Settlement Announced for Siri Recording Controversy: Are You Eligible?

A $95 million settlement addressing unauthorized recordings by Siri raises concerns about user privacy and technology’s reach.

Quick Takes

Apple settles for $95 million over unauthorized Siri recordings.
The lawsuit covers devices with Siri from 2014 onwards.
Eligible users may receive up to $100 by submitting valid claims.
Apple denies wrongdoing but aims to resolve privacy concerns.

Settlement Details and Eligibility

In response to the Lopez v. Apple lawsuit, Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement concerning unauthorized recordings by Siri. Consumers who own Siri-enabled devices are eligible for compensation, provided they experienced unintended activations from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024. All individuals possessing an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch, or Apple TV might be entitled to file a claim.

Claimants must provide proof of ownership or device serial numbers to qualify. For those without a claim ID, personal details and purchase evidence are necessary for submission. The maximum potential payout is $20 per device, with a total cap of $100 for up to five devices. Claims must be filed by July 2, 2025. For those faced with technicalities, it’s advisable to act promptly to ensure eligibility.

Unintended Recordings and Privacy Concerns

The legal journey began in 2021 in California’s federal court, where claims stated Siri recorded private conversations without appropriate activation. These complaint allegations drew attention to Apple’s voice-activated assistant’s unintentional collection of data and sharing practices. The lawsuit accused Siri of both privacy invasion and data breaches, although Apple has consistently refuted these claims.

The plaintiffs argued that recordings occurred without consent and that no user trigger, such as “Hey, Siri,” was involved. These grievances pushed Apple toward a resolution, which they frame as an attempt to avoid prolonged litigation rather than an admission of fault or misconduct.

Apple’s Stance and Settlement Conclusion

Despite settling, Apple maintains its commitment to user privacy and claims no misuse of Siri data. An Apple spokesperson stated, “Siri has been engineered to protect user privacy from the beginning. Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles and it has never been sold to anyone for any purpose.” This statement suggests continuous efforts to address privacy concerns and improve technological safeguards.

The class-action lawsuit’s final approval hearing is slated for August 1, 2025, though processes may delay final disbursements if appeals arise. Payment options for claimants include checks, e-checks, and direct deposits, ensuring a straightforward procedure for receiving restitution. Stakeholders hope this settlement brings closure to ongoing concerns over privacy and technology.