FTC will likely end up regulating some aspects of the mobile health market, according to several industry experts. It’s not just devices the Commission will tackle; they will also be looking at apps.
Take Texas-based Focus Education as an example. The company that makes brain-training games for children has settled an FTC complaint over unsubstantiated health claims.
Focus Education claimed in an advertisement and on its website that it could permanently improve a child’s focus, memory and school performance. What’s more, they said its technology had proven to be “highly beneficial” for children with learning impairments such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In a statement, the FTC said Focus Education must stop making such claims for products including the Jungle Rangers computer game.
Between 2012 and mid-2013, the company generated sales of some $4.5 million.
It’s worth adding that this isn’t the first time FTC has reacted to false advertisements in mHealth apps. Previously, the Commission fined two app developers who falsely claimed that their smartphone apps could treat and cure acne.
[Via: Reuters]