Apple's $95 million settlement over Siri eavesdropping sparks outrage

In the United States, Apple has reached an agreement to pay $95 million to settle longstanding allegations that its virtual assistant, Siri, was used to eavesdrop on users. This lawsuit originated five years ago in Oakland, California, and stemmed from claims that Apple secretly activated Siri to record conversations without user consent on its devices, such as iPhones, for over a decade. The concern was that these recorded conversations, taken without explicit activation prompts, were later shared with advertisers to target consumers with more relevant ads. This shrouded practice reportedly undermined Apple's stated commitment to user privacy, which has been a central theme in its branding and marketing strategies, as voiced by CEO Tim Cook. The lawsuit's finalized settlement is currently pending approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, with a proposed court hearing scheduled for February 14. Should the judge approve the settlement, millions of consumers who owned Siri-equipped devices from September 17, 2014, until the end of 2024 will be eligible to file claims. Each eligible consumer could receive compensation of up to $20 for each covered device, although the final payout will depend on how many individuals file claims. Legal experts anticipate that only a small percentage of qualified consumers will participate in the claims process, with estimates suggesting that only 3% to 5% of those eligible might file. Apple’s decision to settle comes at a time when the company has generated substantial profits amounting to approximately $705 billion since the initiation of the lawsuit. Although the settlement figure represents a significant payout, it is minimal compared to the potential $1.5 billion that plaintiffs' lawyers estimated Apple could have owed if the case had proceeded to trial. Additionally, the lawyers involved in the case are expected to request nearly $29.6 million from the settlement fund for their fees and expenses. Ultimately, this case raises critical questions about user privacy in the digital age, particularly regarding how technology companies handle consent and data usage. As consumers become increasingly aware of these issues, the implications of this lawsuit reflect broader societal concerns around privacy and data protection. With Apple’s reputation on the line, especially given its public stance on safeguarding user privacy, the outcome of this lawsuit and settlement will likely influence public perception and trust in the company moving forward.