Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/01/02/2134211/siri-unintentionally-recorded-private-convos-apple-agrees-to-pay-95-million?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Siri ‘Unintentionally’ Recorded Private Convos; Apple Agrees To Pay $95 Million
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**Summary:** This text discusses Apple’s $95 million settlement related to Siri’s purported unauthorized recording of private conversations. The case highlights significant privacy concerns associated with voice assistants, an area of increasing importance for technology companies and regulators alike.
**Detailed Description:**
– **Legal Context:** Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit over allegations that its Siri voice assistant inadvertently recorded users’ conversations without their consent and that such recordings were subsequently used to target advertisements.
– **Nature of the Allegations:** The lawsuit pointed to “unintentional” activations of Siri since 2014, where the device could be triggered without verbal command. A whistleblower claimed that devices like the Apple Watch could activate Siri by detecting speech when simply raised.
– **Customer Impact:** The extent of affected customers remains unclear, but if approved, the settlement offers compensatory payments of up to $20 for each Siri-enabled device owned by a customer during the period from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024.
– Eligible devices include:
– iPhones
– iPads
– Apple Watches
– MacBooks
– HomePods
– iPod touches
– Apple TVs
– **Privacy Assurance:** Besides monetary relief, the settlement proposal includes provisions for the permanent deletion of any recorded private conversations deemed unauthorized.
– **Legal Implications:** The settlement appears to favor Apple by avoiding a judicial ruling that could have resulted in much larger fines (up to $1.5 billion) under the Wiretap Act. The decision to settle arose from concerns over the unpredictable nature of privacy law, which could alter the certifiability of the class, potential liability, and damages.
– **Next Steps:** A court hearing to potentially approve the settlement is scheduled for February 14. If approved, notices will be dispatched to affected customers for their claims.
**Key Takeaways for Security and Compliance Professionals:**
– This case emphasizes the critical intersection of technology and privacy law, showcasing the risks that companies like Apple face with voice-enabled technologies.
– The implications of data privacy legislation continue to evolve, necessitating that organizations remain vigilant and proactive in their compliance strategies to mitigate litigation risks.
– Enhanced transparency and user control over data recording features will likely become more essential as public awareness and legal scrutiny surrounding privacy issues grow, urging tech firms to adopt stricter data protection measures.