Latest news with #FumikoLopez
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple to pay $95 million in Siri eavesdropping settlement; Here's how to file your claim
Those who own Siri-enabled devices, including iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads, may be eligible to file a claim in Apple's $95 million settlement over allegations that Siri has been eavesdropping on consumers. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported by CBS News, California resident Fumiko Lopez filed a lawsuit in 2021 claiming that several types of Apple devices have been eavesdropping on Apple consumers. The lawsuit claims that the private and confidential discussions Siri had allegedly listened to were being shared with third-party businesses that then targeted consumers with ads in Apple search and Safari, according to CBS News. 'Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful,' the settlement website states. Apple agreed to the settlement earlier this year, and now consumers can file claims to get a piece of the $95 million agreement. TRENDING STORIES: Deputies: Wood thrown at officers in high-speed chase; ends in wrong-way crash on I-75 Injuries reported after car slams into Miami County home Child, adult dead after being pulled from SUV that went into pond Consumers who owned Siri-enabled iPhones and other Apple devices between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, and 'experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication,' are eligible to file a claim, according to the settlement website. Consumers who owned iPhones, iPads, an iPod Touch, an iMac, a MacBook, an Apple Watch, an AppleTV, and/or a HomePod could all be eligible for payment. The amount consumers could earn ultimately depends on how many people file claims, but CBS News reported there's a cap of $20 per Siri-enabled device that a person owns. Apple consumers can file a claim for as many as five Siri-enabled devices, for a maximum payout of $100, according to the settlement site. To submit a claim, visit the settlement website here. The settlement's final approval hearing is scheduled for August 1, 2025, at 9 a.m., but there could be an appeal that would delay the payout, as reported by CBS News. The settlement payment will not come until later this year at the earliest. There is no confirmed date. Settlement payments, if you receive them, will be sent via physical check, e-check, or direct deposit. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Miami Herald
17-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Claim your piece of Apple's $95 million Siri settlement
Virtual assistants like Siri have become part of our everyday lives. iPhones, Macs, and even Apple TVs are equipped with this helpful voice assistant that can do everything from tell you the weather to call your contacts to provide sports scores and control video playback. However, there's a catch with all of this technology. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter While it may make your life easier and tasks more intuitive, it also comes at a cost - and not just a monetary one. Devices are constantly listening, and many people are concerned about the privacy implications of letting virtual assistants eavesdrop on every conversation they have, even in the privacy of their home. Tech companies need to be careful about safeguarding customer information in order for consumers to feel the tradeoff is worth it - and they haven't always been great at that. In fact, in 2021, Apple was sued by a device user who claimed that Siri was listening to his confidential conversations even when he wasn't interacting with Siri, then sharing those conversations with other companies that sent targeted ads based on the private discussions. Related: Has Apple finally solved one of the biggest iPhone complaints? Apple denied the allegations, but also agreed to settle the lawsuit - and now consumers can now take action to claim a piece of the $95 million the tech company agreed to pay. Image source: Shutterstock The 2021 lawsuit against Apple was filed by a California resident named Fumiko Lopez. He owned multiple Apple devices and reportedly received targeted ads in the Safari web browser, as well as in Apple search, with companies placing the ads based on conversations that Siri overheard. Lopez v. Apple alleged the devices were recording these conversations even when the trigger words "Hey, Siri" were not used and when he had not taken any steps to activate the virtual assistant. Related: Apple iPhone decision will upset customers, appease White House The lawsuit took years to resolve, but the proposed settlement was finally filed with an Oakland court this year. While the tech company did agree to pay $95 million to resolve the case, the lawsuit website states: "Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful." The settlement is open to any Apple users who owned Siri-enabled devices, including iPhones and other products, between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Affected Apple products include: iPhoneiPadApple WatchMacBookiMacHomePodiPod touchApple TV Those claiming settlement funds must have "experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication." Consumers who participate in the settlement can expect to receive around $20 per Siri-enabled device, up to a maximum of five different devices. That means the maximum payment will be $100. Related: Shocking China news sends Apple stock surging today If Apple has your information on record, you may have received an email or postcard with a claim ID number and a confirmation code. You can enter this information on the settlement site, but you must take action by July 2, 2025. If you did not receive an email but believe you should be eligible anyway based on your use of Apple devices, you can also visit the settlement site and select the option "New Claim" to enter your personal information, including proof of purchase of the qualifying Apple device. You can also contact the settlement administrator via phone at 1-888-981-4106; or via mail sent to Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 6609, 614 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, NJ 08816 if you have questions or need help. More Apple News: Apple makes a massive change to its new product plansOura launches genius features to take on Apple, Fitbit, and WhoopApple sees sharp narrative shift as tariffs dominate tech giant's outlook Payments are expected later this year, as the final approval for the settlement is anticipated on August 1, 2025. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lopez v. Apple lawsuit: How you can file a claim in the $95 million settlement over allegations Siri eavesdropped
