Legal and Financial Repercussions
agreed to pay a $12.25 million civil penalty to the CPSC for failing to report overheating issues in its Ionic smartwatches, leading to burns on consumers.
The settlement requires Fitbit to enhance its compliance program and submit annual reports on its internal controls and procedures.
Consumer Impact and Response
Fitbit recalled approximately 1.7 million Ionic smartwatches globally after reports of overheating and burns, including second- and third-degree injuries.
In addition to the Ionic smartwatch issue, Fitbit is updating software for some Sense and Versa 3 devices to address a similar overheating battery problem, offering affected users a $50 compensation.