Apple Inc. faced a major legal challenge over privacy concerns related to its virtual assistant, Siri. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, gained traction when users reported that Siri was allegedly recording their conversations without consent. This led to claims that these recordings were shared with third parties, including advertisers, without user authorization.

What Happened

The class-action lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple Inc., brought significant attention to this issue. Users claimed Siri was inadvertently activated, capturing private discussions. This lawsuit highlighted instances where advertisements appeared related to these private conversations. Apple, while denying any wrongdoing, agreed to settle the lawsuit with a payment of $95 million.

Allegations

The primary allegations were:

• Unauthorized Recording: Siri was accused of recording conversations without the intended wake phrase "Hey Siri".

• Data Sharing with Advertisers: Users alleged their recorded interactions were shared with third parties for advertisement targeting.

• Privacy Violation: The lawsuit claimed that these practices violated user privacy, contradicting Apple's commitment to safeguarding user data.

Class Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for part of the settlement:

• Ownership of Siri-enabled Device: Claimants must have owned a Siri-enabled device (e.g., iPhones, iPads, HomePod, Mac) between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.

• Potential Payout: Eligible users could receive up to $20 per device, for up to five devices, resulting in a maximum compensation of $100 per individual.

Future Implications

The settlement agreement must be approved by a federal judge. Factors to watch for include:

• Final Approval of Settlement: The settlement is scheduled for a hearing on February 14, 2025.

• Impact on Privacy Policies: This lawsuit may prompt changes in how technology companies handle voice-activated services and privacy.

• Potential for Future Lawsuits: Similar class actions may arise against other tech giants, reflecting ongoing concerns over data privacy.

By resolving this litigation, Apple aims to reinforce its stance on user privacy while avoiding prolonged court battles. As digital privacy remains a pivotal concern, users should stay informed about their rights and potential implications of using voice-activated assistants.