Apple pays $95 million to settle siri spying claims

In January 2025, Apple Inc. reached a significant settlement of $95 million in response to a class-action lawsuit after allegations were made that its voice-activated assistant, Siri, had secretly recorded private conversations without user consent over a period of more than ten years. This legal matter arose after a whistleblower disclosed that accidental phishing triggers for the assistant occurred frequently, often caused by benign sounds, such as the noise made by a zipper, being misinterpreted as the wake phrase to activate Siri. Consequently, recorded conversations were reviewed by Apple contractors for quality assurance purposes, raising serious privacy concerns among users regarding the unauthorized access to their personal information. The lawsuit emphasized the implications for user privacy associated with the convenience offered by voice-assistant technologies. With devices that utilize such technologies becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life, users may inadvertently activate these systems and have their voice data recorded without their intent or knowledge. Even with opt-in features and the opportunity to delete recordings, many users remain unaware of these critical settings, and there is widespread anxiety concerning the extent of data collection by tech companies. Pending judicial approval of the settlement could allow eligible U.S.-based Apple product owners to receive compensation of up to $20 for each qualifying device owned, limited to a total of five devices. However, users must provide sworn statements verifying that Siri was accidentally activated during private conversations. Additionally, the attorneys representing the plaintiffs are anticipated to take a portion of the total settlement amount for their fees and expenses, potentially decreasing the actual payout for claimants. The revelations about Siri's recording practices also resonate beyond Apple, as indicated by a similarly pending lawsuit against Google's voice assistant, showcasing an industry-wide challenge concerning data privacy and inadvertent recordings. Legal representatives in this case are aligned with those handling Apple’s situation, thereby highlighting the overarching issue that both tech giants face relating to user consent and privacy rights. As technology companies continue to weave voice-activated systems into the fabric of daily life, it becomes critical for them to maintain transparency in their data management practices and provide users with better control over their private information.