By Joeziel Joey Vazquez-Davila
CEO of Credlocity
January 3, 2025
You might want to sit down for this one, especially if you're reading this on your iPhone. As someone who's spent years fighting for consumer privacy rights at Credlocity, America's fastest-growing credit repair company, I've seen my fair share of privacy violations. But this latest Apple settlement? It's a wake-up call that should have all of us questioning just how private our "private" conversations really are.
Here's the bombshell: Apple just agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit claiming that Siri, their supposedly helpful virtual assistant, has been doing more than just setting timers and checking the weather. The settlement, filed in Oakland federal court, addresses something straight out of a tech-noir thriller – allegations that Siri has been secretly recording our private conversations and sharing them with advertisers.
When Your iPhone Has Been Listening a Little Too Closely
Remember all those times you've joked about your phone listening to you? Well, it turns out you might not have been paranoid after all. The lawsuit that sparked this settlement began back in 2019 when The Guardian dropped a bombshell report. They revealed that Apple's contractors were regularly listening to private Siri recordings – and we're not talking about people asking for directions to Starbucks.
What's truly concerning is how these recordings happened. You know that "Hey Siri" wake phrase we all use? According to the lawsuit, Siri wasn't always waiting for an invitation. Something as innocent as the sound of a zipper could trigger it to start recording. Yes, you read that right – a zipper.
The Proof Is in the Advertising
Let me share something that sent chills down my spine when I first read about it. One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit was having a private conversation with their doctor about a specific surgical treatment. Next thing they know? Their social media feed is flooded with ads for that exact procedure. Coincidence? The lawsuit suggests otherwise.
But it doesn't stop there. Other users reported similar experiences:
A casual chat about Air Jordan sneakers suddenly led to shoe ads appearing everywhere
A dinner plan discussion about Olive Garden resulted in Italian restaurant advertisements popping up
Private conversations about medical conditions mysteriously transformed into targeted healthcare ads
Your Slice of the Settlement Pie
Now, here's what you really need to know – because yes, you might be entitled to some compensation from this settlement. If you've owned any Apple device with Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, you could be eligible for a payout.
We're talking about pretty much every Apple device you can think of:
iPhones
iPads
HomePod speakers
Mac computers
Apple Watches
Apple TVs
The settlement could put up to $20 in your pocket for each device, with a maximum of five devices per person. That means you could be looking at up to $100. Not exactly retirement money, but it's the principle that counts, right?
But Wait, There's More to This Story
Here's where things get interesting. As part of the settlement, Apple has to do more than just write checks. They're required to delete all Siri audio recordings collected before October 2019. They'll also need to create a webpage explaining their "Improve Siri" program – you know, the one where they say they're using our data to make Siri better.
And while Apple denies any wrongdoing (of course they do), this settlement represents something bigger than just money. It's about accountability in our increasingly connected world.
The Digital Privacy Crisis No One's Talking About
Let me put on my credit repair expert hat for a moment. At Credlocity, we see daily how personal information can be misused. When companies can listen in on private conversations about your financial situation, medical conditions, or personal relationships, the potential for abuse is enormous.
Think about it – if Siri can be triggered by a zipper, what else might it be hearing? Your credit card numbers? Your social security number? Your private financial discussions?
Protecting Yourself in a World of Always-On Devices
After years of helping people protect their financial privacy at Credlocity, I've learned that prevention is always better than cure. Here's what you need to do right now:
First, head to your iPhone's settings and review your Siri preferences. You might want to disable "Listen for Hey Siri" – yes, it's less convenient, but so is having your private conversations recorded.
Second, start paying attention to your targeted ads. If you're seeing advertisements for things you've only discussed verbally, that's a red flag.
What Happens Next?
A claims website will be launching within the next 45 days, and you'll have until May 15, 2025, to file your claim. But here's the catch – you'll need to confirm under oath that Siri listened to a private conversation without being activated.
The Bigger Picture
While $95 million might sound like a lot, let's put this in perspective. For Apple, this represents about nine hours of profit. Yes, you read that correctly – nine hours. It's a reminder of just how massive these tech companies have become and why we need to stay vigilant about our privacy rights.
Taking Action
As someone who's dedicated their career to protecting consumer rights, I can't stress enough how important it is to take action if you believe you're affected. When the claims website launches, don't just shrug it off. File your claim. Make your voice heard.
Looking Ahead
This settlement might be about Siri, but it raises bigger questions about privacy in our digital age. At Credlocity, we're committed to helping people protect both their financial and personal privacy. This settlement is just one battle in a much larger war for digital privacy rights.
Stay tuned to the Credlocity Blog for updates on this settlement and other crucial consumer protection matters. We'll be following this story closely and providing guidance throughout the settlement process.
Remember, in today's digital world, privacy isn't just about closing your curtains anymore. It's about understanding and controlling the technology that's become such an integral part of our lives.
What do you think about this settlement? Have you experienced similar situations with your devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's keep this important conversation going.
Joeziel Joey Vazquez-Davila is the CEO of Credlocity, the fastest-growing credit repair company in the United States, and the author of the widely-read Credlocity Blog focused on consumer protection and financial literacy. With years of experience in consumer advocacy and privacy protection, Joey brings unique insights to the intersection of technology, privacy, and consumer rights.