Emmanuel Ochayi
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging the company’s voice assistant, Siri, recorded users without consent.
The lawsuit claims Siri inadvertently recorded private conversations, which were later accessed by human contractors for quality control purposes.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhat the Settlement Means for Apple Users
Eligible Apple product owners in the U.S. could receive up to $20 per device for up to five Siri-enabled devices. These include iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. A court must still approve the settlement, according to Bloomberg.
If approved, users affected by Siri’s alleged privacy violations will need to file claims to receive their share of the settlement. Details on how to file will likely be announced following the court’s decision.
Allegations Against Apple and Siri
The lawsuit claims Apple failed to protect user privacy. A juvenile plaintiff alleged their iPhone recorded private conversations without the wake word “Hey Siri.” The recordings were reportedly accessed by third-party contractors hired by Apple to improve Siri’s performance.
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The company has denied any wrongdoing in the case but agreed to settle to avoid further legal complications. The company maintains that it has always prioritized user privacy.
Legal Costs and Fees
The settlement fund will also cover legal expenses. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs may receive up to $28.5 million in fees and $1.1 million for additional costs.
Impact on Apple’s Reputation and Stock
This lawsuit comes as privacy concerns continue to shape public opinion about tech companies. While they emphasizes privacy as a key feature of its products, the settlement highlights the challenges of maintaining trust.
On Thursday, Apple’s stock (AAPL) closed at $180.50, showing a slight decline of 0.3% from the previous day. Analysts suggest the settlement’s impact on their stock may be minimal, given the company’s strong financial position.
