[Brad Lockyer]

The Federal Court of Australia has handed down a whopping $14 million fine to Samsung Australia for what it says is misleading advertising about the water resistance capacity of its products.

In a series of ads, Samsung had claimed the Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, A5 (2017), A7 (2017), S8, S8 Plus and Note 8 phones would work normally when submerged in water up to 1.5 metres deep, for up to half an hour.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) commenced proceedings against Samsung in 2019 after reports emerged that charging ports on the phone failed to work properly after being in water.

“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,” says Gina Cass-Gottlieb, chair of the ACCCC.

“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.”

Do you own one of these phones? Have you had any problems with its water resistance capabilities?

[Sophie]

I have to ask who would take their phone swimming? I have had three Samsung galaxies and have found them all reliable … due for another upgrade and guess what I’ll be having!

[Author]

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