Apple Denies Misuse of Siri Data Following $95 Million Lawsuit Settlement
Apple has strongly denied allegations of misusing Siri voice assistant data after agreeing to a $95 million settlement in a class action lawsuit. The company reiterated its commitment to user privacy, emphasizing that it has never sold user data or used it for targeted marketing.
The Allegations:
The lawsuit accused Siri of unintentionally recording private conversations triggered by “hot words” such as “Hey, Siri.” Plaintiffs claimed these recordings were shared with third parties, including advertisers, without user consent.
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While agreeing to the settlement, Apple did not admit any wrongdoing. The settlement provides eligible users up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, covering products like iPhones and Apple Watches.
Apple’s Response:
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Apple clarified its privacy practices, aiming to dispel misconceptions surrounding the settlement:
- No Data for Marketing: Apple stated it has never used Siri data for marketing profiles, advertising, or sold it for any purpose.
- Minimal Data Use: Siri accesses servers in real-time to provide accurate results, using only the minimal data required for the operation.
- Audio Recording Practices: Siri does not retain audio recordings unless users opt in to share them for development purposes, and even then, they are used solely to improve the assistant’s functionality.
Commitment to Privacy:
Apple reaffirmed its dedication to user privacy, pledging ongoing investments in privacy-enhancing technologies. The company emphasized that safeguarding personal data remains central to its values.
Broader Implications:
The case has drawn comparisons to a similar lawsuit against Google Voice Assistant, which is currently pending in federal court in San Jose, California. Interestingly, the same law firms representing the plaintiffs in the Apple lawsuit are involved in the Google case.
This development underscores the increasing scrutiny tech companies face regarding their handling of user data, with privacy remaining a critical concern for both consumers and regulators.
