Apple had already commented in the media last Monday on the multi-million dollar settlement in the US class action lawsuit over the recording of Siri requests over several years, the company also made a statement a few days later. With a public statement on their website Later In it, the company emphasizes its long-term commitment to data security with Siri.
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Siri emphasizes “on device”
It describes, among other things, that Siri performs data processing “where possible” on the user’s device. This applies to both speaking and typing with Siri. “For example, when a user asks Siri to read unread messages, or when Siri makes suggestions through widgets and Siri Search, the processing occurs on the user’s device.” The content of the messages also will not be transmitted to Apple’s servers “because it is not necessary to respond to the request.”
The processing of audio – i.e. instant requests – will also be processed using an integrated neural engine in “enabled devices”, “unless users decide to share them with Apple”. It also stressed that Siri data was “never” used by Apple to create marketing profiles. The same applies to the sale of advertising or data, “regardless of the purpose.” Apple is constantly working on developing technologies that make Siri “even more personal.”
Apple charges for other app stores: EU Commission questions developersData minimization and private cloud computing
It also said that Apple reduces the amount of data collected per Siri request. If it is necessary to send data to Apple servers, one tries to receive as little information as possible to produce accurate results. Additionally, Siri requests and Siri searches will not be linked to an Apple account. Instead it is a random identifier. We also don’t keep audio recordings of requests, “unless users provide an explicit opt-in to help improve Siri.” Still, the recording is used “for this purpose only” and you can stop it at any time.
Finally, Apple emphasizes its private cloud compute technology as part of Apple Intelligence. Since Siri is (or is) also part of it, you use models that run entirely on the device and otherwise only on the PCC. Apple should not have access to the calculations done there, including the questions. However, the settlement of the class action lawsuit was regarding the fact that Apple relied on outside companies to evaluate Siri recordings, some of which even resulted in “dirty talk” being heard due to misplaced calls. Initially there was no opt-out.
(B.Sc.)
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