Fitbit agreed to pay a fine of $12.25 million (~RM54.4 million) after an investigation found that the lithium-ion batteries in its Ionic smartwatch overheated, in some cases causing burns to users. The incident caused the smartwatch to be recalled from the market in 2022.
For the record, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is working with Fitbit to recall 1.7 million Ionic watches in 2022 after receiving at least 115 reports of overheating batteries. Of those reports, 78 reported burn injuries , including two incidents where users suffered third-degree burns and four incidents of second-degree burns .
Despite complaints throughout 2018 and continuing into 2020, the agency said Fitbit did not promptly report to the Commission as required. Despite having information that reasonably supported the conclusion that the smartwatch contained a defect that could pose a serious product hazard or create an unreasonable risk of serious injury, Fitbit did not promptly report to the Commission as required.
In addition to a civil penalty of $12.25 million, the settlement agreement also requires Fitbit to maintain internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), including improvements made to its compliance program. Fitbit also agrees to submit annual reports on its compliance program, internal controls, and internal audits on the effectiveness of compliance policies, procedures, systems, and training.
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