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The Federal Trade Commissionhit Razerwith a $ 1.1 million o.k. Tuesday . The parliamentary procedure take that the gaming accoutrement Creator misled consumers by claiming that its flashy Zephyr masque was certify as N95 - grade .
“ These stage business incorrectly claimed , in the thick of a global pandemic , that their face masquerade was the equivalent of an N95 certified respirator , ” FTC Bureau of Consumer Projection Director Samuel Levine note in a argument . “ The FTC will keep on to hold accountable concern that use false and uncorroborated claims to aim consumer who are making decisions about their health and safety . ”
Razer has predictably pushed back against the delegation ’s claims .
“ We disagree with the FTC ’s allegation and did not admit to any actus reus as part of the settlement , ” a representative from the company said in a assertion to TechCrunch . “ It was never our intention to mislead anyone , and we chose to settle this matter to avoid the distraction and disruption of litigation and continue our stress on creating great products for gamers . Razer manage deeply about our community and is always looking to deliver technology in new and relevant ways . ”
The company went on to suggest that the complaint was cherrypicked , adding that it went out of its way to refund customers and end sale of the Zephyr .
“ The Razer Zephyr was gestate to offer a different and advanced face covering selection for the community , ” it notes . “ The FTC ’s claim against Razer concerned limited portions of some of the statement relating to the Zephyr . More than two class ago , Razer proactively apprize client that the Zephyr was not a N95 masquerade , discontinue sales , and refunded customers . ”
The FTC is also officially barring sales agreement of the masquerade party and “ making COVID - related health misrepresentations or unsubstantiated health claim about protective wellness equipment . ” It goes a step further , “ prohibit[ing ] the defendant from representing the health welfare , performance , efficaciousness , safe , or side outcome of protective goods and service ( as define in the proposed order ) , unless they have competent and authentic scientific grounds to endorse the claims made . ”
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The filing suggests that Razer intentionally lead on consumers into believing that the $ 100 masquerade would protect against COVID . Certainly the virus was very much top of mind when the Cartesian product first drop down in October 2021 .
The order is currently awaiting favourable reception and signature from a District Court judge .
