Apple has agreed to pay £185 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over its delayed AI features for Siri, its virtual assistant. The lawsuit was filed in 2016 and claimed that Apple had overpromised on the arrival of advanced AI capabilities for Siri.
The settlement is a significant blow to Apple's reputation and highlights the importance of transparency in the tech industry. By failing to deliver on promised advancements, Apple faced criticism from consumers and investors alike.
The lawsuit was filed in the United States and covered iPhone and iPad users who purchased devices between 2015 and 2016. The settlement will provide compensation to eligible claimants, although the exact amount per person is yet to be determined.
Apple has faced increasing scrutiny over its AI capabilities in recent years, as consumers and regulators demand greater transparency and accountability from tech giants. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has called for greater oversight of AI development and deployment, citing concerns over data protection and bias.
The EU's AI Act, due to come into force in 2024, will introduce stricter regulations on AI development and deployment, including requirements for transparency and accountability. Apple will need to consider the implications of the settlement on its future AI development and deployment plans.
Dr Emma Barrett, a leading expert on AI and data protection, commented: 'This settlement highlights the importance of getting AI development right from the start. Tech companies need to be transparent and accountable for their AI capabilities, and consumers need to be aware of the risks and benefits of AI-powered services.'