eSAFETY GUIDE

Siri

13+
Minimum age according to Apple (or younger with the permission of a parent or guardian)
13+ Minimum age according to Apple (or younger with the permission of a parent or guardian)

What is Siri?

Siri is Apple’s personal digital assistant, which is integrated into various Apple devices including iPhone, iPad and HomePod. It uses voice commands to perform a range of tasks, from setting reminders and alarms to sending text messages, making hands-free calls, navigating, getting updates on news and weather and translating audio into other languages. Siri uses AI-powered machine learning and natural language processing to understand and respond to verbal commands, questions and requests.

Siri is activated by saying ‘Hey Siri’, followed by your request or voice command. Siri also continuously adapts to your individual language use and can be configured to recognise and respond to different users, providing a more personalised experience for everyone. The information you ask Siri isn't associated with your Apple ID, and the audio of your requests never leaves your device, according to Apple, unless you choose to share it. However, anonymised transcripts or dictation data are processed and stored on Apple’s servers. 

Website: apple.com/au/siri/

How do people use Siri?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use voice assistants like Siri.

Siri is used for: content sharing, encrypted, gaming, in-app purchasing, live streaming, location sharing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing, screen capture, video calling, voice chat and voice command.

How can you remove or delete content?

These links are provided by Apple:

How can you protect your personal information?

This link is provided by Apple:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Apple:

  • Privacy policy
    Information on how Apple protects your privacy.
  • Parental controls
    Advice on Apple’s parental controls, including how to restrict Siri web searches.
  • Accessibility
    Explore Apple’s accessibility features, including those enabled by Siri.

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.