Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve allegations that its virtual assistant, Siri, recorded conversations without users' consent. The proposed settlement, filed in a federal court in Oakland, California, on Tuesday, addresses claims that Siri activated surreptitiously on iPhones and other Apple devices for over a decade.  

According to the lawsuit, Siri allegedly recorded conversations even when users did not trigger the assistant with the activation phrase, “Hey, Siri.” It further claimed that some of these recordings were shared with advertisers to tailor product advertisements to consumers.  

Contradiction to Apple’s privacy stance 

These allegations directly conflict with Apple's longstanding emphasis on privacy. The company, led by CEO Tim Cook, has frequently described privacy as “a fundamental human right.” Despite agreeing to the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing.  

The settlement still requires approval from US District Judge Jeffrey White, with a hearing proposed for February 14 in Oakland to review the terms.  

Who is eligible for compensation?

Consumers who owned Siri-enabled devices between 17 September 2014, and the end of 2023 are eligible to file claims. Each claimant could receive up to $20 per device, with compensation capped at five devices per individual. The payment amounts may vary depending on the number of claims submitted.  

Court documents estimate that only 3 percent to 5 percent of eligible consumers are likely to file claims.  

A drop in apple’s earnings bucket

The $95 million settlement represents a fraction of Apple’s profits, which have totalled $705 billion since September 2014. It is also significantly lower than the $1.5 billion potential damages lawyers claimed Apple could face if the case had gone to trial for alleged violations of wiretapping and other privacy laws.  

Attorneys representing consumers plan to seek up to $29.6 million from the settlement fund to cover legal fees and related expenses, according to court filings.  

(Agency inputs)