Apple To Pay $95 Million Settlement in Siri-Related Class Action Lawsuit: Are You Eligible For Payment?

• Settlement Overview: Apple agrees to a $95M USD settlement in a Siri privacy lawsuit.
• Eligibility Details: U.S.-based users from 2014-2019 may claim up to $20 per device.
• Privacy Concerns: Alleged unauthorized Siri activations led to targeted ads.

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit that accuses its virtual assistant, Siri, of eavesdropping on users.

The lawsuit, which spans allegations from unintentional Siri activations to targeted advertisements, raises critical questions about user privacy. Are you eligible for a portion of the settlement? Let’s break it down.

Photo Credit: Niklas Jeromin

The settlement doesn’t imply guilt, as Apple denies all allegations and claims that it hasn’t recorded or shared audio without consent. However, it aims to resolve a five-year legal battle, offering compensation to eligible U.S. users of Siri-enabled devices.

What Led to the Settlement?

The class-action lawsuit alleged that Siri was unintentionally activated without users saying "Hey, Siri," leading to private conversations being recorded. The recordings were reportedly shared with advertisers, enabling them to create more targeted ads. For example, the lead plaintiff, Fumiko Lopez, shared that she and her daughter were served ads for Air Jordans after discussing the product aloud.

Apple, known for its strong stance on privacy, faced criticism for this alleged breach. While denying the claims, the tech giant has agreed to permanently delete all Siri recordings made before October 2019. The move ensures that users’ privacy is not further compromised.

Who Is Eligible for Compensation?

If you’re a U.S. resident who owned an Apple device equipped with Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2019, you might be eligible for up to $20 per device. The final payout amount depends on the number of claims filed, and compensation is capped at five devices per claimant.

Here’s how to check your eligibility and file a claim:

1. Confirm you owned a Siri-enabled Apple device during the eligible timeframe.
2. Prepare to provide proof of ownership, such as receipts or device serial numbers.
3. Submit your claim through the settlement website once it’s made available.

According to estimates, only 3% to 5% of eligible users are expected to file claims. Given Apple’s significant user base, this low participation could result in higher payouts for those who do file. Lawyers have proposed February 14, 2025, as the decision date for the settlement approval.

What Does This Mean for Apple?

The $95 million settlement is a mere fraction of Apple’s financial power, as the company generated nearly $95 billion in revenue in just three months of 2024. It also represents a small portion of the estimated $1.5 billion payout Apple could have faced had the case gone to trial.

By settling, Apple avoids a lengthy trial and potential reputational damage while reinforcing its public commitment to privacy. It’s worth noting that this isn’t Apple’s first class-action settlement. In January 2024, the company paid $500 million for allegedly slowing down iPhones, and in March, it settled another lawsuit for $490 million.

As Apple moves past this controversy, the settlement serves as a reminder for users to stay informed about their digital privacy. If you qualify for compensation, filing a claim could be worth your time. At the same time, it highlights the importance of holding even the biggest tech companies accountable for safeguarding user data.

Source

Source