Apple has agreed to a substantial $95m settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging that its Siri virtual assistant was used to covertly listen in on users’ conversations.
According to Security Week, the legal action claimed that Siri activated without user commands and recorded private discussions, which were then supposedly shared with advertisers to enhance product targeting.
This settlement, yet to be confirmed by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, addresses claims from consumers who used Siri-enabled devices from Sept. 17, 2014, through to the end of last year.
The allegations pointed to a significant breach of privacy, striking at the heart of Apple’s renowned customer privacy assurance, repeatedly championed by CEO Tim Cook as defending “a fundamental human right.” Despite settling, Apple maintains its stance of no wrongdoing. The court is set to review the settlement terms on February 14 in Oakland, California.
If sanctioned, the agreement will enable affected consumers, potentially numbering in the tens of millions, to claim up to $20 per device, with adjustments based on the total claims submitted. Historically, only 3% to 5% of eligible individuals actually pursue such claims, as noted in court filings. Compensation is capped at a maximum of five devices per claimant.
This payout represents just a fraction of the $705bn in profits Apple has accrued since September 2014, a stark contrast to the up to $1.5bn that might have been payable had the case proceeded to trial and Apple found liable under wiretapping and other privacy laws.
Copyright © 2025 RegTech Analyst
Copyright © 2018 RegTech Analyst
