Does Siri record our voices without consent? This question was recently brought up and filed in December 2024 in Oakland, California. However, even after some time of waiting for a U.S. district approval, Apple failed to provide solid evidence and prove them otherwise.

The lawsuit claimed that Siri was activated to record confidential conversations to share with third-party contractors. In response, Apple agreed to the settlement by providing $95 million to avoid further litigation but denied all wrongdoings. 

“I’m not surprised that concerns regarding Siri were brought up again,” Kevin Kim (10), Siri user, said. “As much as the feature is convenient, it does make me wonder if Siri listens all the time just to listen for its own name.”

Apple specified that Siri processes data through on-device where it minimizes data transfer and ensures that searches are not linked to users’ Apple accounts. To clarify that Siri has never been used to build marketing profiles, Apply stated that Siri does not retain audio recordings unless users opt in. 

“It is natural for people to assume or have the idea that Siri is spying and gathering information with an ill-intent,” Kaden Lee (12), Apple user, said. “However, it is clear that Siri is an opt-in feature where you can deactivate it and not worry whether it listens to you or not.”

This wasn’t the first time Apple has faced concerns regarding Siri. 2019 was the first year where the public expressed doubts about Siri, and reports surfaced that Siri recorded voices and had it reviewed by human contractors. To combat this, Apple has and still continues to subsequently update policies, and enhances transparency regarding data usage by reminding users that Siri could be deactivated.