North India Statesman
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Apple has agreed to pay $95 million (about Rs 814 crore) to settle a lawsuit. The allegation in this case is that Apple recorded the conversations of users of iPhone and other devices using its virtual assistant Siri.
What is the matter?
- Using Siri secretly:
- The lawsuit alleges that Apple activated the virtual assistant even without the “Hey Siri” command.
- Siri reportedly recorded users’ conversations and shared that data with advertisers.
- This recording was used to show advertisements according to the users’ interests.
- Offer of compromise:
- The case is filed in federal court in Oakland, California.
- The lawsuit is nearly five years old, and will be resolved by this proposed settlement.
Apple’s side
- Denial of wrongdoing:
- Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing.
- The company claims that it always gives top priority to customer privacy.
- Court approval pending:
- The agreement has yet to be signed by the U.S. Approval is pending from District Judge Jeffrey White.
- Hearing on this will be held on 14th February.
How much compensation will users get?
- Eligibility:
- Users using a Siri-enabled iPhone or other Apple device from September 17, 2014 to the end of 2023.
- Compensation amount:
- Up to $20 (about Rs 1700) on every Siri-enabled device.
- Compensation can be claimed on a maximum of five devices.
- Actual payment will depend on the number of claims.
- Possibility of filing a claim:
- According to court documents, only 3% to 5% of eligible users can file claims.
Financial impact on Apple
- This settlement is a small part of Apple’s $ 705 billion (about Rs 60 lakh crore) profit, which the company has earned since September 2014.
- According to lawyers, if the case went to court and Apple was found guilty, the company could have to pay up to $1.5 billion (Rs 12,800 crore).
attorneys’ fees
- The lawyers who filed the suit have demanded fees and expenses of $29.6 million (about Rs 253 crore).
- This amount will be part of the settlement fund.
