Apple to Pay $95 Million to Settle Siri Eavesdropping Lawsuit
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing its virtual assistant, Siri of eavesdropping on users’ private conversations. The lawsuit claimed Siri was unintentionally recording private discussions from iPhones, iPads, HomePods, and other Apple devices. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the settlement aims to resolve the legal battle while reassuring users about their privacy.
What the Settlement Means for Users?
The class-action lawsuit, filed five years ago, alleged that Siri activated unintentionally and recorded private conversations, potentially sharing them with third parties. As part of the $95 million settlement, Apple will pay U.S. device owners up to $20 per affected device. Apple will also confirm that any captured conversations have been deleted and make it clear to users how their voice data is used to improve Siri. Although the settlement does not admit guilt, it aims to address privacy concerns raised by the lawsuit.
Apple’s Privacy Commitment Amid the Lawsuit
Even with the settlement, Apple continues to highlight its commitment to user privacy. The company has always focused on protecting its users’ data, controlling its hardware and software ecosystem closely. This settlement follows a broader trend, as other tech companies like Amazon have also faced lawsuits over privacy concerns. Apple’s $95 million settlement shows the challenges tech giants face in maintaining user trust and protecting personal data.