If you own an Apple device, you may be owed some cash from the tech giant. It's part of a $95 million settlement Apple has agreed to that stems from a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company violated customer privacy through its iOS voice assistant, Siri. In 2021, Fumiko Lopez and other Apple device owners filed a lawsuit in a California federal court claiming that "confidential or private communications were allegedly obtained by Apple and/or shared with third parties as a result of an unintended Siri activation." The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, alleges that those private conversations were shared with third-party businesses that targeted Lopez and other Apple customers with ads in Apple search and in Safari web browser. Apple denies the allegations and any wrongdoing, but ultimately agreed to the settlement payout. Here's what to know about the lawsuit and whether you're entitled to a payment. Apple customers who owned or bought certain Siri-enabled devices and who "experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication' between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible to make a claim for a payout, according to the settlement website. Devices that qualify under the lawsuit include: iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, Apple TV streaming boxes, HomePod speakers and iPod touches. If Apple customers aren't sure if they're eligible, they can contact the settlement administrator online; by phone at 1-888-981-4106; or by mail at Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 6609, 614 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, N.J., 08816. The settlement website has a submit claim section where eligible Apple customers can file a claim online. Some people may have received an email or a postcard with a claimant identification code and confirmation code that should be used when making a claim. If you did not receive either of these codes and believe you have been affected, follow the instructions on the submit claim section of the website. The deadline to submit a claim is July 2, 2025. It will depend on how many people file claims, and each eligible customer can submit a claim for up to five Siri-enabled devices. Payments for each device are capped at $20 each, so there's a possible maximum payout of $100. Later this year, at the earliest. There's a final approval court hearing scheduled for Aug. 1, 2025, for the $95 million settlement, according to the FAQ page of the lawsuit website. If it's approved, those who filed claims will be sent their payment. When a customer submits a claim, they can select options to receive payment through physical check, e-check or direct deposit.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hey Siri, does Apple owe me money? Here's how to file a claim in the Lopez v. Apple lawsuit
If you own an Apple device, you may be owed some cash from the tech giant. It's part of a $95 million settlement Apple has agreed to that stems from a class-action lawsuit alleging the company violated customer privacy through its iOS voice assistant, Siri. In 2021, Fumiko Lopez and other Apple device owners filed a lawsuit in a California federal court claiming that "confidential or private communications were allegedly obtained by Apple and/or shared with third parties as a result of an unintended Siri activation." The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, alleges that those private conversations were shared with third-party businesses that targeted Lopez and other Apple customers with ads in Apple search and in Safari web browser. Apple denies the allegations and any wrongdoing, but ultimately agreed to the settlement payout. Here's what to know about the lawsuit and whether you're entitled to a payment. Apple customers who owned or bought certain Siri-enabled devices and who "experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication' between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible to make a claim for a payout, according to the settlement website. Devices that qualify under the lawsuit include: iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, Apple TV streaming boxes, HomePod speakers and iPod touches. If Apple customers aren't sure if they're eligible, they can contact the settlement administrator online; by phone at 1-888-981-4106; or by mail at Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 6609, 614 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, N.J., 08816. The settlement website has a submit claim section where eligible Apple customers can file a claim online. Some people may have received an email or a postcard with a claimant identification code and confirmation code that should be used when making a claim. If you did not receive either of these codes and believe you have been affected, follow the instructions on the submit claim section of the website. The deadline to submit a claim is July 2, 2025. It will depend on how many people file claims, and each eligible customer can submit a claim for up to five Siri-enabled devices. Payments for each device are capped at $20 each, so there's a possible maximum payout of $100. Later this year, at the earliest. There's a final approval court hearing scheduled for Aug. 1, 2025, for the $95 million settlement, according to the FAQ page of the lawsuit website. If it's approved, those who filed claims will be sent their payment. When a customer submits a claim, they can select options to receive payment through physical check, e-check or direct deposit.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple to pay customers $95M in Siri spying settlement — here's how to get your payout
If you have owned an Apple device since 2014, you could be due for some cash. Anyone with a Siri-enabled device may be eligible to file a claim as part of a $95 million class-action lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, accused the tech giant's voice assistant of spying on users and recording private conversations after unintentionally activating Siri. It is alleged that recordings happened even when users didn't say the prompt, 'Hey, Siri.' Eligible enabled devices include the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch and Apple TV. The suit was filed by Fumiko Lopez and other consumers in a California federal court in 2021, and they alleged that their recorded discussions were shared with third-party businesses, such as restaurants and brands, which led to targeted ads in Apple Search and Safari. Even though a settlement has been reached, 'Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful,' the settlement website states. According to the legal notice, consumers who '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' can now file a claim to get a payout. How much an individual will get from the settlement depends on how many people file claims, but the settlement website noted that there's a $20 cap per Siri-enabled device, and you can file for up to five devices for a maximum payout of $100. Some consumers may have received an email or postcard with a claim ID number and confirmation code. Those who have received that can use the information to submit a claim on the settlement site. If you didn't receive one but believe you still qualify, you can file by clicking 'New Claim' on the same link. You'll have to provide information such as name, address and proof of purchase. If you do not have proof of purchase, the website allows you to enter the device's serial number and model instead. The deadline to submit a claim is July 2, 2025. When the claim is submitted, you will be prompted to let them know if you prefer the payment to be sent via physical check, e-check or direct deposit. However, the payout won't happen until later this year at the earliest. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
