Interesting Things To Know About Apple’s $95 Million Settlement Of Siri Case

Interesting Things To Know About Apple’s $95 Million Settlement Of Siri Case

1 month ago
2 mins read

Apple has agreed to settle a lawsuit with a payout of $95 million over claims that its virtual assistant, Siri, eavesdropped on users’ private conversations.

This settlement, which still needs court approval, raises significant questions about privacy and the use of personal data. Here’s what you need to know about the case and its impact.

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What Was the Siri Lawsuit About?

In August 2019, the Wood Law Firm filed a lawsuit against Apple after a report from The Guardian revealed that Siri’s microphone was allegedly activated without users’ knowledge. This came after a 2014 software update, which was intended to activate Siri only when users said “Hey, Siri.” However, the report claimed Siri was recording conversations outside of that trigger, possibly to improve Apple’s technology.

The lawsuit further alleged that Apple may have shared these recordings with advertisers, allowing them to target consumers more effectively. This raised concerns about how Apple, a company known for its commitment to privacy, was handling user data.

How Many Consumers Are Affected by the Settlement?

Millions of U.S. consumers who used iPhones or other devices with Siri from September 17, 2014, to the end of 2023 are eligible to claim part of the settlement. This broad class of users includes anyone who owned a Siri-enabled device during this period.

How Much Will Consumers Receive?

Eligible consumers could receive up to $20 per device, with each claimant limited to a maximum payout. The final amount will depend on how many people file claims and how much of the settlement fund is used to cover legal fees and administrative costs. The lawyers representing the consumers are seeking nearly $30 million in fees, which will be determined by the court.

READ ALSO: Apple To Pay $95m In Siri Privacy Settlement

Did Apple Break Any Laws?

Apple has denied any wrongdoing in the case. However, if the allegations are true, the company could have violated federal wiretapping laws and other privacy protections. Despite these claims, Apple decided to settle the lawsuit rather than continue with a potentially costly trial. This decision may have been influenced by the risk of negative publicity, especially since privacy is a core value for the company.

The lawsuit highlighted the contradiction between Apple’s commitment to privacy and the claims that its products were listening to users without their consent. While $95 million may seem like a significant settlement, it is relatively small compared to Apple’s total profits, which have exceeded $700 billion since 2014.

Is Apple the Only Company Facing Privacy Concerns?

While the Siri lawsuit has been settled, privacy concerns continue to surround other tech giants. A similar case involving Google’s virtual assistant is ongoing, and it raises questions about the privacy of data collected through voice-activated devices. If you’re worried about being overheard, it’s important to know how to manage your device settings.

How Can You Disable Siri?

If you are concerned about privacy, you can turn off Siri by following these simple steps:

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Siri & Search.
  3. Toggle off Listen for “Hey Siri” and Press Side Button for Siri.
  4. Confirm by tapping Turn Off Siri when prompted.

You can also manage microphone access for individual apps by going to Settings, selecting the app, and toggling off Microphone.

Apple Stocks and Financial Impact

Despite the legal battle, Apple remains financially robust. Since the company’s profits have surpassed $700 billion since 2014, the $95 million settlement has little impact on its overall financial standing. The settlement may provide some relief for consumers, but it won’t significantly hurt Apple’s market value, which is currently around $3.7 trillion.

What Does This Settlement Mean for Privacy?

The Siri lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about user privacy in the tech industry. Apple’s decision to settle, despite denying any wrongdoing, underscores the importance of addressing privacy issues. For consumers, this case serves as a reminder to be aware of the data that tech companies may be collecting, even when they are not actively using their devices.

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Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.

Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.

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