What's happened
Apple and Google have agreed to pay settlements over privacy violations involving their voice assistants, Siri and Google Assistant. Both companies faced lawsuits claiming they recorded private conversations without user consent, sharing data with third parties. Apple’s settlement is $95 million, and Google’s is $68 million. Payments are capped at $20 per device.
What's behind the headline?
The settlements highlight ongoing concerns over voice assistant privacy. Apple’s $95 million payout and Google’s $68 million settlement reflect the scale of the issue, affecting tens of millions of users. Despite denials, both firms have now implemented opt-in requirements for recording audio, signaling a shift towards greater transparency. These cases underscore the risks tech giants face when privacy promises clash with data collection practices. The lawsuits reveal that unintentional activations can lead to significant privacy breaches, fueling public distrust. Moving forward, stricter regulations and user controls are likely to be enforced, making privacy a central concern for voice assistant technology. The impact extends beyond legal liabilities, influencing industry standards and consumer expectations.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Apple’s $95 million settlement covers users who owned Siri-enabled devices between 2014 and 2024, with claims capped at $20 per device. The article notes that the lawsuit was triggered by complaints of unintentional recordings shared with third parties, leading to targeted ads. Meanwhile, The Guardian details Google’s $68 million settlement, which was filed in California after allegations of surreptitious recording and data sharing. Both companies deny wrongdoing but settled to avoid prolonged legal battles. The NY Post highlights that Apple has begun issuing payments and has tightened privacy controls, requiring user opt-in for audio data use. These contrasting reports emphasize the widespread industry challenge of balancing user privacy with data-driven services.
How we got here
The lawsuits stem from allegations that both Apple and Google recorded private conversations without explicit user consent, often triggered by unintentional activation of their voice assistants. These incidents occurred between 2014 and 2024, leading to class-action suits. Both companies have denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid prolonged litigation, with Apple’s settlement announced in January 2026 and Google’s pending approval.
Go deeper
- How did these companies respond to the allegations?
- What changes have they made since the lawsuits?
- Will this affect future voice assistant technology?
Common question
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Big Tech Settles Privacy Lawsuits: What Users Need to Know
Recent lawsuits against Google and Apple have brought privacy concerns to the forefront. Both companies have agreed to pay millions to settle allegations of recording users' conversations without consent. This raises important questions about how your voice data is handled and what changes you might see. Below, we answer common questions about these settlements and what they mean for your privacy.
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What Are the Details of Apple and Google's Privacy Settlement?
Apple and Google recently settled lawsuits over privacy violations involving their voice assistants, Siri and Google Assistant. These cases raised concerns about unintentional recordings and data sharing without user consent. Curious about what this means for you? Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the settlements, their impact on user privacy, and whether voice assistants are still safe to use.
More on these topics
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Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
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Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.