Apple to Pay Siri Users $20 Per Device in Settlement Over Accidental Privacy Violations

Apple has agreed to pay a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit that accused the tech giant of privacy violations related to its Siri voice assistant. The case centers on allegations that Siri inadvertently recorded private conversations, which were later shared with third parties, including advertisers, without users' consent.

This settlement offers eligible U.S.-based Siri users a payment of $20 per device affected by the alleged privacy violations, with claims available for up to five Siri-enabled devices per individual.

Who Is Eligible for Compensation?

The settlement applies to current and former U.S. owners or purchasers of Siri-enabled devices used between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Devices eligible for claims include:

• iPhones
• iPads
• Apple Watches
• MacBooks and iMacs
• HomePods
• iPod Touch devices
• Apple TVs

To qualify, users must demonstrate that Siri inadvertently recorded a private conversation due to an accidental activation. Those who submit valid claims will receive $20 per device, with a maximum of $100 for five devices.

The Lawsuit and Background

The lawsuit originated after a 2019 investigation by The Guardian revealed that third-party contractors were reviewing Siri recordings to improve the assistant’s performance. The report disclosed that these recordings included sensitive and private conversations captured during accidental Siri activations.

A subsequent amended complaint in September 2021 accused Apple of sharing recorded conversations with third-party advertisers, exacerbating privacy concerns. Apple has vehemently denied these claims, maintaining there is no evidence to connect Siri's inadvertent recordings to targeted advertising campaigns.

Apple’s Response

Following public backlash, Apple apologized in 2019, admitting it had not "fully lived up to our high ideals." The company made significant changes to its handling of Siri recordings, including:

1. User Opt-In: Users must now explicitly opt-in if they wish to allow Siri to improve by analyzing voice recordings.
2. Automatic Deletion: Any recordings identified as accidental activations are deleted immediately.
3. Enhanced Privacy Controls: Apple introduced settings to disable Siri analytics and delete Siri interaction history.

While Apple denies any wrongdoing in the settlement filing, the company has taken steps to reassure users of its commitment to privacy.

Broader Implications and Similar Cases

Apple isn’t alone in facing scrutiny over voice assistant privacy issues. In 2019, Google faced similar accusations regarding its Assistant, and the company is still embroiled in related litigation in the U.S. District Court.

These cases underscore a critical challenge for tech companies: balancing the functionality of AI-powered voice assistants with robust privacy protections.

What Siri Users Should Do

If you owned a Siri-enabled device during the affected period, you may be eligible for compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Submit a Claim: Visit the settlement website (details forthcoming) to file your claim. Ensure you provide accurate device information for verification.
2. Act Quickly: Settlement deadlines are often strict, so it’s essential to act promptly.
3. Review Device Settings: Take advantage of Apple’s enhanced privacy settings to limit data sharing and ensure your devices are configured to respect your privacy.

Final Words

The Apple Siri privacy settlement highlights the growing concern over data privacy in the age of AI and voice assistants. While Apple has taken steps to address the issue and enhance user privacy, this case serves as a reminder for consumers to stay vigilant about how their data is being used.

If you’ve been affected, don’t miss the opportunity to claim your compensation—and take steps to safeguard your privacy going forward.