Are you a Fitbit user? If so, you’ll find this settlement of interest.
Fitbit failed to immediately report to a federal safety agency, as required by law, that its Ionic Smartwatch contained a defect that could create a hazard and a risk of serious injury or death to consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in an announcement about a settlement with Fitbit.
The company has agreed to pay a $12.25 million civil penalty to settle the charges from the CPSC.
During 2018 and 2019 and continuing into 2020, Fitbit received reports of the Ionic Fitbit Smartwatch overheating while being worn by consumers, causing burns including second-degree and third-degree burns on some consumers’ arms or wrists.
In early 2020, Fitbit offered a firmware update to mitigate the potential for battery overheating. However, Fitbit continued to receive reports of consumers suffering burns due to the watch overheating.
Despite having information that the smartwatches contained a defect that could create a hazard or risk of serious injury, Fitbit didn’t immediately report to the CPCS as required.
Fitbit and the CPSC jointly announced a recall of the Ionic smartwatches on March 2, 2022. The recall said that the firm had received at least 115 reports in the United States of the battery in the smartwatch overheating, with 78 reports of burn injuries in the U.S. including two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns.
In addition to the $12.25 million fine, the settlement requires Fitbit to maintain procedures to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act, including enhancements made to its compliance program. Fitbit has also agreed to submit an annual report on its compliance program.
It’s good news that the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch has been recalled and a settlement reached. However, some consumers say other Fitbit devices have similar issues, according to a MSN article.
