The lawsuit, filed in Northern California, claimed Siri sometimes activated unintentionally, recording conversations without the required “Hey Siri” wake word. The lead plaintiff, Fumiko Lopez, alleged that private conversations were recorded and shared with advertisers, resulting in targeted ads for products like Air Jordans. Apple countered that recordings prior to October 2019 had been permanently deleted and reiterated its compliance with privacy laws.
Settlement Terms and Impact
Under the terms of the settlement, U.S. users with Siri-enabled devices from 2014 to 2019 may be entitled to compensation. Lawyers representing the case are set to receive nearly $30 million, 30% of the total settlement amount.
Class action lawsuits, such as this one, allow a small group of plaintiffs to represent a larger group with similar claims. If approved, the settlement will be distributed among all eligible participants. For more information about the lawsuit and its implications, visit the detailed report on Apple settles Siri listening lawsuit.
Resolving the case out of court enables Apple to avoid the risk of a larger payout had the case gone to trial. Apple has a history of settling high-profile lawsuits, including a $500 million payout in 2024 for claims related to slowing down iPhones and a $490 million settlement in the UK for similar allegations. Despite these legal challenges, Apple’s revenue for Q4 2024 reached $94.9 billion, cementing its position as one of the most profitable companies globally.
Broader Legal Implications
This settlement highlights growing scrutiny over tech companies’ privacy practices. The law firm handling this Siri case is also pursuing similar allegations against Google, accusing it of eavesdropping via its devices. A separate UK class action led by consumer group Which? alleges Apple overcharged for iCloud services.
These cases underline increasing public demand for corporate accountability and enhanced privacy protections. To explore Apple’s ongoing challenges and its commitment to innovation and privacy, check out the comprehensive coverage on Wallstreet Storys.