In a major development for Apple users, the tech giant has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit surrounding allegations of its voice assistant, Siri, eavesdropping on users.

This lawsuit claims that Siri recorded private conversations without user consent, sparking significant privacy concerns and drawing attention from consumers and regulators alike.

Eligibility for the Settlement

If you have owned an Apple Siri-enabled device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and are based in the U.S., you could be eligible for a payout! However, to submit a valid claim, you must attest under oath that Siri activated unintentionally and recorded your private conversations.

The preliminary settlement, filed in Oakland, California, is currently awaiting approval from a U.S. district judge, with a potential decision date set for February 14, 2025.

How Much Can You Claim?

Good news for eligible users: Apple plans to distribute $20 to each qualifying device, allowing claims for up to five devices, totaling a potential payout of $100.

However, the final amount may vary based on total claims submitted as well as any legal fees deducted from the settlement — which could take up to 30% of the total fund.

What Happened?

The lawsuit dates back to 2019, when reports surfaced claiming Apple employees were listening in on Siri recordings, including sensitive conversations related to medical conditions, personal issues, and even drug deals.

Consumers reported that advertisements appeared on their devices shortly after discussing related topics, raising concerns that Apple might be sharing data with advertisers.

Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing and stated that it collects usage data solely to enhance Siri's functionalities.

Despite their denials, settling the case allows Apple to avoid a potentially far more expensive litigation, where litigation costs could reach $1.5 billion if the company were to lose.

What Should You Do?

If you qualify, keep an eye out for updates on how to file your claim. A dedicated website will be set up within 45 days of the settlement’s preliminary approval, giving you until May 15, 2025, to submit your claim.

In the meantime, if you're concerned about privacy while using Siri, it’s a good idea to disable the voice assistant.

Here’s how:

- **On iPhone or iPad**: Go to Settings > Siri > Talk to Siri and toggle it off. You can also disable voice activation options like “Press Home for Siri” or “Press Side Button for Siri.”

- **On Mac**: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner, then navigate to System Settings > Siri & Spotlight and turn off Ask Siri.

The Future of Voice Assistants

As this lawsuit reveals increasing scrutiny over voice technology, it may prompt users to reconsider how they interact with devices.

Apple is not alone; similar lawsuits have arisen against other tech giants, including Google, highlighting a broader concern about privacy in the digital age.

Remember, while Apple maintains that user data is anonymized and not shared directly, vigilance is vital.

Given the recent settlement and ongoing class action scenarios, be proactive about your privacy—informed use of technology is your best defense!

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor updates on this unfolding story and provide you with essential information on how to safeguard your privacy while using smart devices.