Discovering Your $20 from Apple's $95 Million Siri Privacy Compensation
Siri Privacy Settlement: Score Big for Your Privacy Violation
🔔 Ever felt like your personal conversations were being eavesdropped on? Apple just might owe you some bucks. The tech giant has agreed to a hefty $95 million settlement over privacy concerns surrounding Siri. Here's a guide on how to claim your payout, if you're eligible!
👩💼 The Scoop on the Settlement
Back in 2019, a revelation by The Guardian revealed that contractors regularly accessed private Siri recordings, allegedly sharing them with advertisers [1]. U.S residents who owned Apple devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, may be eligible for compensation.
💸 What's in it for You?
Qualifying device owners can receive up to $100 per household (up to $20 per qualifying device) [1]. The final payout could increase if fewer claims are filed than expected. And hey, why not? It's your money! 💰
🔑 Qualifying for Your Piece of the Pie
To claim the settlement, you'll need:
- Proof of Ownership: Have your device serial numbers or proof of purchase ready.
- Attestation: Verify under oath that Siri activated without your permission.
Note: The website to submit your claim is Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement in both English and Spanish.
📅 The Deadline's Upon Us
Be sure to submit your claim by the July 2, 2025, deadline to get a piece of the pie [1].
🔒 Data Storage and Deletion
The settlement also requires Apple to delete all Siri audio recordings collected before October 2019 [1].
🌟 Growing Concerns and Similar Lawsuits
The lawsuit follows growing concerns about AI-powered voice assistants and AI in general. Google is facing a similar class action suit, and Amazon agreed in 2023 to pay $25 million for privacy violations tied to its Alexa devices [1].
🧒 Protecting Your Privacy
If you're extra concerned about privacy breaches, prevent Siri from automatically activating or consider avoiding AI voice assistants altogether [1].
📰 Update
This story was originally published on January 3, 2025, and updated on May 9, 2025, with new developments. Keep an ear out for more updates!
Stay informed with our Generally Intelligent Newsletter and View on Walrus for more in-depth coverage on AI, technology, and the world we live in.
💡 Here's the Fine Print
- Apple hasn't admitted wrongdoing but agreed to compensate U.S users due to claims Siri recorded conversations without permission and potentially shared this data with advertisers.
- Users can receive $20 per qualifying device, with a maximum payout of $100 per household for up to five devices.
- To claim, visit the Lopez v. Apple Inc. class action lawsuit website with your device serial numbers or proof of purchase.
- The deadline to file a claim is July 2, 2025, with a final approval scheduled for August 1, 2025.
- Despite Siri not admitting to wrongdoing, the crypto community is following the developments closely, as the settlement could have far-reaching implications for personal-finance and technology.
- Some individuals are already discussing how the settlement could affect the defi industry, suggesting that blockchain technology and decentralized applications might offer a more secure alternative to traditional voice assistants like Siri.
- Meanwhile, the growth of the NFT market has sparked debates about intellectual property rights and personal privacy, with critics stating that the current legal framework may not adequately protect creators and consumers.
- As more lawsuits against tech companies emerge, questions about data privacy and the role of AI in our lives become increasingly important in both finance and personal-finance discourse.
- With the increased focus on privacy concerns surrounding AI, experts recommend that individuals take proactive steps to protect their personal data, such as regularly updating their device's security settings and limiting their engagement with voice assistants.
- In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, understanding the legal and privacy implications of AI is essential for making informed decisions about how we interact with these powerful tools.