Google & Apple Settle Privacy Lawsuits for $163M | Snooping Claims

Millions of Apple and Google users unknowingly had their private conversations recorded, leading to a combined $163 million in settlements, according to recently revealed court documents.

Tech Giants Face Backlash Over Secret Recordings

Apple has begun distributing payouts from a $95 million settlement stemming from allegations it spied on users, even when they didn’t activate Siri.

• Apple is settling a class-action lawsuit for $95 million over unintended Siri activations.
• Google faces a tentative $68 million settlement for recording users without the “OK Google” trigger.
• Both companies deny wrongdoing but have altered their practices.
• Plaintiffs allege recordings were shared with third parties, leading to targeted advertising.

Apple has started sending payments to settle a class-action complaint accusing the Cupertino-based tech giant of surreptitiously listening to users who never uttered the “Hey, Siri” prompt. The lawsuit alleged a breach of privacy and sparked outrage among consumers concerned about the security of their personal data.

A hand holding an iPhone with the Siri interface showing the text “Go ahead, I’m listening…” Wachiwi – stock.adobe.com

Some users reported receiving targeted ads for products they’d only discussed privately, such as Olive Garden and Air Jordan, suggesting their conversations were being monitored. One individual even claimed to receive ads for a surgical procedure after discussing it with their doctor.

Google is also facing a tentative $68 million settlement stemming from a 2019 lawsuit alleging its Google Assistant activated and recorded users without the necessary “OK Google” wake word. A judge still needs to approve the deal.

How Did This Happen?

Both Apple and Google have denied any intentional wrongdoing, but the lawsuits highlight the privacy risks associated with voice-activated assistants. Apple now requires users to actively opt-in before their recorded audio is used to improve Siri’s functionality, according to The Mac Observer.

A close-up of a smartphone displaying Google’s AI-powered search feature with the text “AI in Search” and “Ask anything”. Koshiro K – stock.adobe.com

The settlements follow a similar $113 million payout Apple made in 2020 over allegations it intentionally slowed down older iPhones. The company also denied wrongdoing in that case.