Why Apple Is Paying $95 Million?Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging Siri recorded users’ private conversations without consent. Filed in 2019 under the title Lopez v. Apple Inc., the lawsuit claimed Apple violated user privacy by allowing Siri to be accidentally activated, capturing sensitive conversations later reviewed by third-party contractors. Although Apple denies any wrongdoing, it settled to avoid prolonged litigation and public scrutiny.
/*Who Is Eligible for Compensation?*/
If you /*owned a Siri-enabled device*/—including an /*iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, HomePod, iPod Touch, or Apple TV*/—/*between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024,*/ you may be /*eligible for up to $100*/. You must confirm that Siri activated without being prompted during a private conversation. /*Eligible users can receive $20 per device, with a maximum of five devices.*/
The /*official claims website will launch by February 2025,*/ and the /*deadline to file is expected by May 15, 2025*/. To claim, you’ll need to submit proof of ownership (such as serial numbers or receipts) and describe the accidental activation. Once the claim is accepted, you’ll waive your right to sue Apple separately on the same matter.
/*Why It Matters for User Privacy?*/
The controversy began in /*July 2019,*/ when a whistleblower revealed Siri could be /*inadvertently triggered by sounds like a zipper*/, recording conversations that were /*never meant to be heard*/ by anyone—let alone human reviewers. These included /*medical, business, and personal chats*/. Although Apple states it never sold or used this data for ads, the case raised broader concerns about voice assistants and user privacy.
The settlement also mirrors similar privacy lawsuits faced by Google and Amazon, highlighting industry-wide issues. With only 3%–5% of users expected to claim, individual payouts may be higher than estimated, even after subtracting $30 million in legal fees.