Mobile users accused Apple of eavesdropping on private conversations

A preliminary settlement filed Tuesday night in Oakland, California, is awaiting approval from a U.S. district judge, Reuters and Forbes reported.

The lawsuit stems from mobile users who accused Apple of recording their private conversations after they unintentionally activated Siri and sharing those conversations with third-party companies, such as advertisers.

‘User requests are not associated with the user’s Apple ID‘

According to The Guardian, the complaint dates back to 2019, when Apple hired contractors that could listen to users’ confidential medical information, drug deals and couples having sex. The recordings were reportedly used for quality control or “grading” the voice assistant.

“A small portion of Siri requests are analysed to improve Siri and dictation. User requests are not associated with the user’s Apple ID. Siri responses are analysed in secure facilities and all reviewers are under the obligation to adhere to Apple’s strict confidentiality requirements,” Apple told the outlet.

When using the phrase “Hey Siri,” the voice assistant is activated and can retain information from mobile users.

Plaintiffs received ads based on confidential information used by Siri

In the suit, two plaintiffs mentioned Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden, triggering ads for those products, per Reuters. Another said he received ads from a brand name surgical treatment after privately discussing it with his doctor.

The class action period ran from Sept. 17, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024. Mobile users eligible for the payout may receive $20 per device, including iPhones and Apple watches, up to five. According to Forbes, a settlement website will be set up within 45 days, and users will have until May 15 to file a claim.

Meanwhile, Apple has denied wrongdoing despite agreeing to settle with consumers.

Plaintiffs in the case may seek up to $28.5 million in fees and $1.1 million in expenses.