You can now submit your claims for Apple’s $95 million Siri spying settlement

The Verge - May 8th, 2025
Open on The Verge

Eligible Apple users can now claim a portion of a $95 million settlement related to a privacy lawsuit concerning unintended Siri activations. The lawsuit alleged that Apple’s Siri voice assistant was inadvertently recording private conversations without user consent and sharing them with third-party contractors. This settlement comes after Apple apologized and committed to not retaining user recordings. Impacted users in the U.S. can apply for their share through a dedicated website until July 2, 2025. Each approved claim could result in a payout of up to $20 per device, covering up to five devices such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and other Siri-enabled products.

The legal dispute, which began with a 2019 class-action lawsuit, highlights ongoing concerns about privacy and data security in the tech industry. Apple, while settling the case with a substantial payout, denied allegations that it used Siri recordings for targeted advertising. This case underscores the growing importance of user privacy and the responsibilities of tech companies to safeguard personal data. It also raises awareness among consumers about the potential for unintended data collection by smart devices, emphasizing the need for robust privacy protections and transparent data practices in the digital age.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story effectively communicates the essential details of the Apple Siri privacy settlement, providing clear information on eligibility, the settlement amount, and the claims process. It is timely and addresses a topic of significant public interest, given the ongoing concerns about privacy and data security in the digital age. However, the article lacks balance and transparency, primarily due to the absence of source citations and a limited range of perspectives. While it accurately presents the facts, the lack of explicit source attribution and exploration of Apple's viewpoint or broader implications limits its depth. Enhancing source quality and transparency, along with a more balanced presentation of perspectives, would strengthen the article's overall quality. Despite these limitations, the article remains a valuable resource for readers interested in the settlement and its implications for privacy rights.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate in its presentation of the facts regarding the $95 million settlement by Apple over Siri's alleged privacy violations. The details about the eligibility of U.S. Apple device owners who experienced unintended Siri activation between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, are correctly stated. The mention of the devices eligible for claims and the payout cap of $20 per device are also accurate. However, the story's claim that Apple pushed back against allegations of using Siri data for advertising targeting lacks sufficient evidence. While the lawsuit focused on privacy violations related to accidental Siri activations, there is no clear indication from the sources that Apple engaged in the alleged advertising practices.

7
Balance

The article primarily presents the viewpoint of the affected Apple users and the legal outcomes of the class action lawsuit. It does not delve into perspectives from Apple, apart from mentioning their denial of wrongdoing and their subsequent actions to improve privacy controls. There is a lack of detailed exploration of Apple's defenses or any third-party analysis of the situation, which could provide a more balanced view of the issue. Including perspectives from privacy experts or legal analysts could have enriched the narrative by offering insights into the broader implications of the case.

8
Clarity

The article is clear and straightforward in its presentation of the facts surrounding the settlement and the eligibility criteria for claims. It effectively communicates the timeline, the process for submitting claims, and the devices covered by the settlement. The language is accessible, and the structure logically follows the progression of the lawsuit's background, the settlement details, and the application process. However, the inclusion of more context around the legal and technical aspects of the case could enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with the background.

6
Source quality

The story does not cite specific sources or references, which limits the ability to assess the credibility and reliability of the information. The lack of direct attribution to primary sources such as court documents or statements from Apple weakens the authority of the report. While the information aligns with known facts about the lawsuit and settlement, the absence of explicit source attribution makes it difficult to verify the details independently.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of source disclosure and methodology. It does not provide information on how the details were obtained or whether there are any potential conflicts of interest. The absence of background on the reporting process or the sources of information makes it challenging to assess the transparency of the article fully. Greater transparency would involve disclosing the basis for claims, such as referencing legal documents or official statements from the involved parties.

Sources

  1. https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/apple-agrees-to-usd95-million-siri-settlement-heres-how-to-claim-your-share
  2. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/07/apple-users-claims-siri-spying-lawsuit/
  3. https://www.zdnet.com/article/you-could-get-a-cut-of-apples-95-million-siri-settlement-heres-how/
  4. https://www.breakingthethermometer.com/apple-siri-settlement/
  5. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255913222