Fitbit Faces $12M Fine Over Ionic Smartwatch Burns Settlement

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Fitbit settles with CPSC and agrees to pay a $12.25 million fine over smartwatch burn incidents

Fitbit has reached a settlement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) over a defect in its Ionic smartwatch that caused injuries to some users. The Google-owned company has agreed to pay a $12.25 million penalty, stemming from the overheating issue that led to burns for some wearers of the device.

The problem dates back to 2018, continuing through 2020, and was serious enough to prompt a recall of the Ionic smartwatch in March 2022. According to the CPSC, the device posed an “unreasonable risk of serious injury or death” due to the overheating battery.

Fitbit had issued a firmware update in early 2020 in an attempt to resolve the issue, but the update did not fully address the problem. The CPSC noted that despite having information about the potential danger, Fitbit failed to report the issue immediately, as required by law.

A total of 115 U.S. consumers reported problems with the smartwatch’s battery overheating. Among these, 78 individuals reported experiencing burns, including two who sustained third-degree burns and four who suffered second-degree burns.

As part of the settlement, Fitbit will also submit annual reports to the CPSC, including internal audits of its safety operations. The company is required to improve its internal controls and procedures to ensure future compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).

This agreement highlights the importance of product safety and the need for swift action when potential hazards are identified. Fitbit’s efforts to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future are part of its commitment to consumer safety.