Due to a significant defect in its Ionic smartwatch, Fitbit has been fined $12.25 million. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the smartwatch’s battery overheated, causing burns to users’ skin.
Between 2018 and 2020, Fitbit received several reports of customers suffering second- and third-degree burns. Although a firmware update was issued in 2020, the issue was not fully resolved.
In March 2022, the smartwatch was recalled after 115 overheating incidents were reported in the U.S., along with 78 burn complaints, including two third-degree and four second-degree burns.
In addition to the fine, Fitbit must establish an improved internal control system to comply with the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and submit annual reports on its effectiveness.
The CPSC has taken stringent measures to ensure consumer safety with these actions.
