In January, Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit over claims that its voice assistant, Siri, was eavesdropping on private conversations. Affected users now have a limited time to claim a piece of this settlement.
The lawsuit, known as Lopez v. Apple Inc., was filed in December. It alleges that Siri accidentally activated during personal conversations, capturing and sharing that data with third parties. Some plaintiffs noted that they received targeted ads after discussing specific brands, while one person mentioned seeing an ad for medical treatment shortly after a private chat with their doctor.
This isn’t the first time Siri has faced scrutiny. Back in 2019, a whistleblower revealed to The Guardian that Apple contractors listened to confidential details while reviewing Siri recordings, including sensitive topics. Following this, Apple ceased using third-party contractors for such assessments. However, in the recent settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing and maintains that Siri data was never used for marketing purposes.
As part of the settlement, users of Siri-enabled devices who experienced unintended activations during private conversations could receive up to $100. Each person can claim up to $20 for each of their devices, capped at five devices. Eligible devices include the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, iMac, HomePod, Apple TV, and iPod touch, as long as they were purchased between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.
How to Claim Your Payment
If you think you qualify for a payout, make sure to submit your claim by July 2, 2025. Some individuals may receive an email or postcard with a Claim Identification Code. If you didn’t get that, visit the official case website to submit your claim.
To claim your payment, select “New Claim” on the website. You’ll need to provide your name, address, the email linked to your Apple ID, and either proof of purchase or your device’s serial number and model name. You’ll also need to confirm that you experienced at least one unintended Siri activation during a private conversation.
Keep in mind that while the maximum payout per device is $20, the actual amount you receive may vary based on the overall number of valid claims. The court will hold a hearing on August 1, 2025, to determine the fairness of the settlement amount.
Additional Insights
In recent years, consumer privacy concerns have surged, with 79% of Americans expressing worries about how companies handle their data, according to a Statista survey. This case reflects a wider trend where individuals are increasingly vocal about privacy violations. As technology evolves, the intersection of convenience and privacy will likely keep leading to more scrutiny of companies like Apple.
For more details on the settlement, you can visit the Lopez v. Apple Inc. settlement page.
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