An Apple Store in Paris. Reuters Yonhap News. 

French authorities have launched an investigation into Apple's artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant, Siri.

According to Bloomberg and Reuters on the 6th (local time), French authorities initiated the probe after receiving a complaint alleging that Apple had collected user data without authorization in connection with Siri. The French prosecutor's office stated that the cybercrime division of the national police has been assigned to the case.

The investigation focuses on whether Apple collected user recording data through Siri and how that data was used. Apple can record and collect voice interactions via Siri to improve its services, and the company maintains that this is an "opt-in" feature that only functions with user consent.

Previously, the French organization "Human Rights League" (Ligue des droits de l'homme) filed a complaint with investigative authorities, alleging that Apple records, collects, and analyzes Siri conversations without user consent.

The organization received a tip from Thomas le Bonniec, who worked as an Apple contractor in Ireland. Le Bonniec had previously raised allegations that Apple analyzed sensitive user recordings.

In response, Apple reiterated that it has repeatedly strengthened Siri's privacy controls in 2019 and again this year, pointing to a statement it published on its blog in January.

At the time, Apple stated, "We do not retain audio recordings of Siri interactions unless the user has explicitly opted in to help improve Siri," adding that "even in those cases, the recordings are used solely for that purpose [service improvement]."

Bloomberg noted that France has maintained a strict stance toward major U.S. tech companies, including investigations into antitrust concerns and the taxation of digital services, which former U.S. President Donald Trump has previously characterized as "discriminatory."

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