Latest news with #AppleSiri
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apple's $95M Siri settlement: How to check if you are eligible for a payment
Inc. has reached a $95 million settlement in a class action lawsuit involving claims that its Siri-enabled devices recorded users' private conversations without their knowledge or consent. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The lawsuit, originally filed in 2021, accused Apple of violating consumer privacy rights through unintended activations of the Siri voice assistant. While Apple has denied any wrongdoing, it has agreed to resolve the matter through a nationwide settlement affecting millions of users. The case, titled Lopez v. Apple Inc., is of major significance as it highlights growing concerns over the misuse of voice recognition technologies and the collection of personal data by smart devices. Consumers who owned or used Siri-enabled Apple products between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, may be eligible for compensation, pending final approval of the settlement. The settlement is currently awaiting final approval from a federal court, with a hearing scheduled for August 1, 2025. In the meantime, affected users are encouraged to review their eligibility and submit claims by the designated deadline. Here's a breakdown of everything consumers need to know. Apple faces lawsuit over Siri recording private conversations The class action lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California in March 2021. Plaintiffs alleged that Apple's Siri voice assistant was inadvertently activated during private conversations and recorded sensitive information. These recordings, according to the complaint, were allegedly shared with third parties, including contractors hired by Apple to help improve voice recognition accuracy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The lawsuit cited a 2019 investigative report published by The Guardian, which revealed that Apple's contractors routinely overheard personal details, including medical discussions, business deals, and intimate interactions. Although Apple stated at the time that only a small subset of anonymized recordings was used for Siri improvement, the report raised major privacy concerns. Apple accused of monetising Siri recordings without consent The plaintiffs argued that the unintentional activation of Siri resulted in violations of privacy laws and consumer protection statutes. They alleged that: Private and confidential conversations were recorded without consent. These recordings were used to target users with personalized advertisements. Users were unaware their devices were listening, even without using the activation phrase "Hey Siri." Examples provided in the lawsuit included users seeing ads for products shortly after verbally discussing them, even without initiating a Siri command. The complaint claimed that the data captured through Siri was monetized in ways that were not disclosed to the users. Apple Siri users may be eligible for compensation: Check if you are eligible Consumers in the United States and its territories who meet the following conditions may be eligible for compensation under the proposed settlement: Owned or purchased a Siri-enabled Apple device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Enabled Siri on that device. Experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication. Eligible claimants do not need to prove that their conversations were recorded, only that they used Siri-enabled devices during the specified time period and encountered unintended activations. iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more: Devices eligible for Siri privacy payout The settlement applies to a broad range of Apple products equipped with Siri. Eligible devices include: iPhones iPads Apple Watches MacBooks iMacs iPod Touches Apple TV streaming boxes HomePod smart speakers Claimants may submit requests for up to five devices per person. How much money will you get in the Apple's Siri settlement case According to the settlement website, eligible participants may receive up to $20 per device, but the final amount is subject to several factors, including: The total number of valid claims submitted. The number of devices claimed per individual. Court approval of the settlement and the absence of successful appeals. Since the settlement fund is capped at $95 million, the actual amount disbursed per device could be lower if a large number of claims are filed. Siri Settlement: How and when to file your claim by July 2025 Claimants have until July 2, 2025, to file their requests for compensation. There are two primary methods for submitting a claim: Online : Visit the official website: If you received a mailed or emailed notice, use the provided claim ID and confirmation code. If you did not receive a notice, you can still submit a claim using an alternative form on the site. : Visit the official website: Mail: A printable version of the form is available on the website and can be mailed to the address listed. Users also have the option to opt out of the settlement if they wish to retain the right to pursue individual legal action or object to the terms of the agreement. When will payments be sent The exact payment timeline depends on final court approval. The next hearing is scheduled for August 1, 2025, during which a judge will determine whether to finalize the settlement. If the settlement is approved without appeal, payments may be processed soon after the hearing. If the decision is appealed, disbursement of funds could be delayed by several months or longer. Users can stay updated on the status of the case by regularly visiting the official settlement website. Apple's response and position Apple has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and maintains that Siri is designed with user privacy in mind. The company stated that the purpose of any data collection is strictly to improve Siri's functionality and that audio recordings are only reviewed with user consent. Apple further emphasized that the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability. As part of broader efforts to enhance user trust, Apple has implemented new privacy measures in recent iOS updates, including on-device processing for certain Siri commands and greater transparency about how voice data is handled. Key deadlines to remember Claim submission deadline: July 2, 2025 Final approval hearing: August 1, 2025 Also read | Elon Musk was a Microsoft intern! He remembers it in conversation with Satya Nadella
