Wednesday, 2 April 2025
30.2 C
Singapore
35.1 C
Thailand
25.6 C
Indonesia
28.2 C
Philippines

Apple agrees to US$95 million settlement in Siri privacy lawsuit

Apple agrees to a US$95 million settlement over claims Siri invaded user privacy, raising questions about tech data practices.

You may not be far off if youโ€™ve ever suspected your voice assistant might be listening in on your conversations. Apple has recently agreed to a US$95 million settlement to resolve claims that its Siri voice assistant invaded users’ privacy.

The settlement, filed in a Californian federal court in Oakland, awaits approval by a U.S. District Judge. This development stems from a class action lawsuit alleging that Appleโ€™s Siri collected and shared user data without consent, leading to targeted advertisements. The lawsuit spans a decade, covering September 2014 to December 2024, during which the โ€œHey Siriโ€ command was active on devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.

Users allege Siri recorded private conversations

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit presented several troubling examples of Siri allegedly recording conversations. One individual reported that discussing sneakers, specifically Air Jordans, and dining options like Olive Garden led to related advertisements appearing on their devices. Another claimed that a private conversation with their doctor about a surgical treatment resulted in targeted ads for that specific procedure.

Such incidents have raised questions about how voice assistants monitor users, prompting scrutiny of privacy policies and data-handling practices.

What does the settlement mean for affected users?

As a class action lawsuit, the US$95 million settlement will be distributed among those affected. However, after deducting legal fees and expenses, each claimant might receive approximately US$20. While not a life-changing amount, this payout highlights the ongoing concerns over how tech companies handle user data.

To put this into perspective, an Apple MagSafe Charger, retailing at approximately US$58 in the U.S., would require three payouts to cover its cost. Despite the modest individual compensation, the settlement acknowledges the need for stricter data privacy measures in the tech industry.

A closer look at the case

The case, Lopez v. Apple, Inc., was brought before the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Californiaโ€”documents filed with the court detail claims of unwarranted data collection and its implications for user privacy.

Apple, which reported a staggering US$93.74 billion net income in its previous fiscal year, has not admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Nevertheless, the case serves as a reminder of the increasing tension between user privacy and technological advancements.

For now, Siri users and tech enthusiasts alike will watch closely as the settlement process unfolds and broader conversations about data security continue.

Hot this week

Garmin launches premium Connect+ plan to boost health and fitness tracking

Garmin introduces Connect+ with AI insights, advanced training tools, and social features to help users reach their health and fitness goals.

Xbox titles lead PlayStation Store preorders

Xbox games dominate PS5 preorders, with Indiana Jones and Forza Horizon 5 leading sales, proving Microsoft's strategy works.

Global tech leaders to explore the future of enterprise at ATxEnterprise 2025

ATxEnterprise 2025 in Singapore will bring together global leaders to explore AI, cybersecurity, and the future of enterprise technology.

Apple has no plans for a small iPhone

Apple has no plans to make another iPhone Mini. Was it a missed opportunity, or was the compact iPhone just released at the wrong time?

Google Assistant to be phased out on Waze for iPhone

Waze is removing Google Assistant from iPhones due to issues and plans to upgrade with improved voice integration, possibly using Gemini.

Zelle is removing its stand-alone app

Zelle is shutting down its stand-alone app, but you can still use the service through your bankโ€™s app. Hereโ€™s what you need to know.

Apple may launch an AI-powered Health app with a coaching feature next year

Apple may introduce an AI-powered Health app with coaching, food tracking, and fitness guidance in 2026, possibly as a new subscription service.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Gmail introduces easier encryption for business emails

Google introduces a new encryption model for Gmail, making it easier for businesses to send secure emails without special software or certificates.

Related Articles