Apple Agrees to Pay $95 Million to Settle Class Action Lawsuit Over Siri Privacy Concerns
Background
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a proposed class action lawsuit claiming that its voice-activated Siri assistant violated users’ privacy. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2014, alleges that Apple’s Siri routinely recorded and shared users’ private conversations with third-party companies, including advertisers.
The Allegations
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of mobile device owners who claimed that Apple’s Siri recorded their conversations without their consent. The plaintiffs alleged that the company shared these recordings with third-party companies, including advertisers, without the users’ knowledge or consent.
How it Happened
The controversy began when Apple introduced the "Hey, Siri" feature in 2014. This feature allows users to activate Siri by saying the words "Hey, Siri," which is believed to have triggered the unwanted recordings. Two plaintiffs in the case claimed that they received targeted ads for products they had discussed privately with Siri, including Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants. Another plaintiff said he received ads for a brand-name surgical treatment after discussing it with his doctor.
The Settlement
The proposed settlement, which was filed on December 31, requires approval from US District Judge Jeffrey White. The settlement includes a payment of up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, such as iPhones and Apple Watches, to class members estimated to be in the tens of millions. Apple denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle the case.
Financial Details
The $95 million settlement is equivalent to about nine hours of profit for Apple, which reported net income of $93.74 billion in its latest fiscal year. Lawyers for the plaintiffs may seek up to $28.5 million in fees, plus $1.1 million in expenses, from the settlement fund.
Ongoing Legal Action
A similar lawsuit is pending in the San Jose, California federal court on behalf of users of Google’s Voice Assistant. The plaintiffs are represented by the same law firms as in the Apple case.
Conclusion
The settlement is a significant step towards addressing concerns over the use of voice assistants and their impact on user privacy. Apple’s agreement to pay $95 million is a major concession, and the company’s denial of wrongdoing suggests that it may have been a challenge to navigate the legal issues surrounding its use of user data.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the settlement?
A: The settlement aims to address concerns over Apple’s use of user data and ensure that users’ privacy is protected.
Q: How much will class members receive?
A: Class members may receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, such as iPhones and Apple Watches.
Q: What is the total amount of the settlement?
A: The total amount of the settlement is $95 million.
Q: Is Apple denying wrongdoing?
A: Yes, Apple has denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle the case.
Q: Are there similar lawsuits pending against other companies?
A: Yes, a similar lawsuit is pending in the San Jose, California federal court on behalf of users of Google’s Voice Assistant.
