Apple Settles Siri Privacy Lawsuit for $95 Million
In the ever-evolving world of tech and gaming, privacy concerns have taken center stage. Recently, Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of eavesdropping through its virtual assistant, Siri. The lawsuit claimed that Siri could be accidentally activated, recording conversations without user consent and sharing them with third parties. This settlement highlights the ongoing battle between tech companies and user privacy rights.
Understanding the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged that Siri recorded conversations without consent, leading to targeted ads. One plaintiff claimed that after discussing Air Jordans and Olive Garden, they received related ads on Safari. Another mentioned receiving ads for surgical treatments after private discussions with a doctor.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it did not record, disclose, or fail to delete conversations without consent. However, the settlement is a significant step towards addressing privacy concerns.
Settlement Details
Under the preliminary settlement, Apple agreed to pay $95 million. Each plaintiff in the U.S. could receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device owned between 2014 and 2019. The settlement awaits approval from a U.S. district judge in Oakland.
- Settlement Amount: $95 million
- Potential Compensation: Up to $20 per device
- Eligible Devices: Siri-enabled devices owned between 2014-2019
Apple will also confirm the deletion of recordings made before October 2019 and provide clearer instructions for users to opt into data sharing for Siri improvements.
Implications for Tech Giants
Apple's settlement is a reminder of the importance of user privacy. Similar lawsuits are underway, including one against Google’s voice assistant. These cases underscore the need for transparent data practices in the tech industry.
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