A preliminary settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit against Apple, alleging the company’s Siri voice assistant infringed on users’ privacy. The case dates back to 2019, when it was reported that Apple contractors listened to private conversations, including medical appointments and personal discussions.
Under the settlement, Apple will pay $95 million to settle claims that the company shared Siri recordings with advertisers without users’ consent. Eligible Apple users may receive up to $20 per device, with a maximum payout of $100 total.
To determine who is eligible for the payout, visit a website set to launch within 45 days, and file a claim by May 15, 2025. To prevent Siri eavesdropping on conversations, users can disable the voice assistant altogether or adjust their settings to opt-in only for data collection for analytics.
Apple denies any wrongdoing and is settling the case to avoid costly litigation fees. The company’s profits will likely see only a small dent from the settlement.
In light of this development, it is essential for Apple users to take steps to protect their privacy when using Siri. Disabling the voice assistant or adjusting settings can help ensure that conversations remain private.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2025/01/04/apple-siri-eavesdropping-payout-heres-whos-eligible-and-how-to-claim