Apple's $95M (CAD 136m) Siri privacy saga: Settlement reached in court
Apple has agreed to pay a $95 (CAD 136) million fine as part of a settlement following a class-action lawsuit claiming that the voice-activated assistant, Siri, violated users' privacy. Reports indicated that Apple employees were allegedly eavesdropping on iPhone users.
Apple to pay $95 (CAD 136) million fine in a settlement, reports Reuters. The agency noted a preliminary settlement application was filed at the end of 2024 in the federal court in Oakland, California, which still needs approval from a district judge.
Apple agrees to pay $95 (CAD 136) million in settlement
The case involves mobile device owners who argued that Apple recorded their private conversations through the activation of the Siri voice assistant. The content of those conversations was allegedly disclosed to third parties, such as advertisers, resulting in immediate and suspicious product and service suggestions.
"Two plaintiffs said their mentions of Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants triggered ads for those products. Another said he got ads for a brand name surgical treatment after discussing it, he thought privately, with his doctor," reported Reuters.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement. Neither the company nor its legal representatives have responded to Reuters' request for a comment on the matter.
The agency notes that $95 (CAD 136) million is approximately equivalent to nine hours of Apple's operating profit. The company's net income exceeded $93 (CAD 134) billion over the last fiscal year.
