Apple contractors can no longer listen to your private conversations via Siri

Last week, we reported about a serious privacy issue related to Apple Siri. People who check Siri voice data for inaccuracies were also listening to user’s private conversations. An Apple contractor confirmed that there have been countless instances of recordings featuring private discussions between doctors and patients, business deals, seemingly criminal dealings, sexual encounters and so on. More serious issue is that these private recordings are accompanied by user data including location, contact details, and app data. Last week, Apple responded to the story that it only reviews 1% of the recordings. Yesterday, Apple changed its mind and decided to act upon this issue.

Apple yesterday announced that it is suspending the Siri quality control program which allowed contracts to listen to Siri recordings. Apple offered the following statement regarding this issue.

We are committed to delivering a great Siri experience while protecting user privacy. While we conduct a thorough review, we are suspending Siri grading globally. Additionally, as part of a future software update, users will have the ability to choose to participate in grading.

In conclusion, Apple will stop listening to our private conversations. Apple can only listen to private conversations of Siri users who have explicitly chose to participate in such quality programs.