Apple has agreed to pay a $95 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, recorded users’ private conversations without their consent.
The lawsuit claimed that Siri would occasionally activate and record conversations without the user intentionally triggering it by saying “Hey Siri.”
Instead, everyday sounds such as the noise of a zipper, raising an Apple Watch, or nearby voices reportedly caused the assistant to activate unintentionally.
The plaintiffs further accused Apple of sharing the unauthorized recordings and associated user data with third-party advertisers, raising concerns about privacy and data security.
These allegations sparked a five-year legal battle, during which Apple faced criticism for its handling of user privacy in the context of smart technology.
The settlement does not include an admission of wrongdoing by Apple, but it brings the protracted case to a close. It also highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by tech companies regarding how they collect, store, and use user data.
Siri’s privacy practices have been part of broader concerns surrounding voice-activated assistants, which many users fear may inadvertently invade their privacy.
This case underscores the need for companies to ensure that their products prioritize user consent and transparency, especially in a world where technology is deeply integrated into daily life.
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