The US Federal Trade Commission is now ordering Razer to refund its Zephyr smart mask three years after its release because of its "N95-grade" false claims that misled buyers. This means that Razer would be compelled to pay back more than $1 million to customers who bought the product, particularly as the company did not submit it for testing but claimed things about its efficacy.
In addition to refunding money to Zephyr buyers, the FTC is asking the company to pay a civil penalty for the health claims it released.
Razer Zephyr: FTC Orders Refund for "N95-Grade" Smart Mask
The FTC announced that it is ordering Razer to refund customers for their Zephyr innovative mask purchases from when it was released until now, with its sales reaching up to $1.1 million. Razer is asked to pay full refunds to customers for the Zephyr despite being bought around three years ago or later, for purchases that started with its $100 base price for the smart mask or more.
According to the FTC, Razer released "COVID-related health misrepresentations or unsubstantiated health claims" about the Zephyr smart mask before and during its availability.
The federal agency also asked Razer to pay a $100,000 civil penalty under the proposed settlement agreement between the two entities.
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FTC Claims Razer Did Not Test Zephyr, False Claims on Mask
Moreover, the FTC said that Razer, along with other businesses, claimed that it was an equivalent of the N95-certified respirator, the masks or face coverings that provide the highest level of particle filtration.
The FTC also stated that Razer "never submitted" its smart mask to NIOSH, the agency responsible for approving N95 respirators, to advertise the certification.
Razer Zephyr and Pandemic Gadgets
Back in 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, people mainly relied on masks to protect themselves and used them as tools to be allowed to go outside to buy groceries or eat out. However, this was when companies started to develop the so-called "smart masks," with Razer's Project Hazel, later known as Zephyr, promising to filter 95 percent of particles, feature a see-through cover, and RGB lighting.
Claiming to filter 95 percent means that it is an N95 mask, with the company banking on this to bring style and protection for its users, offering the iconic Razer black and RGB design.
Other pandemic gadgets, a.k.a. another smart mask, came from Black Eyed Pease rapper Will.i.am and Honeywell with the Xupermask, which claims to bring HEPA filtration and TWS Bluetooth earbuds.
Zephyr went on to bring as much as $1 million in revenue for the smart mask, which was released in 2021 until the present, but it was met with scrutiny from the FTC. With its alleged false claims from the commission, Razer is now ordered to refund the customers who paid $100 or more for the mask, totaling $1.1 million, alongside civil penalties for their misleading statement.
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