Due to Fitbit’s failure to disclose that their smartwatches were burning users, several of whom suffered serious burns, the company is facing a $12 million fine.#St. Paul, Minnesota, #News, #Lifestyle
ST. PAUL, Minnesota—The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced Thursday that MNFitbit would pay a $12.25 million civil penalty for failing to disclose critical flaws in its Ionic smartwatches that caused severe burn injuries to consumers, including Minnesotans. Following years of complaints that the timepieces overheated and caused excruciating second- and third-degree burns to customers, the penalty was implemented. Fitbit waited to notify authorities despite being aware of the dangers, which resulted in the dangerous gadgets being available on the market for far longer than necessary.
Reports of Burns Ignored for Years
Fitbit began receiving numerous complaints in 2018 over its Ionic smartwatches overheating when in use. Some users experienced serious burns on their arms and wrists as a result of the problem, which lasted for years.
By 2020, the business made an effort to fix the issue by releasing a firmware upgrade designed to stop battery overheating. But there were still complaints of burns.
Fitbit did not alert the CPSC right away, as required by law, and instead said nothing. Fitbit disregarded federal standards requiring businesses to disclose flaws that present serious safety risks.
Recall Came Too Late for Many Victims
Fitbit and the CPSC eventually announced a recall of the Ionic smartwatch on March 2, 2022, following years of delay.
At least 115 reports of battery overheating accidents, including 78 claims of burn injuries, had already been sent to Fitbit in the United States at the time of the recall. Two severe third-degree burns and four second-degree burns were involved in these cases.
Fitbit Ionic smartwatches were worn by health-conscious individuals to monitor their fitness levels, but many were unaware that the devices were endangering their safety. According to Commissioner Richard L. Trumka Jr., Fitbit remained silent, thus they were unaware of the danger.
Fitbit ought to have reported multiple instances of overheating, including burns of the second and third degrees, right away. Rather, Fitbit violated the law by failing to disclose the incident promptly, exposing customers to the risk of burns.
Trumka underlined that Fitbit’s delay has serious repercussions.
According to him, there were 78 recorded burn injuries in the United States and 40 more burns abroad by the time the product was eventually recalled on March 2, 2022.
Numerous of these injuries were avoidable.
Fitbit Agrees to Compliance Measures
Fitbit must put strong internal controls in place in addition to paying the $12.25 million fine in order to stop other safety infractions. Under the Consumer Product Safety Act, the business must now maintain compliance procedures and submit an annual report outlining its adherence to safety regulations.
Although Fitbit has ended a troubling chapter with this settlement, the harm has already been done to people who were harmed by the defective smartwatches.
Associated Topics: Technology, Lifestyle, and Health and Wellness
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