Apple has agreed to pay a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit concerning its Siri virtual assistant. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2019, accused Apple of infringing on user privacy by recording and storing private conversations with Siri without user consent. Affected users can now submit claims to receive compensation, with the final deadline for submissions set for July 2. If you have used Siri on an iPhone, you may be eligible to receive up to $100 as part of this settlement.
The Background of the Siri Lawsuit
The class-action lawsuit, initiated in 2019, alleges that Siri was recording and storing conversations without user consent, including private dialogues that should have remained confidential. The suit claims that these recordings were shared with third-party contractors tasked with transcribing the conversations to improve Siri's performance.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the recordings were anonymized and only used to enhance Siri’s functionality. However, the lawsuit argues that these recordings could still be traced back to individual users, violating their privacy.
How to Submit Your Siri Settlement Claim
If you qualify for the settlement, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you submit your claim:
1. Check Your Eligibility
To be eligible for the settlement, you must meet the following criteria:
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Be a U.S. resident
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Own an iPhone 6 or later
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Use iOS 13.2 or earlier
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Have used Siri during the specified time frame
2. Gather Necessary Documents
Prepare proof of iPhone ownership, such as a receipt, a photo of your iPhone, or a screenshot of your iPhone’s settings page.
3. Complete the Online Claim Form
Visit the settlement website and complete the online claim form. You will need to provide your personal details, iPhone information, and a statement confirming your use of Siri during the specified period.
4. Submit Your Claim
Once the form is complete, submit it online. Alternatively, you can print the form and mail it to the settlement administrator.
Key Dates and Payment Information
The deadline for submitting claims is July 2, 2023. After claims are processed, eligible users will receive payments ranging from $25 to $100, depending on the number of claims filed. Apple has committed to distributing the $95 million settlement amount among qualifying claimants.
What Comes Next?
While the $95 million settlement represents a win for user privacy, it highlights a broader issue in the ongoing battle for data protection. As technology evolves, companies like Apple must prioritize user privacy and transparency.
This settlement serves as an important reminder that users have the right to control their personal data, and businesses must be held accountable when privacy violations occur. By submitting your claim, you're not only receiving compensation for the Siri privacy breach but also standing up for stronger data protection practices in the future.
Don't miss the deadline—take a few minutes to submit your claim and join the effort for a more secure and private digital landscape.