Samsung fined $9.7m over 'misleading' adverts

Date:
Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:27:21 +0000

Description:
Samsung gets penalty for implying devices, including the Galaxy S8, could survive a dip in the ocean.

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Samsung Australia has been fined AU$14 million ($9.72m) after admitting some of its advertising misled customers about the level of water resistance offered by some of its handsets.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) ruled nine adverts published across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, on its website, and in-store suggested a series of handsets including the Galaxy S8 could be used in
both pool and sea water.

Samsung Australias water resistance claims promoted an important selling
point for these Galaxy phones, said ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.

We reviewed hundreds of complaints from consumers who reported they experienced issues with their Galaxy phones after it was exposed to water
and, in many cases, they reported their Galaxy phone stopped working
entirely. Smartphone sales

Most modern smartphones have some sort of resistance against water, measured against industry wide standards set by the IP Code. The Samsung devices included in the advertisements were are rated as IP68, which means they can
be fully submerged for half an hour to a depth of 1.5 metres.

However, this protection only covers fresh water. While it is possible that the smartphones offer some protection in chlorine and salt water, most manufacturers dont offer specific guarantees. Read More

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The ACCCs view was that the adverts offered proof that Samsung devices could be used while swimming in pool or in the sea and Samsung acknowledged that there was a risk that the charging port on these devices could become
corroded and stop working if it was charged while still wet.

Samsung Australias ads promoting its Galaxy phones featured people using
their phones in pools and sea water, despite the fact that this could ultimately result in significant damage to the phone, added Cass-Gottlieb.

This penalty is a strong reminder to businesses that all product claims must be substantiated. The ACCC will continue to take enforcement action against businesses that mislead consumers with claims about the nature or benefits of their products.

Via Maiel Business News



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-fined-dollar97m-over-misleading-adverts /


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