Apple to Settle Siri Privacy Lawsuit for $95 Million

Apple is set to resolve a long-standing lawsuit with a $95 million settlement, addressing allegations that its Siri voice assistant unlawfully recorded user conversations without consent.

The case, initially filed in August 2019, claimed that Apple’s digital assistant inadvertently captured private conversations and, in some instances, shared this data without user approval.

As part of the proposed settlement, Apple will verify that it permanently deleted Siri audio recordings collected before October 2019. Additionally, the company will enhance transparency by explaining how users can opt into the “Improve Siri” feature, which allows Apple to analyze audio interactions to improve Siri’s performance.

Apple will also be required to disclose the specific types of data collected through this feature.

The lead plaintiffs, Fumiko Lopez and a minor identified as A.L., alleged that Siri on their iPhone XR and iPhone 6 devices recorded conversations without triggering a wake phrase or gesture.

They argued that these recordings were made without consent, with Apple failing to adequately inform users about the possibility of inadvertent recordings or provide an option to opt out.

The settlement terms will be reviewed in a proposed court hearing scheduled for February 14. If approved, this agreement will bring an end to a legal battle over privacy concerns surrounding Apple’s Siri devices.