Apple Proposes $95 Million Lawsuit Settlement Following Siri Spying Allegations
Apple wants to settle a five-year lawsuit, where plaintiffs accused the tech giant of using Siri to record conversations to sell to advertisers.
Apple agreed to settle a five-year lawsuit against them, offering to pay a $95 million settlement. The lawsuit, Lopez vs. Apple, first filed back in 2019, alleged Apple used its digital assistant Siri, to listen in on Apple users, per NPR.
The proposed settlement was filed in court on Tuesday in Oakland, California. However, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White must approve the proposed settlement. Attorneys on both sides will review the terms in a proposed hearing on February 14 in Oakland.
Allegations claim Siri recorded private conversations
According to the lawsuit, Apple activated Siri to record people’s conversations. These recordings allegedly happened without anyone saying, “Hey, Siri” which is how you activate the digital assistant.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Once recorded, some of those conversations would end up in the hands of advertisers, who could use the data to create detailed profiles and more targeted ads, based on the user’s interests, location and buying habits, the lawsuit claimed.
Two plaintiffs involved in the case stated they received targeted ads for Olive Garden and Air Jordan shoes after discussing them with friends. Another plaintiff said he received ads for medical treatment after speaking with his doctor.
These allegations run counter to Apple’s stance on personal security. CEO Tim Cook stated at the 2022 IAPP Global Privacy Settlement, “Protecting privacy is one of the most essential battles of our time.”
Apple denies any wrongdoing regarding the lawsuit’s allegations. The company currently has a market cap of $3.67 billion, thanks in part to the huge success and sales of the iPhone 16. To put the settlement into context, it would be akin to nine hours of profit for Apple, according to Reuters.
How would the settlement work?
Lawyers on both sides need to review and discuss terms of the settlement. Even then, the judge must approve them. If a settlement happens, it could potentially impact millions of Apple device users dating from September 17, 2014 to December 31, 2024.
NPR estimates Apple users could receive a settlement of $20 per Siri device used during this timeframe, with a max benefit cap of five devices per user. However, that payout could fluctuate depending on the volume of claimed payments. In a court document, they estimate only 3% to 5% of customers affected will take advantage of the settlement.
Related content
-
Stocks Chop as the Unemployment Rate Jumps: Stock Market TodayNovember job growth was stronger than expected, but sharp losses in October and a rising unemployment rate are worrying market participants.
-
Should You Renew Your CD?With rate cuts impacting earnings, we examine if now is a wise time to renew CDs.
-
7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges LaterUnderstand the critical two-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
-
Should You Renew Your CD?
With rate cuts impacting earnings, we examine if now is a wise time to renew CDs.
-
Verizon’s 4-Line Phone Promo Offers Strong Value for Families Upgrading to Premium DevicesFamilies can upgrade to top-tier smartphones for $25 a line with Verizon’s newest offer.
-
Where to Store Your Cash in 2026Set yourself up for success with these strategies.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: The Fed's Rate Cuts Could Have Impacts You Might Not AnticipateUnderstanding how lower interest rates could impact your wallet can help you determine the right financial moves to make.
-
My Teen Crashed His Car, and Now Our Insurance Has Tripled. What Now?Dealing with the costly aftermath of a teen car accident is stressful. Here are your options for navigating it.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired In-House Corporate Lawyer, 74, MidwestEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Top Tech Gifts to Grab at Walmart Before ChristmasBig savings on Apple, Bose, HP, Vizio and more while there's still time to shop.
-
I'm an Insurance Pro: Going Without Life Insurance Is Like Driving Without a Seat Belt Because You Don't Plan to CrashLife insurance is that boring-but-crucial thing you really need to get now so that your family doesn't have to launch a GoFundMe when you're gone.
