settlement to resolve allegations that its Siri voice assistant improperly recorded and retained user conversations, even when not intentionally triggered. This settlement still requires approval from a U.S. district judge, but, if finalized, it would compensate eligible U.S.-based Siri users up to $20 per device.

Why it matters

Voice assistants such as Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant offer unprecedented convenience, but they also raise serious questions about data privacy and security. Apple’s settlement underscores how these tech giants can face legal and reputational risks when personal data is collected or misused—intentionally or otherwise.

Details

• Settlement specifics:
  • Applies to U.S. Siri-enabled devices (iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, Apple TVs) purchased between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.
  • Potential payout: up to $20 per device, for up to five devices per person, though final amounts may vary based on the number of valid claims.
• Allegations:
  • Siri allegedly captured sensitive user conversations through accidental activations, sharing recordings with third-party contractors.
  • Plaintiffs cite examples of receiving targeted ads for topics they had only verbally discussed.
• Apple’s response:
  • Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.
  • The company previously issued a formal apology in 2019 for allowing human reviewers to listen to portions of Siri recordings.

Zoom in

• Industry context: Tech companies increasingly face scrutiny over data practices as AI evolves. Apple’s settlement is viewed as a “privacy tax” by some experts, suggesting that paying out settlements may be cheaper for big tech than overhauling data-collection processes.
• User impact: Eligible claimants must attest that accidental Siri activations recorded private conversations. Critics argue payouts do little to deter future privacy breaches, while companies continue refining AI-driven features.

Zoom out

Apple’s settlement is part of a broader series of legal and regulatory challenges facing major tech firms over data privacy. Similar lawsuits against Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa highlight an industry-wide tension between innovation in voice technology and safeguarding user information. As AI-powered tools become even more integrated into daily life, consumers and regulators will likely demand stronger accountability—and higher costs—for privacy violations.