Fitbit has reached a settlement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) over a long-term defect in its products that caused some wearers to suffer burns. Under the agreement, the Google-owned fitness company will pay a $12.25 million fine over issues related to its Ionic smartwatch.
The issue dates back to 2018 and continues into 2020. Fitbit agreed to recall the wearable device in March 2022 because the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that it "posed an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death to consumers."
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said a firmware update released in early 2020 did not fully resolve the issue.
The organization noted: "Although Fitbit had information that reasonably supported a conclusion that the smartwatch was defective that could cause significant product harm or create an unreasonable risk of serious injury, Fitbit did not promptly report it to the Commission as required."
A total of 115 U.S. consumers have reported issues with smartwatch batteries overheating. 78 people reported burns, including two third-degree burns and four second-degree burns.
The agreement also requires Fitbit to submit annual reports to the committee and conduct internal audits of security operations. According to the agreement, Fitbit must also "maintain internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), including strengthening its compliance program."