Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement Over Siri ⁢Privacy Claims

In ⁤a significant move, Apple has ​consented to a settlement‍ of⁣ $95 ⁤million in cash to resolve a class action lawsuit that alleged⁢ its virtual ⁣assistant, Siri, was ⁣recording private conversations without user consent.

The proposed ‍settlement ⁤was presented on Tuesday at the federal court located in ​Oakland, ‌California. It​ is currently pending approval from U.S. District ⁤Judge Edward Davila.

Allegations of​ Unauthorized Recordings

The lawsuit claimed that Siri often activated unintentionally and recorded conversations without users’ knowledge. Furthermore, it suggested that these recordings were subsequently shared with third parties ‌such as advertisers.

Plaintiffs⁤ highlighted instances where targeted advertisements for products ​like Nike sneakers and dining deals at established restaurants surfaced—advertisements linked to private discussions they ‌had. One ⁣claimant even noted receiving promotions related ⁢to medical procedures discussed confidentially with healthcare providers.

Settlement Details

The affected period is designated​ from September ⁢17, 2014, until December 31, 2024—the span during which Siri has been integrated into the Apple product ⁢line.

A potential pool of tens of⁤ millions⁤ of claimants could receive⁣ approximately‌ $20 per eligible device featuring Siri technology, including iPhones and Apple Watches. ‍Attorneys⁢ for the plaintiffs have not ⁢made any comments regarding the settlement⁣ outcome while​ Apple maintains‍ its⁢ stance denying any allegations‌ of misconduct.

Financial Context

This $95 million payout represents roughly⁣ nine hours’ worth ​of Apple’s⁤ profits; according to reports by Reuters, the tech⁣ giant posted earnings⁣ totaling around $93.74‍ billion ⁣in​ their most recent fiscal⁢ year.

Source: Reuters