While Apple isn’t a stranger to headlines, the latest controversy over Siri recording private conversations has the company facing a $95 million settlement. In this episode, we’ll break down what happened, how it affects you, and how to protect your privacy as we sit down and sync up with Rocket IT’s weekly technology update.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about:

• Apple facing a lawsuit tied to a privacy controversy.
• Accidental recordings by Siri that reportedly led to private data being shared.
• Compensation for eligible users.
• Why Apple may be required to make substantial changes to how Siri handles data.
• Immediate steps to improve your Siri privacy settings.

Video Transcript

Let’s dive into the issue at hand. Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit over allegations that Siri recorded private conversations without user consent and shared the data with third parties, including advertisers. The result? Some users reported seeing targeted ads for highly sensitive topics they only discussed in private.

So, how did this happen? Siri, like other voice assistants, is designed to activate when it hears a wake word—like “Hey Siri.” But the technology isn’t perfect. Everyday sounds, such as the buzz of a zipper or background noise in a conversation, have been reported to mistakenly trigger Siri. Once activated, these accidental recordings could capture snippets of private conversations, some of which were later shared with third-party advertisers.

This settlement applies to Siri-enabled devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, HomePods, and more. To qualify, you must have owned or purchased one of these devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.

Eligible users can claim up to $20 per device for up to five devices. But keep in mind, the final payout depends on how many people submit claims. Don’t plan that retirement party just yet.

Before any money is distributed, this settlement must first be approved at a hearing scheduled for February 14, 2025. If approved, Apple will be required to delete all improperly obtained Siri recordings within six months and provide clearer privacy disclosures to help users manage Siri’s settings.

But you don’t have to wait to take action. In your device’s settings, you can disable “Hey Siri” to prevent voice activation or limit Siri’s access to apps that handle sensitive information. And for business devices, where privacy is critical, disabling Siri entirely can eliminate accidental recordings.

And, for those organizations where quick fixes may not be enough, Rocket IT can help audit your environment for devices that pose a risk, implement secure communication practices, and recommend privacy-focused device policies tailored to your needs. Contact Rocket IT using the link in this video’s description to ensure your data stays where it belongs. And to stay up to date on trending technology news, hit that subscribe button and the bell to catch us on next week’s episode of Sync Up with Rocket IT.