Apple customers may be eligible for a payout from a $95 million class-action settlement related to allegations about the company’s voice assistant, Siri. Many users recently received emails titled “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement” notifying them of their potential benefits.
The lawsuit claims that Apple used Siri to eavesdrop on conversations without user consent. Individuals eligible for compensation could receive up to $100, but filing a claim requires specific information, including proof of purchase or serial numbers from their Apple devices.
For those wondering if they qualify for the settlement, the criteria are straightforward. Class members must be current or former owners of a Siri-enabled device and must have resided in the U.S. or its territories during a specified time frame, from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024. Devices that fall into this category include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and other Siri-compatible products.
Despite the large number of eligible consumers—estimated in the tens of millions—claims administrator reports suggest that only a small percentage, around 3% to 5%, are expected to file. Many Apple users have already received notifications containing a unique claimant identification code that simplifies the filing process.
The origins of the lawsuit trace back to a complaint filed by the Wood Law Firm in August 2019. This legal action was spurred by reports alleging that Siri’s microphone had been inadvertently activated to record user conversations without their knowledge. An article by The Guardian highlighted that Siri was capturing audio even when the wake phrase “Hey, Siri” had not been activated, claiming this was done to improve Apple’s technology.
Apple has firmly denied these allegations and asserts that it has not acted unlawfully. The company emphasized that the proposed settlement does not imply any admission of guilt or wrongdoing.
According to the claims administrator, individuals may submit claims for up to five Siri devices, with each device potentially worth a maximum of $20. The total payout could fluctuate based on the number of valid claims received, affecting the amount each claimant is eligible to receive.
The deadline for filing claims is set for July 2, with a final court hearing planned for August. Those who have received a personalized notification can easily initiate the claim process using the claimant ID and confirmation code included in the email or letter. If no notice was received, individuals can still file a claim by providing additional information, including the serial numbers and models of their impacted devices.
To access necessary device information, users can log in to their Apple account online or check under “Settings” on their Apple devices. For those wishing to disable Siri, the process is simple: navigate to Settings, select Siri & Search, and toggle off the options to activate the assistant.
This class-action lawsuit shines a light on privacy issues surrounding smart devices, reminding consumers to stay informed about their rights and options.
This article was automatically generated by Open AI. The people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate, and any article can be requested removed, retracted, or corrected by writing an email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.