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apple Settlement Payout: Apple's Siri Settlement: Here's when and how consumers may receive their payouts from the $95 million lawsuit
Background: Apple Accused of Privacy Invasion ADVERTISEMENT Who Can Claim? Payout Structure: Up to $100 Per Claimant ADVERTISEMENT How to File a Claim ADVERTISEMENT When and How Will Payments Be Issued? What's Next for Apple and Consumers? FAQs What is the Apple Siri lawsuit about? What is the total value of the settlement? Owners of Siri-enabled Apple devices may now be eligible to claim compensation following a $95 million Apple lawsuit settlement involving allegations that the voice assistant Apple Siri was improperly activated, leading to privacy settlement, while not an admission of wrongdoing by the tech giant, opens the door for affected users to file claims for financial lawsuit, originally filed in 2021 by California resident Fumiko Lopez and others, alleged that Apple Siri unintentionally recorded private recordings, according to the plaintiffs, were subsequently shared with third-party businesses — including restaurants and retailers — who allegedly used the data to target ads through Apple's search interface and the Safari has denied the allegations and maintains that it acted lawfully at all times.'Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful,' the official settlement website who owned Siri-enabled devices — including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, HomePods, Apple TVs, and others — between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, are potentially eligible for qualify, users must attest to having experienced an unintentional Siri activation during a private or confidential amount an individual can receive from the settlement depends on the number of valid claims the settlement places a cap of $20 per Siri-enabled device, with a maximum of five devices per claimant — allowing eligible users to claim up to $100, as per a report by ABC example, a person who owns an iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch and files a valid claim for each could receive up to $ notified directly via email or mail about the settlement will have received a claim ID and confirmation code, which can be used to submit a claim at the settlement website. The deadline to file is July 2, who did not receive a direct notification but believe they are eligible may still file a claim. They must visit the settlement site, select "new claim," and provide personal information along with proof of ownership of qualifying Apple earliest potential timeline for disbursing settlement payments is after August 1, 2025, the date set for the final approval hearing. However, appeals or legal delays could extend the settlement administrators have urged claimants to be patient: 'If there is no appeal, your settlement benefit will be processed promptly.'Claimants will have the option to receive their compensation via physical check, e-check, or direct deposit, based on the preference they indicate when submitting their Apple avoids any legal admission of wrongdoing through this Apple lawsuit, the settlement marks another chapter in the broader debate around digital privacy, voice assistant technology, and user consumers, the process now hinges on timely claims and the court's final approval of the further information or to file a claim, eligible individuals may refer to the official Apple Siri settlement lawsuit alleges that Apple's Siri voice assistant was improperly activated and recorded users' private conversations, which were then allegedly shared with third parties for targeted advertising purposes. Apple has denied all claims of settlement is valued at $95 million. It allows eligible users to claim compensation without Apple admitting to any legal fault.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apple's Siri Settlement: Here's when and how consumers may receive their payouts from the $95 million lawsuit
Owners of Siri-enabled Apple devices may now be eligible to claim compensation following a $95 million Apple lawsuit settlement involving allegations that the voice assistant Apple Siri was improperly activated, leading to privacy breaches. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare The settlement, while not an admission of wrongdoing by the tech giant, opens the door for affected users to file claims for financial redress. Background: Apple Accused of Privacy Invasion The lawsuit, originally filed in 2021 by California resident Fumiko Lopez and others, alleged that Apple Siri unintentionally recorded private conversations. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Iraq: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo These recordings, according to the plaintiffs, were subsequently shared with third-party businesses — including restaurants and retailers — who allegedly used the data to target ads through Apple's search interface and the Safari browser. Apple has denied the allegations and maintains that it acted lawfully at all times. Live Events 'Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful,' the official settlement website states. Who Can Claim? Consumers who owned Siri-enabled devices — including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, HomePods, Apple TVs, and others — between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, are potentially eligible for compensation. To qualify, users must attest to having experienced an unintentional Siri activation during a private or confidential discussion. Payout Structure: Up to $100 Per Claimant The amount an individual can receive from the settlement depends on the number of valid claims filed. However, the settlement places a cap of $20 per Siri-enabled device, with a maximum of five devices per claimant — allowing eligible users to claim up to $100, as per a report by ABC News. For example, a person who owns an iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch and files a valid claim for each could receive up to $60. How to File a Claim Those notified directly via email or mail about the settlement will have received a claim ID and confirmation code, which can be used to submit a claim