Samsung controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2026
Samsung customers complain over spoiled food after update bricks AI smart fridges
Issue disclosure
According to Fortune, Samsung customers are complaining to the company over spoiled food after a software update bricked Samsung AI smart fridges. The incident, reported as a controversy involving the brand, centers on the software update rendering the AI smart fridges unusable, which customers say led to food spoilage. The complaints were directed at Samsung following the update.
2026
India investigates LG and Samsung over alleged tariff evasion on OLED TV parts
Investigation
Reuters reports that LG and Samsung are facing an investigation in India over alleged tariff evasion involving OLED TV parts. The report states that the investigation concerns the two companies and the alleged evasion of tariffs on components used in OLED televisions. No further details about the investigation, its findings, or its consequences were provided in the source.
Source excerpt
EXCLUSIVE: LG, Samsung face India tariff evasion investigation over OLED TV parts
2024
Acquittal in the Samsung C&T–Cheil Industries merger case
A South Korean court acquitted Lee Jae-yong of financial-crime allegations related to the 2015 merger. The acquittal was subsequently upheld by the country’s highest court.
2019
Labor-relations and union-busting controversy
Samsung managers were prosecuted over actions that authorities characterized as interference with union activity and violations of labor law, prompting renewed attention to workplace governance.
2019
Galaxy Fold display bubble reported
Issue disclosure
Expert Reviews reported that TechCrunch observed a small bubble in the crease of a Samsung Galaxy Fold display after about 27 hours of use. According to the article, this was the only such incident reported at the time. The report described the observation as a display bubble occurring in the screen crease, without providing further details on causes or outcomes. The coverage was limited to this single reported case.
Source excerpt
US-based site Tech Crunch reported that after one day of use, a small bubble appeared in the crease of the Galaxy Fold’s display.
Tech Crunch staff writer Brian Heater reports that the imperfection appeared after around 27 hours of use, under pretty ordinary circumstances
Fortunately for Samsung, the teeny tiny bubble incident remains the only one of its kind.
2019
Law firm files lawsuit against Apple and Samsung over alleged radio-frequency radiation levels
Lawsuit filed
Fegan Scott filed a lawsuit against Apple and Samsung alleging that independent tests found radio-frequency radiation levels from certain smartphones exceeded federal limits under the stated conditions. The article reports the allegation and filing, not a court determination.
Source excerpt
一家总部位于芝加哥的律师事务所Fegan Scott提起了针对苹果和三星的诉讼。Fegan Scott表示，独立测试表明，当按照“制造商销售”的方式使用时，这些智能手机的射频辐射水平“远远超过了联邦限制”。
收到测试结果后，费根·斯科特（Fegan Scott）决定对苹果和三星正式发起诉讼，涉及iPhone 7 Plus、iPhone 8、iPhone XR、Galaxy S8、Galaxy S9和Galaxy S10。
2019
Samsung releases fingerprint-scanner patch for Galaxy S10 and Note 10
Samsung said it had released a software patch to fix a fingerprint-scanner bug affecting Galaxy S10 and Note 10 devices. The flaw had drawn backlash after users found that a fingerprint could unlock devices covered with a silicone-based screen.
Stated objective. Fix the bug in the ultrasound-based fingerprint scanner.
Company response
Apology — Samsung
“We apologize for causing inconvenience to customers with the fingerprint recognition issues,” Samsung said in a notification to customers.
Source excerpt
Samsung Electronics Co. said Wednesday it has released a software patch to fix a bug in the ultrasound-based fingerprint scanner on Galaxy S10 and Note 10 smartphones.
Samsung has faced a backlash after some users discovered that anyone’s fingerprint could unlock S10 and Note 10 series devices covered with a silicone-based screen, raising security issues over the latest smartphones.
2019
Samsung releases fingerprint scanner patch for Galaxy S10 and Note 10
Samsung Electronics released a software patch to fix a bug in the ultrasound-based fingerprint scanner on Galaxy S10 and Note 10 smartphones. The patch followed reports that a silicone-based screen could allow anyone's fingerprint to unlock affected devices.
Company response
Apology — Samsung
"We apologize for causing inconvenience to customers with the fingerprint recognition issues," Samsung said in a notification to customers.
Remediation — Samsung
Samsung Electronics Co. said Wednesday it has released a software patch to fix a bug in the ultrasound-based fingerprint scanner on Galaxy S10 and Note 10 smartphones.
Source excerpt
Samsung Electronics Co. said Wednesday it has released a software patch to fix a bug in the ultrasound-based fingerprint scanner on Galaxy S10 and Note 10 smartphones.
Samsung has faced a backlash after some users discovered that anyone's fingerprint could unlock S10 and Note 10 series devices covered with a silicone-based screen, raising security issues over the latest smartphones.
"We apologize for causing inconvenience to customers with the fingerprint recognition issues," Samsung said in a notification to customers.
2017
Lee Jae-yong bribery case
Lee Jae-yong was convicted in connection with benefits provided to former President Park Geun-hye and an associate. The case was linked politically and publicly to Samsung’s succession issues.
2008
Secret-fund and governance controversy
Investigations and allegations concerning secret funds, tax matters and improper benefits to public officials generated scrutiny of Samsung’s governance and succession arrangements.