Hey Siri.
Am I eligible to receive part of the $95 million settlement reached after a class-action lawsuit accused you of spying on users?
While you wait on Siri’s response, anyone who’s owned an Apple device since 2014 may be eligible to receive part of the settlement.
Here are the details.
Am I eligible for part of the Siri settlement?
While the eligibility requirements are broad, they are open to anyone who has owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024, and who live in the United States or its territories.
Be aware that to opt in, you will swear under oath you experienced an unintended Siri activation while having a private conversation.
What is considered a ‘Siri-enabled device’?
Siri-enabled devices include:
How can I submit a claim in the Siri class-action lawsuit?
The Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement website allows Apple customers to claim a portion of the settlement.
Some users received an email or postcard with a claim identification code and confirmation code that can be used to make the claim. If not, you can still submit a claim online.
➤ Submit a claim form online
Is there a deadline to submit a claim?
Yes, the deadline is July 2.
How much money can I expect from the Siri lawsuit?
Payments for each device are capped at $20 and you can claim up to five devices.
The amount may be less, depending on the total number of claims submitted.
When will payments be sent?
It is unclear when payments will be sent out, but more clarification is expected after the court holds a final approval hearing Aug. 1 to decide whether to approve the settlement.
If appeals are filed, that may delay payments.
Lopez v Apple: Lawsuit alleges private conversations were being recorded
The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, was filed in a California federal court in 2021 by users who alleged their private conversations were being recorded by their Apple devices after unintentionally activating Siri.
Users in the class-action lawsuit claimed their Apple devices were recording them without their consent and sending their information to advertisers who used it to target them with online ads.
At the time, Apple said only a small portion of data was shared to help improve Siri and dictation.
Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and that the company did anything improper or unlawful, according to the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.
The court did not decide in favor of either the plaintiffs or Apple; both sides agreed to a settlement, court documents said.
The lawsuit’s FAQ page said a court hearing to approve the settlement is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 1. If the settlement amount is approved, those who claimed devices will be sent their part.
What is Siri?
Siri is a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence that is built into all Apple devices. Apple described Siri as a “private digital assistant” that learns what you need.
It’s capabilities range from answering questions and sending messages to telling you where you parked and recommending restaurants.
“The more you use Siri, the better it knows what you need. You can also tell Siri about yourself and change how and when Siri responds. Siri is designed to protect your information, and you can choose what you share,” Apple said on its website.
This story was updated to add a gallery.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Hey Siri. Can I get money from class-action lawsuit? See if you’re eligible and how to file claim
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, Julia Gomez and Lori Comstock, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
