In what might be your last opportunity to benefit from technology gone awry, Apple’s $95 million settlement over alleged privacy violations by Siri is closing its claim submission process tomorrow. The time to act is now if you wish to secure your payout from the class-action lawsuit that accuses Siri of snooping on private conversations.
The Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, known as Lopez v. Apple Inc., was filed due to Siri’s “unintended activation,” allegedly leading to unauthorized recordings and sharing of users’ conversations. According to the claims, these actions took place between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, impacting many Apple users in the United States. As stated in ZDNET, this legal battle has led to a whopping $95 million settlement offered by Apple, which they agreed to pay without admitting to any wrongdoing.
Are You Eligible to File a Claim?
If you’ve used a Siri-enabled device during the specified timeline, you may be entitled to a portion of the settlement dollars. The preliminary notice was widely distributed via email to affected individuals, providing a Claim Identification Code and a Confirmation Code necessary for filing.
How to Proceed with Your Claim
For those who received the notice email or postcard, ensure to follow the instructions provided. Visit the claims submission page and enter your unique codes to begin the process. For those who didn’t receive any notification, don’t despair—you might still qualify. Simply visit the settlement page, provide your contact details, and submit information about your Siri devices.
The Financial Outcome
This isn’t a lottery, but a calculated claim process where you could receive up to $20 per registered Siri device. Note, this amount is subject to change depending on the number of participants and associated administrative costs. Nonetheless, if you have multiple devices, the payoff could accumulate to a considerable sum.
Apple’s Stance and Reforms
Apple stands firm on its position that Siri was crafted with user privacy in mind, a claim it reiterated during the case’s settlement in January. Efforts since 2019 to address privacy concerns have already led to significant updates, such as opting into audio sample grading and ensuring recordings are only accessible to Apple employees.
Deadline and Final Procedures
Remember, the deadline looms large—submit your claims by tomorrow, July 2, 2025. Failing to do so will mean forfeiting your right to claim your share of the settlement. Once the claims are in, a court hearing set for August 1 will determine the final approval for disbursement.
As the legal dust settles, this case not only highlights the evolving domain of voice-assisted technologies but also underscores the importance of privacy in our digital ecosystem. Be proactive and ensure to seize this rare opportunity offered by the settlement.