Fitbit's Ionic smartwatch raised safety concerns starting in 2018 due to overheating batteries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (C.P.S.C.) announced a $12.25 million civil penalty for Fitbit's failure to report these dangers promptly, including numerous injuries from burns. Although a firmware update was issued to mitigate risks in 2020, Fitbit only recalled the device in March 2022 after receiving over 174 reports of overheating and 118 injuries. The company asserts customer safety is a priority, but the C.P.S.C. criticized the company's inadequate response, which left consumers in danger for years.
Fitbit broke the law by delaying its reporting on incidents of overheating, leaving consumers exposed to significant burn hazards, and it should have acted quicker.
The C.P.S.C. noted that Fitbit's delay in reporting contributed to the risk of serious injury and could have prevented many of the burns reported.
Fitbit's spokesman claimed customer safety is their priority and expressed satisfaction in resolving the issue stemming from the voluntary recall of the Ionic.
Despite over 174 reports of battery overheating and numerous injuries, Fitbit did not recall the Ionic smartwatch until March 2, 2022.
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