Apple denies selling Siri data amid $95 million settlement

Apple has reiterated its commitment to user privacy, stating that data collected by its Siri voice assistant has never been sold, used for advertising, or employed to create marketing profiles. The clarification follows a $95 million settlement the company reached last week to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging unauthorized recording and disclosure of users’ private conversations.

The lawsuit, filed by Apple customers, claimed that Siri sometimes activated unintentionally and recorded sensitive conversations, which were later shared with third parties like advertisers. Although Apple agreed to the settlement, it denied the allegations and admitted no wrongdoing. Under the settlement terms, millions of users may be eligible for compensation of up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, such as iPhones and Apple Watches.

In a statement released Wednesday, Apple pushed back against speculation on social media and in the media that the settlement confirmed the accusations. The Cupertino-based tech giant emphasized its long-standing privacy policies, stating, “Apple has never used Siri data to build marketing profiles, never made it available for advertising, and never sold it to anyone for any purpose.”

Apple clarified that Siri only accesses minimal data from its servers to deliver accurate results for certain features that require real-time processing. It also reassured users that Siri interactions are not retained unless customers explicitly opt in to improve the service. Even in those cases, Apple stated, the recordings are strictly used for that purpose and not for commercial gain.

The company highlighted its ongoing commitment to privacy, noting its efforts to enhance Siri’s functionality while ensuring user data remains secure.

This settlement comes as privacy concerns around voice-activated technologies grow. Companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon have faced increased scrutiny over how their virtual assistants handle user data. While Apple has consistently marketed itself as a leader in privacy, this case underscores the challenges of balancing advanced technology with user trust.

The settlement provides a resolution for plaintiffs, but it also serves as a reminder of the broader privacy issues tech companies must navigate in an era of growing reliance on voice-activated tools.

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