Get Paid: Apple’s Siri Eavesdropping Scandal Entitles You to a Cash Payout
Siri’s Secret Recording Problem: What You Need to Know
Have you ever wondered if your devices are secretly listening to you? For Apple device owners, it seems like that may have been the case. Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a proposed class-action lawsuit that alleges Siri, its virtual assistant, routinely recorded private conversations and shared that information with third parties for advertising purposes.
At the center of the lawsuit is a 2019 whistleblower report from The Guardian, which revealed that Siri recordings, often taken without the user’s knowledge, contained sensitive information, such as private discussions between doctors and patients, business deals, and even criminal activities. The recordings were accompanied by user data, including location information, contact details, and app data.
What’s the settlement about? Apple has agreed to pay up to $20 per device for Siri-enabled devices, which include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and more, purchased between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Owners can submit up to five devices for compensation.
How did this happen? Apple is under fire for allegedly "unintentionally" recording private conversations, despite the company’s claims of transparent and secure data handling practices. The settlement doesn’t admit any wrongdoing but acknowledges the problem.
What are the implications? This lawsuit is one of several of its kind, with Google facing a similar situation with its virtual assistant. If the settlement is approved, Apple could face penalties ranging from $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion under the Wiretap Act.
Will you get compensation? To receive compensation, you’ll need to submit a claim and provide proof of ownership of a Siri-enabled device. Head to the official website for more information on how to submit a claim.
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Sources:
- The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jul/26/apple-contractors-regularly-hear-confidential-details-on-siri-recordings
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/legal/apple-pay-95-million-settle-siri-privacy-lawsuit-2025-01-02/
Image: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
