Apple's Siri Faces Scrutiny Amid Privacy Concerns in France

Apple's Siri Under Investigation in France
Recently, French prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Siri after a major complaint surfaced regarding its privacy practices.
French Cybercrime Unit Investigates Siri's Data Collection
The inquiry has been assigned to France's specialized cybercrime police unit, prompted by a complaint from the country's prominent Ligue des Droits de l'Homme human rights organization. According to reports, the complaint emerged with input from tech researcher Thomas Le Bonniec, alleging that Apple recorded and analyzed Siri conversations without obtaining user consent.
In defense, Apple stated that it has continuously reinforced Siri's privacy measures, particularly in 2019 and again in a planned update in 2025, highlighting that voice recordings are neither sold nor shared with advertisers.
Concerns Over Siri's Privacy History
This investigation follows a significant settlement in January 2025, where Apple agreed to pay $95 million to resolve a U.S. lawsuit that accused Siri of unintentionally recording private conversations with the potential to influence targeted advertising.
Since then, eligible users have started to receive compensation emails related to this class-action settlement.
Apple Faces Pressure on AI Technology
The scrutiny over Siri coincides with increasing criticism regarding Apple's advancements in generative AI technology. Investors have expressed dissatisfaction, with some labeling Siri's performance as lacking compared to competitors. Notably, Peter Andersen, an investor, referred to Siri as "an embarrassment" due to its technological limitations.
Recently, Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google even took a jab at Siri during its Pixel 10 advertising campaign, promoting its device while indicating that users should consider switching from Apple due to Siri's delayed upgrades.
In light of this criticism, it's reported that Apple is actively working on revamping Siri to make it more akin to chatbot interfaces, thus enhancing user experience.
Market Reaction and Projections
Amid these developments, Apple’s stock showed a slight decline, with shares dropping 0.52% on Monday, followed by an additional 0.35% dip in after-hours trading. Despite this, analysts indicate that AAPL's stock trend remains robust across multiple time frames.
As the conversation about privacy and technology continues to evolve, Apple finds itself at a pivotal point. The outcome of this investigation may not only affect Siri’s future but also redefine user trust in tech giants regarding data security and privacy policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation into Siri in France?
The investigation was initiated after allegations were made by a human rights group claiming Siri recorded conversations without user consent.
Who is leading the investigation against Apple?
The French cybercrime police unit is responsible for investigating the complaints about Siri's privacy practices.
What previous legal issues has Apple faced regarding Siri?
Apple previously settled a $95 million lawsuit over claims that Siri inadvertently recorded private conversations.
How has Apple's stock reacted to these privacy concerns?
Apple's stock witnessed a slight decline as investors reacted to the news of the investigation.
What changes is Apple planning for Siri?
Reports suggest that Apple is working on major updates to Siri, aiming to make it more chatbot-like and enhance its capabilities.
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