Apple Reiterates Commitment to Privacy: Denies Using Siri Data for Marketing Profiles
In a world where data privacy concerns are increasingly taking center stage, Apple has once again emphasized its dedication to protecting user data. On Wednesday, the tech giant clarified that it has never sold data collected through its Siri voice assistant or used it to build marketing profiles. This statement comes in the wake of a $95 million settlement over allegations of unauthorized recording and sharing of user conversations.
The class-action lawsuit alleged that Apple routinely recorded private conversations triggered by the unintentional activation of Siri and shared these recordings with third parties, including advertisers. Plaintiffs claimed that Siri's activation by “hot words” like “Hey, Siri” inadvertently captured sensitive conversations. However, Apple has firmly denied these accusations and maintained that it admitted no wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement.
As part of the settlement, tens of millions of Apple users who own Siri-enabled devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches may be eligible to receive compensation of up to $20 per device. This resolution, though costly for the Cupertino-based company, serves as a proactive step to address consumer concerns and mitigate further legal challenges.
In its official statement, Apple reiterated, "Apple has never used Siri data to build marketing profiles, never made it available for advertising, and never sold it to anyone for any purpose." The company also emphasized that it does not retain audio recordings of Siri interactions unless users explicitly opt-in to assist in improving Siri’s performance. Even when users consent to this, the recordings are used solely for research and development purposes, ensuring they remain confidential.
The clarification was issued following widespread speculation on social media that the settlement was a tacit admission of guilt. Apple, however, categorically denied these interpretations, pointing out that some of Siri’s features require real-time data input from its servers to function effectively. The company assured users that even in such cases, Siri operates using the minimum amount of data necessary to deliver accurate results.
Apple’s commitment to user privacy has been a cornerstone of its brand identity. The company has consistently marketed itself as a champion of consumer privacy, often contrasting its policies with competitors in the tech space. To bolster its privacy initiatives, Apple announced plans to continue developing advanced technologies aimed at making Siri even more private and secure.
The case highlights the growing scrutiny faced by tech companies over how voice assistants handle user data. Apple is not alone in facing legal challenges. A similar lawsuit has been filed against Google’s Voice Assistant, which is currently pending in federal court in San Jose, California. Interestingly, the same legal team representing plaintiffs in the Apple case is also involved in the Google lawsuit, signaling that these privacy battles may extend across the tech industry.
Apple’s recent statement underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and trust with its vast customer base. While the settlement marks a significant financial payout, it also reinforces the need for ongoing vigilance in safeguarding user data. For users of Siri-enabled devices, Apple’s commitment to privacy remains a crucial assurance in an era where data security is more important than ever.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com