Apple, the tech giant known for its commitment to privacy, has recently settled a lawsuit, agreeing to pay US$95 million over allegations of privacy breaches through its virtual assistant Siri. This settlement marks the resolution of a 5-year-old legal battle that accused Apple of using Siri to eavesdrop on users without their knowledge or consent.
Here are the key points surrounding this settlement:
- Allegations against Apple included accusations of Siri recording conversations through iPhones and other devices equipped with the virtual assistant, even without the trigger words, “Hey, Siri”.
- Recorded conversations were reportedly shared with advertisers to target consumers with relevant products and services, violating Apple’s proclaimed dedication to protecting user privacy.
- Despite the settlement, Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing and awaits approval from US District Judge Jeffrey White before finalizing the agreement.
- Eligible consumers, estimated to be tens of millions who owned Apple devices from September 17, 2014, onwards, could file claims for compensation if the settlement is approved.
- Each eligible consumer may receive up to US$20 per Siri-equipped device, with the potential for adjustments based on claim volumes, reaching a maximum compensation limit of five devices per consumer.
- The total settlement amount of US$95 million represents a small portion of Apple’s profits since September 2014, showing the impact of this legal battle on the company’s financials.
- Attorneys involved in the case may seek up to US$29.6 million from the settlement fund to cover their fees and expenses, highlighting the legal costs associated with such lawsuits.
The proposed settlement underlines the importance of user privacy and serves as a reminder for tech companies to uphold their commitments to protecting customer data and ensuring transparency in their practices. As consumers become increasingly aware of data privacy concerns, companies like Apple face greater scrutiny over their handling of personal information. This settlement is a step towards holding companies accountable for maintaining user trust and safeguarding privacy rights.
