Do you believe Apple’s Siri may have inadvertently recorded your private conversations? If so,you might be entitled to a portion of the $95 million settlement Apple is paying to resolve a class-action lawsuit. The deadline to file your claim is fast approaching.
Did You Know? The global voice assistant market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2025, highlighting the increasing reliance on these technologies. Statista
Who Qualifies for the Siri Settlement?
The settlement, stemming from the case of Lopez v. Apple Inc., aims to compensate current and former users in the United States whose Siri interactions were captured or shared with third parties due to unintended activations. To be eligible, you must have used a Siri-enabled device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.
Notifications regarding the settlement were dispatched in May by the U.S. District court for the Northern District of California.These notices, titled “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement,” were sent to potentially affected individuals.
How to File Your Claim
If you meet the criteria, you might have received an email containing a Claim Identification Code and a Confirmation Code from info@lopezvoiceassistantsettlement.com. Check your spam folder if you haven’t seen it. Even without the email or postcard, you can still submit a claim.
Claim Submission Steps
- With Notice: Visit the claim submission page and enter your Claim Identification Code and Confirmation Code.
- Without Notice: Go to the submission page and provide your contact facts, the serial number and model name of your Siri device, and proof of purchase if available. You can include up to five devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods, or HomePods.
You will also need to choose your preferred payment method: direct deposit or electronic check.
Key Dates and Details
The deadline for submitting claims is July 2, 2025. A final approval hearing is scheduled for August 1 in oakland, California, before U.S. District judge Jeffrey White.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Class Period | September 17, 2014 – december 31, 2024 |
| Claim Deadline | July 2, 2025 |
| Final approval Hearing | August 1, 2025 |
Potential Payout
the current estimate is a maximum of $20 per device. The final amount may vary depending on the number of valid claims and associated costs. The actual payout per device is likely to be less after deducting attorney fees and administrative expenses.
Pro Tip: Gather all relevant device information and purchase records to expedite your claim submission.
Background of the Lawsuit
The class-action lawsuit, initiated in 2019, alleged that Apple programmed Siri to record conversations even without the “Hey Siri” activation phrase. Plaintiffs also claimed that Apple violated privacy by sharing these recordings with third-party contractors.
Apple, while settling the suit in January, denied any wrongdoing. In response to privacy concerns, Apple stated that Siri data has never been used for marketing profiles or sold to third parties. The company settled to avoid further litigation and address concerns about third-party grading, which they had already addressed in 2019.
Following initial concerns, Apple implemented changes in August 2019, including suspending human grading of Siri responses, ceasing storage of Siri conversations, and making audio sample-based training an opt-in process. Even with opt-in, recordings were accessible only to Apple employees, not external contractors.
Do you think this settlement adequately addresses privacy concerns related to voice assistants?
What steps do you take to protect your privacy when using voice-activated devices?
Evergreen Insights on Voice Assistant Privacy
The debate around voice assistant privacy is ongoing. Concerns about data collection and potential misuse have led to increased scrutiny and regulatory actions. In 2023, the federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined several companies for collecting and using voice data without explicit consent. FTC Press Releases
Users are becoming more aware of privacy settings and data usage policies. Many are opting to disable voice assistants when not in use or regularly clear their voice history. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) provides resources and guides on protecting digital privacy, including tips for managing voice assistant settings. Electronic Frontier Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions About the Siri Settlement
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Consult with a professional for personalized guidance.
Don’t miss out on your potential share of the Siri settlement! File your claim today and share this information with others who may be eligible.