Apple to Pay Users $20 Per Device in a $95M Settlement Over Siri Privacy Violations Lawsuit

• Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a five-year-old class-action lawsuit over Siri’s eavesdropping on users.
• Siri allegedly recorded private chats from iPhones and other Apple devices without user consent.
• Owners of Siri-equipped iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches between 2014 and 2023 could be eligible for compensation.

Apple, known for its vigorous stance on user privacy, has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant, Siri, was used to unlawfully eavesdrop on users. 

The proposed settlement, filed in an Oakland, California federal court, aims to resolve a 5-year-old case centered around accusations of privacy violations, according to Reuters.

The settlement, subject to approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, includes provisions for compensation to affected consumers. Eligible users—those who owned Siri-equipped iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2023—could receive up to $20 per device. 

However, individuals can file claims for no more than five devices under the settlement. Compensation amounts may vary based on the number of claims submitted. Legal estimates suggest only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers will likely file, potentially adjusting individual payouts.

The lawsuit claimed that Siri, Apple’s voice-activated assistant, recorded private conversations from iPhones and other Apple devices without user consent, even when the assistant was not triggered using the phrase “Hey Siri.” 

These alleged recordings were purportedly shared with advertisers aiming to target consumers with personalized marketing. 

While Apple has denied any wrongdoing, the settlement serves as a response to these serious allegations. The company has not admitted liability but has opted to resolve the matter without a trial.

The settlement fund also allocates up to $29.6 million for attorneys’ fees and court expenses, a notable portion of the total settlement value.

Although Apple’s long-running commitment to protecting the privacy of its customers was demonstrated throughout the years, the company was accused of aiding Russia in ever-growing censorship by voluntarily removing VPN apps from the App Store.