Google, Apple to pay combined $163M to settle bombshell lawsuits claiming they snooped on private conversations

3 2 minutes read

Google, Apple to pay combined 3M to settle bombshell lawsuits claiming they snooped on private conversations — Google Apple to pay combined 163M to settle bombshell lawsuits.jpg

Hey, Siri, butt out!

Google and Apple were caught eavesdropping on millions of customers’ conversations, resulting in a combined $163 million settlement. Apple has already started sending payments to settle its $95 million class-action complaint. The lawsuit accused Apple of spying on users without the “Hey, Siri” prompt.

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

Some users reported receiving ads for products like Olive Garden and Air Jordan that they had discussed in recorded conversations.

Google has reached a tentative $68 million settlement for its Google Assistant recording users without the “OK Google” prompt. The settlement is part of a 2019 lawsuit and is pending approval from a judge.

Both Siri and Google Assistant are voice-activated assistants used for various tasks. Apple and Google have denied any wrongdoing, claiming they used the recordings to enhance their products.

Apple now requires users to opt-in before using recorded audio to improve Siri’s functionality.

A close-up of a smartphone displaying Google's AI-powered search feature with the text 'AI in Search' and 'Ask anything'. — 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

Apple customers who experienced unintended Siri activations are eligible for a payout. The settlement caps the amount at $20 per Siri-enabled device, with a maximum of five devices per person.

The $95 million settlement represents about nine hours of profit for Apple. The company denies any wrongdoing in the case.

Google users who purchased a Google-made device and had Gmail accounts associated with Google Assistant-enabled devices may be included in the class-action suit.

Apple and Google have faced legal challenges for their practices before, with Apple paying $113 million in 2020 for slowing down older iPhones.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!

Some users reported receiving targeted ads for products they had discussed in recorded conversations, such as Olive Garden and Air Jordan. Another user received ads for a specific surgical treatment after discussing it with their doctor.

Apple and Google have faced legal challenges in the past, with Apple paying $113 million in 2020 for intentionally slowing down older iPhones. Both companies have denied any wrongdoing in these cases.

Google users may be eligible for the class-action suit if they purchased a Google-made device and had Gmail accounts associated with Google Assistant-enabled devices between specific dates.

The final settlement amount is subject to approval by a federal judge.