Fri. 01/03 – Turns Out, Siri WAS Listening To You!
Jan 3, 2025
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Apple faces a hefty fine for Siri's eavesdropping, sparking debates on privacy. Strava teams up with Apple Fitness+, enhancing user experience. Meanwhile, net neutrality takes a hit again, with implications for internet access. Venture capital is in a slump, posing challenges for startups, as CES looms with exciting tech previews. Lastly, groundbreaking monitors featuring QD OLED technology promise innovation, but concerns about living near data centers arise.
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Quick takeaways
Apple's $95 million settlement over Siri highlights ongoing privacy concerns related to voice assistants inadvertently recording private conversations.
The end of net neutrality in the U.S. signals a critical shift in internet access and content management, raising consumer rights concerns.
Deep dives
Apple's Siri Privacy Settlement
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement in response to a lawsuit alleging that its Siri voice assistant recorded private conversations without consent. The lawsuit claims that incidents occurred when Siri was unintentionally activated, leading to the sharing of users' private discussions with third parties. Individuals reported instances where mentions of products triggered targeted advertisements on their devices, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. Although Apple denies any wrongdoing, this case highlights ongoing fears about voice assistants and their potential to breach user privacy.
Strava Partners with Apple Fitness Plus
Strava has initiated a collaboration with Apple Fitness Plus, allowing Strava subscribers to enjoy a three-month free trial of the service. This partnership offers a more integrated user experience, including detailed workout summaries and appearances of Strava athletes in Fitness Plus content. Notably, the integration also marks a shift for Apple as they draw talent from the broader fitness community, enhancing the offerings of Fitness Plus. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move for both companies, particularly following Strava's recent changes that prompted user dissatisfaction.
The Status of Net Neutrality in the U.S.
A recent court ruling has effectively solidified the end of net neutrality in the United States, determining that the FCC lacks the authority to reinstate such regulations. This ruling underscores a significant shift in how internet service providers can manage data and content, potentially leading to unequal access for users. Despite some state-level regulations remaining in place, the decision poses a long-term challenge to efforts aimed at restoring net neutrality at the federal level. The current climate raises concerns about consumer rights and the future of an open internet, as significant industry groups celebrate the ruling as a victory for market competition.
Apple pays a fine cause Siri was listening in on what you said. Strava does a tie-in with Apple Fitness+. Net Neutrality is dead again, and it looks like for good this time. The nuclear winter in the VC space, CES is coming for us all, and a Weekend Longreads Suggestion.