at the settlement website. The deadline to file is July 2, 2025. Individuals who did not receive a direct notification but believe they are eligible may still file a claim. They must visit the settlement site, select "new claim," and provide personal information along with proof of ownership of qualifying Apple devices. When and How Will Payments Be Issued? The earliest potential timeline for disbursing settlement payments is after August 1, 2025, the date set for the final approval hearing. However, appeals or legal delays could extend the timeline. The settlement administrators have urged claimants to be patient: 'If there is no appeal, your settlement benefit will be processed promptly.' Claimants will have the option to receive their compensation via physical check, e-check, or direct deposit, based on the preference they indicate when submitting their claim. What's Next for Apple and Consumers? While Apple avoids any legal admission of wrongdoing through this Apple lawsuit, the settlement marks another chapter in the broader debate around digital privacy, voice assistant technology, and user consent. For consumers, the process now hinges on timely claims and the court's final approval of the agreement. For further information or to file a claim, eligible individuals may refer to the official Apple Siri settlement website. FAQs What is the Apple Siri lawsuit about? The lawsuit alleges that Apple's Siri voice assistant was improperly activated and recorded users' private conversations, which were then allegedly shared with third parties for targeted advertising purposes. Apple has denied all claims of wrongdoing. What is the total value of the settlement? The settlement is valued at $95 million. It allows eligible users to claim compensation without Apple admitting to any legal fault.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
If you've purchased an Apple device in the last decade, you could be eligible for a cash payout, here's how to claim yours today
Bought an Apple device in the last 10 years? You might be eligible for money from Apple's $95 million Siri settlement- If you've owned an Apple device anytime between 2014 and 2024, you might be in for a small payout. Apple is paying out $95 million to settle a lawsuit involving Siri—its voice assistant—over privacy concerns. If you believe Siri listened to your private conversations without permission, you could be eligible to file a claim and receive compensation. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Pak moving troops to border areas? All that's happening Why India chose to abstain instead of 'No Vote' against IMF billion-dollar funding to Pakistan How Pak's jihadi general Munir became trapped in his own vice What is this Apple Siri settlement really about? Back in January 2024, Apple agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the tech giant of recording private conversations through Siri without users' consent. The lawsuit claimed that Siri was sometimes triggered accidentally, leading to private discussions being recorded and analyzed, which raised serious privacy concerns. The $95 million settlement doesn't mean Apple admitted wrongdoing—but it does mean users now have a chance to be compensated. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Who qualifies for the Apple Siri privacy payout? To be eligible, you must meet two basic requirements: You must have owned an eligible Apple device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. You must believe that Siri accidentally activated and recorded a private conversation without your consent. The list of eligible Apple products includes: Live Events iPhone iPad Apple Watch MacBook iMac HomePod iPod touch Apple TV If you've used Siri on any of these devices and think it may have picked up something it shouldn't have, you're likely qualified. Didn't get an email or postcard from Apple? Here's what to do Apple and the legal team managing the settlement have started sending out emails and postcards with unique claim codes to people who are already identified as part of the class. But even if you didn't receive anything, you can still submit a claim. Just go to the official settlement website and follow the steps to file a claim without the code. You'll be asked to provide your details, confirm that you owned a qualifying device, and declare that you believe Siri activated during a private conversation. ⏰ Deadline to file a claim: July 2, 2025 How much money will you actually get from this Apple payout? Let's be honest—don't expect a windfall. While the total settlement fund is $95 million, it's being split among millions of Apple users, given the popularity of their devices and the 10-year window. According to the current estimates, most eligible users will receive around $20 per device. If you had multiple devices, you might receive more, but again, that depends on how many people file claims. The more people who file, the smaller each payout will be. But hey, $20 is still $20—and it's worth a few minutes to check if you qualify. Why does this Siri lawsuit matter for Apple users? This case is part of a growing number of legal challenges tech companies are facing over data privacy and user consent. With voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant becoming common in homes, concerns about accidental recordings and data collection are growing. For Apple users, this settlement highlights the importance of knowing what's happening with your personal data, even when it's just your voice being picked up in your living room. So how do you claim your Apple Siri settlement money? Here's a quick step-by-step guide: Go to the official Siri privacy settlement website. Enter the claim code if you received an email or postcard. If you didn't get a code, fill out the 'New Claim' form with your information. Confirm your belief that Siri recorded you during a private conversation. Submit your claim before July 2, 2025. Once everything is reviewed and approved, you'll receive your payment—most likely through a digital method like PayPal or direct deposit. FAQs: Q1: Who can file a claim in the Apple Siri privacy settlement? Anyone who owned a Siri-enabled Apple device between 2014 and 2024 and believes Siri listened without consent . Q2: How much can I get from the Apple Siri lawsuit payout? Most users will receive around $20 per eligible Apple device claimed.
