Fitbit will pay a $12.25 million fine to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for failing to promptly report safety risks with its Ionic smartwatch. Released in 2017, the Ionic faced overheating issues linked to severe burns, with over 170 incidents reported globally. Despite evidence of danger, Fitbit delayed notifying the CPSC and only issued a recall in March 2022, affecting 1.7 million units.
As part of the settlement, Fitbit must enhance safety protocols and report annually to the CPSC. Google, Fitbit’s parent company, has since shifted focus, making the Pixel Watch its sole smartwatch offering while Fitbit prioritizes fitness trackers.
Source: Android Authority
