Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging privacy violations related to its Siri voice assistant. The lawsuit, filed in the United States, accused the tech giant of improperly collecting and storing user data through Siri, claiming that Apple’s practices contradicted its stated commitment to user privacy. The settlement aims to address concerns raised by plaintiffs who argued that their private conversations and interactions with Siri were being recorded and used without proper consent.
The legal battle centered on allegations that Siri occasionally activated without the user’s intention, recording conversations and potentially sharing them with third parties. Plaintiffs argued that these actions violated various state and federal privacy laws, including protections against unauthorized data collection. Apple denied any wrongdoing but chose to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation. The settlement, pending court approval, underscores the growing scrutiny tech companies face regarding user data and privacy practices.
While Apple has consistently marketed its products as privacy-focused, the lawsuit raised questions about how voice-activated technologies handle sensitive information. As part of the settlement, Apple has not admitted to any violations but has agreed to enhance transparency and implement stricter safeguards to protect user data. The company reiterated its commitment to user privacy, emphasizing its dedication to maintaining trust and addressing concerns raised by its customers.
