What happened

Filed in 2019, the lawuit accused Apple of violating privacy laws by allowing Siri to record conversations without users saying the activation phrase "Hey, Siri." 

Plaintiffs argued that these recordings were captured consistently and shared with third parties for advertising purposes. 

For example, users reported receiving targeted ads shortly after discussing specific products or services, suggesting that their conversations were being monitored and analysed for marketing strategies.

Although Apple has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it has always prioritised user privacy, the settlement aims to resolve the ongoing legal dispute and avoid the uncertainties of a trial.

Why it happened

The allegations stem from claims that Siri was unintentionally activated due to misinterpretations of sounds, leading to recordings of private conversations. A whistleblower previously reported that contractors overheard sensitive discussions during quality assurance tests on Siri, raising concerns about how often these unintended activations occurred. 

The lawsuit highlights potential flaws in Apple's privacy protocols and raises questions about the extent of data collection practices associated with voice-activated technologies and about the integrity of Apple's stated commitment to user privacy.