See what's being clicked on FoxBusiness.com.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Thursday ordered Fitbit to pay a $12.25 million civil penalty for “knowingly failing to promptly report” a defect in its Ion smartwatch that caused dozens of people to be burned. announced.
Fitbit agreed to pay the penalty after reaching a settlement with the CPSC.
The commission accused the company of failing to follow the law in reporting defects that could endanger the product or pose a risk of injury or death.
Fitbit recalls 1.7 million smartwatches due to burn hazard
Fitbit has reached a settlement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which accused the company of failing to report a known defect in its Ionic smartwatch, agreeing to pay a $12.25 civil penalty. (Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Consumers began reporting overheating issues with their Ionic smartwatches to Fitbit in 2018. The reports continued in 2019 and 2020, with some consumers reporting to the company that they continued to have second- and third-degree fevers. I got burns on my arms and wrists. From defects.
In 2020, Fitbit launched a firmware update to “reduce the potential for battery overheating,” but the problem persisted and reports of burns continued.
“Even though the CPSC had information that reasonably supported the conclusion that the smartwatch contained a defect that could pose a significant risk to the product or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury,'' “Fitbit did not immediately report to the commission as requested.”
There have been 118 reports of burns caused by Fitbit Ionic around the world, 78 of which occurred in the United States and 40 in other regions. (Consumer Product Safety Commission/FOX News)
Fitbit users will have to log in through Google by 2025
Fitbit discontinued manufacturing the Ionic smartwatch in 2020, but it was recalled by the CPSC and Fitbit on March 2, 2022, affecting approximately 1.7 million units worldwide.
According to the recall, there have been at least 115 reports in the United States of smartwatch batteries overheating, causing burns to 78 Americans. Two people reported third-degree burns and four people reported second-degree burns.
Fitbit and CPSC announced a joint recall of Ionic smartwatches in 2022, affecting 1.7 million units worldwide. (Consumer Product Safety Commission/FOX News)
In addition, there were 59 reports of 40 people suffering burns due to overheating internationally.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
The settlement also requires Fitbit to “maintain internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance.”
Fitbit also agreed to submit an annual report on its enhanced compliance program and internal controls, as well as an internal audit on the effectiveness of its compliance policies, procedures, systems, and training.
