Fitbit was hit for $12.25 million after failing to immediately report the known flaw in the recalled smartwatch

Fitbit will pay a $12.25 million civil penalty after it “knowingly failed to promptly report” a defect in its Ionic smartwatches that caused dozens of people to suffer burn injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said Thursday ).

Fitbit agreed to pay the fine after reaching a settlement with the CPSC.

The commission brought charges against the company for failing to comply with the law in reporting a defect that could create a product hazard or cause a risk of injury or death.

Consumers began reporting overheating issues with Ionic smartwatches to Fitbit in 2018. The reports continued into 2019 and 2020, with some consumers telling the company they suffered second- and third-degree burns on their arms or wrists from the defect.

In 2020, Fitbit released a firmware update to “mitigate the potential for battery overheating,” but it didn’t stop the problem and reports of burn-in continued to spread.

“Despite possessing information that reasonably supported the conclusion that the smartwatches contained a defect that could create a significant product risk or create an unreasonable risk of serious injury, Fitbit did not promptly report to the Commission as required,” it said. CPSC.

Although Fitbit stopped production of Ionic smartwatches in 2020, they were recalled by the CPSC and Fitbit on March 2, 2022, affecting approximately 1.7 million units worldwide.

The recall stated that there were at least 115 reports of the smartwatch’s battery overheating in the US, causing burn injuries to 78 Americans. Two people reported third-degree burns, while four reported second-degree burns.

In addition, there have been 59 reports of overheating internationally causing burn injuries in 40 people.

The agreement also requires Fitbit to “maintain internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance.”

Fitbit also agreed to submit annual reports on its improved compliance program and internal controls, as well as an internal audit on the effectiveness of compliance policies, procedures, systems and training.