Google and Apple have agreed to pay a combined $163 million to settle a lawsuit alleging the tech companies secretly listened to and recorded users’ private conversations. The lawsuit claimed that millions of customer conversations were captured without user knowledge and later used to support targeted advertising.
The case, first filed in 2019, raised serious concerns about digital privacy and the extent to which personal conversations may have been accessed without consent. While both companies have denied any wrongdoing, the settlement brings the long-running legal dispute closer to resolution.
Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Privacy Violations
The lawsuit was initially filed by Fumiko Lopez and other plaintiffs, who alleged that private discussions were recorded by voice assistants on Apple and Google devices. According to the complaint, these recordings occurred even when users did not intentionally activate voice commands.
Court documents allege that conversations believed to be private were intercepted and shared with brands. The plaintiffs argued that this data was then used to deliver targeted advertisements based on topics mentioned during those conversations.
The allegations sparked widespread concern among consumers about whether their devices were listening beyond intended use.
Reports of Targeted Ads Raise Concerns
As part of the lawsuit, several individuals reported seeing advertisements related to products or brands they had discussed verbally in private settings. These experiences led plaintiffs to believe that their conversations had been monitored and analyzed.
The court filings detailed examples where users felt advertisements closely matched topics discussed at home or with family members, without having searched for those products online. These accounts formed a central part of the argument that private speech had been improperly accessed.
While targeted advertising is common online, the idea that spoken conversations could be used without consent alarmed many users.
Allegations Involving Voice Assistants
According to reports cited in the case, Apple and Google allegedly recorded users without requiring the trigger phrases commonly associated with their voice assistants. The lawsuit claimed that Apple devices recorded conversations even without users saying “Hey Siri,” while Google devices allegedly did so without “OK, Google.”
These claims suggested that voice assistants may have been activated unintentionally, capturing audio that users believed was private. The lawsuit argued that users were not adequately informed about this possibility.
Both companies disputed these claims and maintained that user privacy is taken seriously.
Settlement Amounts Announced
As part of the settlement, Apple agreed to pay $95 million to resolve the claims against it. Google agreed to a separate settlement of $68 million. Together, the settlements total $163 million.
Despite agreeing to the payouts, both companies denied any improper or unlawful behavior. Settlements of this nature often allow companies to avoid prolonged litigation without admitting fault.
The court must still approve the terms of the settlements before payments are distributed.
Who May Be Eligible for Compensation
According to information released on a website providing updates on the lawsuit, certain Apple users may be eligible for compensation. Individuals who experienced unintended activation of Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, could qualify as settlement class members.
Eligible users may submit claims for up to five Siri-enabled devices. Compensation is expected to be distributed on a proportional basis, depending on the number of valid claims submitted.
The maximum payment is capped at $20 per Siri device, though the final amount may vary.
Claim Process and Payment Details
Settlement class members must submit a valid claim form to receive payment. The total payout to each claimant will depend on the number of claims approved and the number of devices listed.
According to the settlement notice, the payment structure may be adjusted based on how many users participate. Any changes must receive court approval.
The final compensation amount will not be determined until all claims have been reviewed and processed.
Apple and Google Deny Wrongdoing
Apple released a statement denying all allegations made in the lawsuit. The company stated that it did not engage in improper or unlawful conduct and emphasized its position that user privacy is a priority.
Google similarly denied the claims, maintaining that it did not misuse customer data or secretly record private conversations.
Despite these denials, the settlements reflect the high cost of resolving large-scale privacy disputes involving consumer technology.
Broader Privacy Implications
This case highlights ongoing concerns about digital privacy and the role of voice-enabled technology in everyday life. As smart devices become more common in homes, questions about data collection, consent, and transparency continue to grow.
Legal actions like this one underscore the importance of clear disclosure and user control over personal data. They also demonstrate how privacy-related claims can lead to major financial settlements, even without admissions of wrongdoing.
Consumers are increasingly aware of how their data may be collected and used, prompting closer scrutiny of technology companies.
What Comes Next
The court will review the settlement terms before approving the final distribution of funds. Updates on the case and claim process are expected to be shared through the official settlement website.
Users who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to stay informed and review available notices carefully. As privacy laws and enforcement continue to evolve, cases like this may shape future standards for technology companies.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, stands with individuals whose rights may have been affected. Clear guidance matters when privacy and accountability are at stake. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Each situation is approached with care and attention to detail. Clients receive straightforward support during complex legal matters. Ted Law Firm is committed to helping people understand their options. Contact us today for a free consultation
