AfterDawn: Tech news

Samsung hit with lawsuit over waterproof smartphone ads

Written by James Delahunty @ 07 Jul 2019 2:53

Samsung hit with lawsuit over waterproof smartphone ads

The South Korean consumer electronics giant has vowed to defend itself after a regulator filed a lawsuit over ads related to its Galaxy smartphones.
An Australian consumer watchdog is litigating against Samsung's Australian unit for allegedly misleading advertisements related to its Galaxy-branded smartphones and their suitability for use underwater.

According to the watchdog, in more than three hundred advertisements related to its Galaxy products, Samsung falsely represents the conditions for which its smartphones would be suitable for usage.

"The ACCC alleges Samsung's advertisements falsely and misleadingly represented Galaxy phones would be suitable for use in, or for exposure to, all types of water ... when this was not the case," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said in a statement, reports Reuters.

It's not the first time Samsung's waterproof claims have drawn scrutiny. In 2016, Consumer Reports noted that a Galaxy S7 smartphone had failed an immersion test, despite advertisements showing a model inside a fish tank.



Some consumers also reported they had damaged their phones by using them in water, and others reported that Samsung even refused to cover water damaged devices under warranty.

In the Australian case, Samsung is defiant and says its advertisements complied with Australian law.

Previous Next  
Comments have been disabled for this article.

Latest news

Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. (30 Sep 2026 12:48)
Microsoft released Windows 11 version 26H2, bringing light updates and deeper AI integration. This update is the first more lightly installing annual Windows update.
Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up (24 Sep 2026 3:23)
Meta introduced new pair of VR glasses that combine entertainment, work, and AI. According to Meta, lightweight glasses offer an unobtrusive virtual reality experience with cutting-edge technology and an intuitive user interface.
Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled (24 Sep 2026 3:17)
According to Korean media sources, a software update for Samsung's smart refrigerators has failed miserably. After the update, the refrigerators stopped working completely, and several consumers report that their food has spoiled.
1 user comment
Now sharing links to Facebook costs money Now sharing links to Facebook costs money (22 Sep 2026 5:57)
Meta has started restricting the sharing of external links on Facebook pages, moving a feature that has been completely free and self-evident until now behind an expensive paywall.
Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player (20 Sep 2026 3:37)
Winamp returns to the market in 2027 as a streaming service. The new version combines a traditional MP3 player and modern streaming services. Deezer will provide the streaming for Winamp through a partnership.

News archive