The Siri Lawsuit: Regulating the Voice-activated Technologies in Today’s World
January 4, 2025
By Esma Adiguze, LLB.
As the settlement figure is to be confirmed this year, let’s remember the controversy surrounding Apple’s . Allegedly, the virtual assistant, Siri, was recording private conversations without the users’ consent or knowledge. These conversations involved those of sensitive and confidential information such as medical records and business dealings.
The alleged controversy has led to Apple to change its practices in 2019 and allegedly the company has stopped retaining audio recordings of Siri interactions.
Affected users will need to file a claim through a designated website, which is anticipates to be announced after the court's final approval of the settlement, which is scheduled for June 21, 2025. While the process for submitting claims has not been provided, it is likely that the claimants may need to provide proof of ownership or use of eligible devices during the specified period (2011-2019).
Although the settlement still requires final approval, the Court’s approach sets a precedent in relation to how the Court will be addressing privacy concerns related to voice-activated technologies
