• Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that Siri, its voice assistant, violated user privacy. The lawsuit claimed Siri recorded private conversations without user consent, even when accidentally activated, and shared this data with third parties, including advertisers.
• Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are always listening for activation commands and processing audio data in the background. The lawsuit revealed that Siri allegedly recorded sensitive conversations without user intent, and shared these recordings with third parties, highlighting the hidden dangers of these devices.
• Smartphones are equipped with sensors like microphones, cameras and GPS, which can be exploited to track users. Apps often request unnecessary access to these features, creating opportunities for misuse.
• Users can take proactive measures to safeguard their privacy, such as limiting app tracking by disabling “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”
• The Siri settlement underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry. While Apple has pledged to improve Siri’s privacy features, users must remain vigilant about how their data is collected and used.

In a world where smartphones have become the extensions of many phone users, the line between convenience and privacy has never been blurrier. Apple, the tech giant known for its sleek devices and promises of user privacy, recently agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, violated users’ privacy.

The settlement, filed in a California federal court, highlights a troubling reality: That even the most trusted companies may not always have their users’ best interests at heart.

The lawsuit accused Apple of routinely recording private conversations when Siri was accidentally activated and sharing that data with third parties, including advertisers. Plaintiffs claimed that seemingly private discussions – about everything from Air Jordan sneakers to medical treatments – triggered eerily specific ads.

While Apple denied wrongdoing and stated that it has never sold Siri data or used it for advertising, the settlement raises serious questions about how users’ personal information is handled behind the scenes.

Hidden dangers of voice assistants

Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are designed to make everyday life easier. But their convenience comes at a cost.

These devices are always listening for their “hot words,” like “Hey, Siri,” which means they’re constantly processing audio data. While companies claim this data is anonymized and secure, the Apple lawsuit suggests otherwise.

The case also revealed that Siri allegedly recorded conversations even when users didn’t intend to activate it. These recordings, which could include sensitive discussions about health, finances, or personal relationships, were reportedly shared with third parties.

For many, this is a chilling reminder that your devices may be listening more than you realize – and that your private lives are not as private as you think.

Smartphones as surveillance tools

The Siri lawsuit is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to smartphone privacy concerns. Your devices are packed with sensors—microphones, cameras, GPS—that can be exploited to track your every move.

Apps often request access to these features, even when they don’t need them, creating opportunities for misuse. (Related: Apple collecting private mental health data from iPhone users.)

For example, location data can reveal where you live, work and spend your free time. Microphone access can capture conversations, while cameras can potentially record video without your knowledge.

And while companies like Apple tout their commitment to privacy, the reality is that your data is a valuable commodity, and it’s often used in ways you don’t fully understand.

How to protect your privacy

While the Siri settlement is a step toward accountability, it’s up to us as users to take control of their privacy.

Here are five practical steps to enhance your smartphone privacy in 2025 and beyond:

Limit app tracking

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, and turn off “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”

Doing this prevents apps from collecting your data across other apps and websites, reducing the risk of targeted ads and data profiling.

Manage location services

Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and review which apps have access to your location. You can disable access for apps that don’t need it, and switch to “While Using the App” for others.

Turn off “Precise Location” for apps that only require general area data.

Opt out of personalized ads

Under Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising, turn off “Personalized Ads.” This stops Apple from using your data to serve targeted ads.

Additionally, disable “Share iPhone Analytics” and “Share with App Developers” under Analytics & Improvements to limit data sharing.

Secure your mobile browsing

In Safari, enable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking” and “Hide IP Address” under Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security.

These features block advertisers from tracking your online activity and prevent websites from identifying your location.

Control microphone access

Review which apps have access to your microphone under Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.

Disable access for apps that don’t need it, such as photo editors or games, to reduce the risk of unauthorized audio recording.

Call for greater transparency

The Siri settlement is a stark reminder that even companies with strong privacy reputations can falter. While Apple has pledged to improve Siri’s privacy features, the case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry.

As a user, you must remain vigilant about how your data is collected and used. By taking proactive steps to protect your privacy, you can enjoy the benefits of modern technology without sacrificing your personal security.

The $95 million settlement may be a drop in the bucket for Apple, but for the rest of iPhone users, it’s a wake-up call. Privacy isn’t just a feature – it’s a right. And in the age of smart devices, it’s a right you must fight to protect.

Go to Surveillance.news for more stories about other companies and government agencies taking advantage of user data.

Watch the video below to learn how your iPhone is intruding into your personal life.

This video is from the Hamilton-Moore Effect channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Apple’s Vision Pro goggles rewire the brain, researchers warn.

Apple, Google teaming up to better track your movements under the claim of providing you more ‘security.’

Lawmakers tell Apple and Google: Prepare to delist TikTok from app stores as ByteDance’s January deadline to divest nears.

Brain implants and the erosion of privacy: Are our thoughts safe from manipulation?

Privacy under siege: Europol and the UK Crime Agency target encryption, call for backdoors.

Sources include:

Reuters.com 1

Reuters.com 2

Geeky-Gadgets.com

Brighteon.com