Siri privacy controversy: Lawsuit filed against Apple in Türkiye
In this photo illustration an iPhone is seen running Siri in front of a Macbook screen displaying Apple logo in Ankara, Türkiye, on January 4, 2025. (AA Photo)
Apple, the global technology giant, is under legal scrutiny in Türkiye after being accused of violating user privacy through its voice assistant technology, Siri.
The lawsuit follows a similar case in the United States, where Apple settled for $95 million. The plaintiff, Senih Ozay, a 52-year lawyer, initiated legal proceedings through his attorney, citing the right to privacy as protected under Turkish laws.
Background: US settlement sets precedent
In the U.S., Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement after allegations emerged that Siri could record and store user conversations without consent.
Critics argued that these recordings could be used for advertising or sold to third parties.
While Apple acknowledged the claims indirectly during legal proceedings, the settlement did not include an admission of wrongdoing.
The ‘Siri case’ in Türkiye
Senih Ozay, an Apple device user, filed a complaint with the Izmir, Konak Consumer Disputes Arbitration Committee on January 13, through his attorney Murat Fatih Ulku. Ozay stated, “In the U.S., Siri was found to capture, store, and potentially misuse conversations. I believe similar accountability should apply in Türkiye.”
Attorney Ulku highlighted concerns about Siri’s functionality, emphasizing its “always-on” state, which contradicts Apple’s claims of activation only via the ‘Hey Siri’ command.
Ulku remarked, “Legal processes in the U.S. revealed that constant listening is required for Siri to recognize the activation phrase. Apple must be held accountable for such practices in Türkiye as well.”
Potential escalation to higher courts
The arbitration committee will issue a decision, which could lead to further legal challenges. “If the decision is unfavorable, we are prepared to escalate this case to the Constitutional Court,” Ulku said.
He also called on other users to file similar claims, emphasizing that consumer rights in Türkiye are equally valuable as those in the U.S.
Consumer advocacy and call to action
The legal team views this lawsuit as a benchmark for protecting user privacy in Türkiye.
“We want citizens to realize their rights. If they have concerns about Siri on their devices, they can file claims with their local consumer arbitration committees,” said Ulku.
The hope is that collective action will prompt Apple to address privacy concerns in Türkiye as it did in the U.S.
