Apple's Siri Privacy Scandal Settled for $15M

Apple Lawsuit Settlement Siri

The Siri Secret: How Apple’s Virtual Assistant Sparked a Legal Nightmare

'Siri, am I being recorded?'

For years, millions of iPhone users trusted Apple’s iconic virtual assistant to handle their most private requests—directions, messages, even intimate health questions. But in 2023, a bombshell lawsuit alleged that Siri wasn’t just listening… she was remembering everything.

The Whistleblower’s Tape

The scandal erupted when a former Apple contractor, Daniel Hawthorne (name changed for privacy), leaked internal documents to The Verge. The files revealed that Siri’s voice recordings—including sensitive conversations, bedroom whispers, and even financial details—were being stored and reviewed by Apple contractors, allegedly for 'quality control.'

Worse? Many recordings were reportedly triggered accidentally, capturing users without their knowledge.

The Class-Action Lawsuit

In 2024, a coalition of privacy activists and iPhone users filed a class-action lawsuit, accusing Apple of violating California’s Invasion of Privacy Act and federal wiretapping laws. The plaintiffs claimed Apple had:

Failed to disclose the extent of Siri’s data collection.

Retained recordings longer than necessary.

Allowed third-party contractors to access private moments without consent.

Apple initially defended its practices, insisting the recordings were 'anonymized.' But leaked testimony revealed some reviewers could identify users based on background conversations.

The $15 Million Settlement

Facing mounting pressure, Apple settled in early 2025 for
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15million∗∗,thoughadmittingnowrongdoing.Payoutsrangedfrom∗∗50 to $200 per user, depending on proof of harm.

But the real shocker? Buried in the settlement fine print:

Apple agreed to delete millions of archived Siri recordings.

Implement opt-in consent for voice data storage.

Introduce on-device processing for most requests, reducing cloud transfers.

The Lingering Questions

Despite the settlement, skeptics wonder:

How much did Apple really know? Internal emails suggested some executives raised concerns as early as 2019.

Were recordings ever sold or shared? Apple denies it, but whistleblowers hinted at 'non-public partnerships.'

Is this the end? With AI and voice assistants expanding, privacy advocates warn: 'Siri was just the beginning.'

The Final Twist

Days after the settlement, an anonymous Reddit user claimed to be a former Siri reviewer. Their post?
'You’d be surprised what we heard… and who was listening.'

Apple has yet to comment.

Case Status: Closed… or just buried?

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Apple's Siri Privacy Scandal Settled for $15M

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