Australia’s consumer watchdog sues Samsung for 'misleading' water-resistant claims on Galaxy phones

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) today launched legal proceedings against Samsung.  The ads, they claim, are misleading as they suggest the devices can be used underwater.

"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, including in ocean water and swimming pool, and would not be affected by such exposure to water for the life of the phone, when this was not the case," said chair Rod Sims.

"Samsung's advertisements, we believe, denied consumers an informed choice and gave Samsung an unfair competitive advantage. Samsung showed the Galaxy phones used in stations they shouldn't be to attract customers."

Samsung said it intends to defend the proceedings.

“Samsung stands by its marketing and advertising of the water resistancy of its smartphones,” Samsung Australia said in a statement.

“We are also confident that we provide customers with free-of-charge remedies in a manner consistent with Samsung’s obligations under its manufacturer warranty and the Australian Consumer Law.”