World

Apple fined $2.4 million for selling smartphones without a charger

US tech giant Apple has been fined $2.4 million for selling iPhones without a charger in Brazil, the government said on Tuesday.

Brazilian authorities have ordered “the immediate suspension of the distribution of iPhone brand smartphones that are not accompanied by a battery charger.”

The action taken by the Department of Consumer Protection and Defense in effect prohibits the sale of all iPhone 12 and 13 models.

Apple has been under investigation in Brazil since December for “the sale of an incomplete product, discrimination against the consumer” and “the transfer of responsibility to third parties” by offering iPhone 12s and newer versions without chargers for power outlets, according to an official statement.

Although the company has been fined earlier it  “did not take any measures to minimize the harm and until now continued to sell the cellular devices without chargers,” the statement said.

Apple claims that the decision to exclude chargers from iPhone sales comes from an “environmental commitment.”

But the ministry determined “there is no effective demonstration of environmental protection on Brazilian soil as a consequence” of Apple’s policy, and accused the company of “deliberate discriminatory practices against consumers.”

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

“Verification patrolling has commenced… in Demchok and Depsang”: MEA on disengagement between India and China

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that verification patrolling has commenced in Demchok…

44 mins ago

“Sanctioned companies not in violation of Indian law,” says MEA after US sanctions 19 Indian companies

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday reacted to the recent U.S. sanctions imposed on…

47 mins ago

Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J-K’s Anantnag

Two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag…

3 hours ago

“Not an issue of security lapses, security forces giving befitting reply”: Rajnath Singh on J-K terror attacks

Terming the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as "unfortunate", Union Defence Minister Rajnath…

5 hours ago

Nasirabad: BYC holds demonstrations against enforced disappearances by Pakistan’s forces

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) held demonstrations against the ongoing enforced disappearances by the Pakistan…

7 hours ago

Encounter breaks out between security forces, terrorists in J-K’s Bandipora

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district,…

7 hours ago