The line between convenience and privacy has never been thinner, in the age of smart devices and virtual assistants. Voice assistants from various technological brands are designed to make life easier as they help in setting reminders, answering questions, and controlling smart home devices with a simple ‘call to action’. But what if those helpful devices are also listening when they’re not supposed to?
This unsettling possibility is at the core of a major lawsuit that was filed against Apple. Many users have alleged that their Apple devices recorded private conversations without permission.
The Lawsuit: Lopez vs. Apple
The class action lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, was filed in 2021 in a California federal court. Plaintiffs say that Siri was unintentionally activated on Apple devices and recorded confidential conversations without users' knowledge or consent.
According to the legal notice, as per reports by USA TODAY, “If you owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device and experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, you should read this Notice as it may impact your legal rights.”
The lawsuit further alleges that these unintended recordings may have been shared with advertisers, leading to eerily targeted ads. Some users said they received ads related to conversations they had out loud, without ever interacting with Siri. Others said that their devices appeared to be listening even when no activation phrase was used.
The case also cites a 2019 Guardian report, which revealed that Apple contractors regularly overheard sensitive information while reviewing Siri audio clips. At the time, Apple acknowledged the practice but insisted that only a “small portion” of recordings were shared for quality control.
Which devices are eligible?
If you owned or bought iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touches, Apple TVs between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, you may qualify.
How much compensation can you get?
People who underwent any such case of Siri activation, when not called to action, can receive up to $20 per device, with a maximum of five devices per person, for a total of up to $100. However, the actual payment per person could be less, depending on how many valid claims are submitted, as per reports by ABC News.
How to submit a claim?
You can submit a claim through the Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement website. Some users may have received an email or postcard with a claim ID and confirmation code, but these are not required to file. To qualify, you must attest, under oath, that you experienced an unintended Siri activation during a private conversation.
What is the last date to file for the claim?
All claims must be filed by July 2, 2025. A court hearing to approve the final settlement is scheduled for August 1, 2025. If the court grants final approval and there are no appeals, payments will be issued shortly after.
Can Indian Apple users claim this or is it only valid in the US?
Indian Apple users cannot claim this settlement as it is only valid for the US-based users. The class action lawsuit Lopez v. Apple was filed in a US federal court, and like most class actions of this kind, it applies only to individuals residing in the United States or those who purchased Siri-enabled devices in the US during the specified time frame.
Photo credits: X
This unsettling possibility is at the core of a major lawsuit that was filed against Apple. Many users have alleged that their Apple devices recorded private conversations without permission.
The Lawsuit: Lopez vs. Apple
The class action lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, was filed in 2021 in a California federal court. Plaintiffs say that Siri was unintentionally activated on Apple devices and recorded confidential conversations without users' knowledge or consent.
According to the legal notice, as per reports by USA TODAY, “If you owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device and experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, you should read this Notice as it may impact your legal rights.”
The lawsuit further alleges that these unintended recordings may have been shared with advertisers, leading to eerily targeted ads. Some users said they received ads related to conversations they had out loud, without ever interacting with Siri. Others said that their devices appeared to be listening even when no activation phrase was used.
The case also cites a 2019 Guardian report, which revealed that Apple contractors regularly overheard sensitive information while reviewing Siri audio clips. At the time, Apple acknowledged the practice but insisted that only a “small portion” of recordings were shared for quality control.
Which devices are eligible?
If you owned or bought iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touches, Apple TVs between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, you may qualify.
How much compensation can you get?
People who underwent any such case of Siri activation, when not called to action, can receive up to $20 per device, with a maximum of five devices per person, for a total of up to $100. However, the actual payment per person could be less, depending on how many valid claims are submitted, as per reports by ABC News.
How to submit a claim?
You can submit a claim through the Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement website. Some users may have received an email or postcard with a claim ID and confirmation code, but these are not required to file. To qualify, you must attest, under oath, that you experienced an unintended Siri activation during a private conversation.
What is the last date to file for the claim?
All claims must be filed by July 2, 2025. A court hearing to approve the final settlement is scheduled for August 1, 2025. If the court grants final approval and there are no appeals, payments will be issued shortly after.
Can Indian Apple users claim this or is it only valid in the US?
Indian Apple users cannot claim this settlement as it is only valid for the US-based users. The class action lawsuit Lopez v. Apple was filed in a US federal court, and like most class actions of this kind, it applies only to individuals residing in the United States or those who purchased Siri-enabled devices in the US during the specified time frame.
Photo credits: X
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