(NewsNation) — Fitbit has agreed to pay a $12.25 million civil penalty for failing to report that its Ionic smartwatches had a defect that caused a risk of serious injury or death for consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.
From 2018 to 2020, Fitbit received reports of the Ionic smartwatch overheating while being worn, causing some users to sustain second or third-degree burns on their arms or wrists.
In early 2020, Fitbit issued a firmware update meant to address the potential for battery overheating but continued to receive reports of burns.
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Although that information “reasonably supported” the idea that there was a defect in the watches that could create a substantial hazard or risk of injury, Fitbit did not report the issue to the CPSC.
The commission and Fitbit announced a recall of the Ionic smartwatches in March of 2022, stating that there were at least 115 reports of the battery in the watch overheating with 78 reports of burns, including two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns.
The settlement agreement also requires Fitbit to maintain internal controls and procedures to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act. It has also agreed to submit an annual report on its compliance program and internal controls.
The agreement was provisionally accepted and is subject to public comment before being finalized.
