The Californian hardware manufacturer Razer is accused of misleading marketing. The focus is on the “Zephyr” breathing masks that the company sold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Razer
These masks were primarily characterized by their crazy design. The mouthpiece was partially transparent and there was also eye-catching RGB lighting. The Pro version even had an integrated microphone and loudspeaker so that the voice could be conveyed clearly to the outside world.
However, they should also protect the wearer. Razer repeatedly talked about the fact that replaceable filters at N95 level were installed. However, these were never officially tested. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), neither the complete masks nor the filters were submitted for review.
The FTC is now demanding compensation from Razer. The company is supposed to refund the purchase price to all buyers from the USA. Looking at the sales figures, that works out to around $1.1 million. There is also an additional fine of $100,000. The penalty is intended to remind Razer not to make unfounded health claims in the future.
“This company, in the middle of a global pandemic, falsely claimed that their face mask was equivalent to an N95-certified respirator,” said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue to hold accountable companies that make false and unsubstantiated claims targeting consumers making decisions about their health and safety.”
Buyers outside the US should not expect a refund. Although the masks were also sold in this country, it was clear from the start that they did not have FFP2 certification. Accordingly, there was no misleading advertising here.
What: FTC