Apple Offers $100 Over Siri Privacy Flap—Claim Now
Apple is paying up to $100 per user in a Siri privacy settlement. Find out if you’re eligible and how to claim before July 2
Apple’s Siri Settlement: Why You Might Be Owed $100
In a significant turn for digital privacy advocates, Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit tied to allegations that Siri—its widely used voice assistant—recorded users without their knowledge. If you’ve used an Apple device in the past decade, you could be eligible for up to $100 in compensation.
The case marks another chapter in the growing scrutiny of tech giants and how they handle personal data. At the center of the dispute? Unintentional Siri activations that may have captured sensitive conversations, from medical information to private family discussions.
A Case of Accidental Eavesdropping
The lawsuit, first filed in 2019, accused Apple of allowing Siri to turn on without warning—sometimes during deeply private moments. According to the plaintiffs, snippets of conversations were not only recorded but also reviewed by contractors hired to “improve” Siri’s accuracy.
At the time, investigations by outlets like The Guardian revealed that these contractors had access to thousands of audio recordings. Some included financial details, intimate conversations, and even discussions with doctors. Though Apple claimed the recordings were anonymized and used strictly for technical refinement, privacy advocates were alarmed by the lack of user consent.
In response to the outcry, Apple revised its policies. It stopped default human review of Siri recordings and added clearer opt-out options. But the legal battle had already begun.
What Apple Is Paying—and Who Can Claim
Without admitting any fault, Apple has now agreed to settle. As part of the deal, individuals in the U.S. who used Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024 can file a claim to receive a portion of the $95 million fund.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Up to $20 per device that experienced an accidental Siri activation
- Maximum of 5 devices per person
- Total possible payout: $100 per user
Eligible devices include:
- iPhone
- iPad
- MacBook
- Apple Watch
- HomePod
- iPod Touch
- Apple TV
Importantly, you don’t need proof of an exact recording incident—just evidence that you used Siri on an Apple device within the qualifying dates.
How to File Your Siri Settlement Claim
The claim process is straightforward, but there’s a firm deadline: July 2, 2025.
To file:
- Visit the official site: sirisettlement.com
- Enter your information and list the devices you used.
- Submit the claim before the July 2 cutoff.
If you’re among the users who received an email or postcard labeled “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement,” you’re already in the system. But even if you didn’t get one, you’re still eligible to file.
The final payout will vary depending on how many users apply. The fewer the claims, the higher the individual payouts.
A Growing Focus on Voice Privacy
Apple’s settlement highlights a growing tension between convenience and privacy. Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant have become part of daily life—yet most users don’t fully understand how much these tools “hear,” or when.
A 2023 Pew Research survey revealed that over 60% of Americans worry their smart devices may be recording them without permission. With digital trust increasingly fragile, this case may set a precedent for how tech companies handle voice data.
Apple has since leaned into its privacy branding. It now allows users to turn off Siri’s data sharing entirely and delete any stored interactions. Still, critics argue that meaningful privacy shouldn’t rely on users knowing how to navigate device settings.
Why This Settlement Matters
For many, a $100 payout may seem minor—but it’s symbolic. It reflects growing awareness that privacy isn’t just a setting in your phone—it’s a right that needs stronger protection.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your smart device might be listening too closely, this case offers a moment of clarity—and perhaps a little compensation. Filing takes only a few minutes, and you might walk away with more than just cash: you gain a better understanding of the fine line between tech innovation and personal boundaries.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To ensure eligibility and claim your compensation, visit the official Siri settlement website at sirisettlement.com.
source : India Today