Fitbit paid $ 12.25 million civil punishment after “failed to report intentionally” the defects of Aeon Smartwatch, which had burned dozens of people, and said that it was a member of the Consumer Product Safety Commissioner. The meeting (CPSC) stated on Thursday.
Fitbit agreed to pay the penalty after reaching a reconciliation with CPSC.
The committee has accused the company for not following the law when reporting a defect that could cause the danger of a product or report a defect that could cause injuries and death.
Consumers have begun reporting the issue of Ionic Smartwatches overheating Fitbit in 2018. The report lasts until 2019 and 2020, and some consumers have maintained the second and third burns on their arms or wrists.
In 2020, Fitbit launched a firmware update to “relieve the possibility of the battery's overheating,” but did not stop the problem and continued Burns reports.
“Smart watches are rationally supported by the conclusion that smartwatches contain defects that can cause realistic dangers, or have defects that may cause unreasonable risks. Despite having owned the information, Fitbit did not report to the committee as needed, “said CPSC.
Fitbit stopped producing AEON Smart Watch in 2020, but was recalled by CPSC and Fitbit on March 2, 2022, affecting about 1.7 million units worldwide.
Recall said at least 115 reports that smartwatch batteries in the United States were overheating and had burned 78 Americans. The two reported the third burn, and the four reported twice.
In addition, there were 59 reports that overheating internationally caused burns caused 40 burns.
Reconciliation also requires Fitbit to “maintain internal control and procedures designed to secure compliance.”
Fitbit also agrees to submit an annual report on compliance programs and internal controls, and submit an annual report on internal audits on compliance, procedures, systems, and training.
