A US class action lawsuit against Apple for allegedly using Siri conversation recordings for targeted advertising has been settled for Rs 815 crores ($95 million).
Apple denied all of the accusations despite the settlement, which caused Siri users to worry about their privacy.
The settlement includes Rs 1,700 ($20) per Siri-enabled device for thousands of impacted users.
US Class Action Suit Against Apple Settled For Rs 815 Crore
The case started as a result of complaints made in 2021; the first lawsuit was filed in February, and in September of the same year, a class action was filed.
The first lawsuit, which involved allegations that Apple contractors examined Siri recordings to enhance the assistant, was dropped for lack of proof.
Even when the “Hey Siri” command or similar phrases unintentionally activated Siri, users claimed that it was recording conversations.
According to one complainant, a private conversation with a physician regarding a surgical procedure led to targeted advertisements about the same subject.
Following private discussions unrelated to Siri, two additional complainants claimed to have received recommendations for advertisements for Pit Viper sunglasses and Air Jordan sneakers.
Even if Siri was unintentionally activated, the plaintiffs claimed that Apple secretly recorded these conversations.
Apple Denied Charges, But Provided No Data or Proof
Apple denied the charges, but throughout the case, it offered no data or proof to support its denial.
Siri recordings made between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, are covered by the settlement.
Apple will set up a portal for consumers to file claims, which need to be submitted by May 15, 2025, in order for payments to start.
There have been conflicting responses to Apple’s decision to settle the lawsuit, with some wondering why the company chose to do so even though it denied the accusations.
In the past, Apple has pursued justice over settlement in well-known cases, including those against Epic Games, Spotify, and Google.
Apple’s decision to settle rather than pursue the case further may have been influenced by corporate considerations, such as the high costs of litigation, reputational risks, and other factors.
The settlement brings to light continuing discussions regarding user privacy and confidence in Apple’s management of personal information.
