Did Apple's Siri eavesdrop on your call? Find out if eligible for part of $95M settlement
Did Apple's Siri eavesdrop on your call? Find out if eligible for part of $95M settlement The initial lawsuit was filed on March 17, 2021, in a California federal court.
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Anyone who's owned an Apple device since 2014 may be eligible to receive part of a $95 million class action lawsuit, which accused the tech company's famous voice assistant of spying on users.
The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, was filed in a California federal court in 2021 by users who allege their private conversations were being recorded by their Apple devices after unintentionally activating Siri. Although a settlement has been reached, Apple has denied the allegations made in the complaint, according to the legal notice obtained by USA TODAY.
"If you owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device and experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, you should read this Notice as it may impact your legal rights," the legal notice states.
According to the legal notice, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touches, and Apple TVs are Siri-enabled devices.
The lawsuit's FAQ page says a court hearing to approve the settlement is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 1. If the settlement amount is approved, those who claimed devices will be sent their part.
What does the lawsuit allege?
The lawsuit alleges that people's "confidential or private communications were allegedly obtained by Apple and/or shared with third parties as a result of an unintended Siri activation."
Siri, a voice assistant activated by saying "Hey, Siri," can set reminders, control smart home devices and make recommendations.
However, users in the class action lawsuit claim their Apple devices were recording them without their consent and subsequently sending their information to advertisers who used it to target them with online ads.
Users claimed they saw ads on their phones for specific brands after discussing them aloud, and others said their devices listened to them without them having said anything at all. The initial lawsuit, filed on March 17, 2021, cites a 2019 article from The Guardian that found Apple's third-party contractors regularly heard confidential information. At the time, Apple said only a small portion of data was shared to help improve Siri and dictation.
USA TODAY contacted Apple on May 11 but has not received a response.
Am I eligible for part of Lopez v. Apple settlement?
The eligibility requirements are broad but are open to anyone who has owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024. To opt in, you will swear under oath that you experienced an unintended Siri activation while having a private conversation.
What devices qualify under the lawsuit?
The following are the Siri-enabled devices included:
iPhones
iPads
Apple Watches
MacBooks
iMacs
Apple TV streaming boxes
HomePod speakers
iPod Touches
How to submit claim for portion of Lopez v. Apple settlement
The Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement website allows Apple customers to claim a portion of the settlement. Some users received an email or postcard with a claim identification code and confirmation code that can be used to make the claim. If not, you can still submit a claim online.
When is the deadline to submit a claim?
The deadline to submit a claim is July 2, 2025.
How much money will I get from Lopez v. Apple settlement?
Payments for each device are capped at $20.00, but claimants may receive less depending on the total number of claims submitted.
How many devices can I claim?
Each individual can claim payments for up to five devices, so the maximum payout for each person is $100.
When will payments be sent?
It is unclear when payments will be sent out, but more clarification is expected after the final settlement hearing, tentatively set for Aug. 1.
If approved, and if there are no appeals, payments will be processed as soon as possible, according to the website. Claimants can check the website for further updates.
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