While health-conscious people wore Fitbit Ionic smartwatches to track their fitness, they had no idea that the watches were putting their safety at risk.  They didn’t know about the hazard because Fitbit said nothing.  Fitbit should have immediately reported numerous overheating incidents, including second- and third-degree burns.  Instead, Fitbit broke the law by delaying its reporting, leaving consumers exposed to the burn hazard.  By the time the product was finally recalled on March 2, 2022, the number of reported burn injuries had increased to 78 in the U.S. and 40 more burns internationally.[1]  Many of these injuries could have been prevented.

Fitbit will pay a $12.25 million civil penalty for its failure to timely report.  I hope that this penalty deters manufacturers, distributors, and retailers from ignoring their responsibilities.   

Faithfully,

Commissioner Richard L. Trumka Jr.

*The views expressed in this statement are solely the views of Commissioner Trumka and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission.

[1]“Fitbit Recalls Ionic Smartwatches Due to Burn Hazard; One Million Sold in the U.S.,” Consumer Product Safety Commission (Mar. 2, 2022) (available at: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Fitbit-Recalls-Ionic-Smartwatches-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-One-Million-Sold-in-the-U-S).