In January 2021, Razer introduced a protective mask for gamers during the Corona pandemic. But now the company behind “Project Hazel” has to pay a fine of over 1 million euros. They had advertised the mask with a special safety feature that it could not deliver at all. Razer has already refunded money, but the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection (FTC) sees it differently.
In January 2021, as everyone began to wear masks outdoors, Razer introduced Project Hazel: a “surgical N95 mask” with RGB lighting. This was intended to make masks interesting for gamers.
However, it is for this project that Razer has now been fined. The mask was sold as an N95 mask, even though it had not been classified as N95.
Razer already stated at the announcement of Project Hazel that it is not a medical mask, but in marketing materials, it was referred to as a “surgical N95 mask.” You can find the exact description in the presentation of Project Hazel on MeinMMO.
Mask was advertised with medical safety but offered no protection
What were the issues? After loud criticism from fans, YouTubers, and journalists, Razer removed the N95 designation from its website and said it had “proactively informed customers [that] the Zephyr is not an N95 mask, stopped sales, and refunded customers.” This was reported by colleagues from PCGamer and is based on an own colleague and several sources.
However, the Bureau of Consumer Protection (FTC) found that insufficient. The FTC claims to take action against “unfair, misleading, and deceptive business practices,” which likely includes Razer’s gaming mask.
What was the penalty? The company has now been fined more than 1 million dollars, “to provide consumers nationwide with full refunds,” as well as an additional 100,000 dollars as a civil penalty. This amounts to approximately 1 million euros in fines.
The FTC cites several arguments against Razer (via kotaku.com):
- The Zephyr was advertised as an N95 mask, but it was never submitted for testing to the FDA or NIOSH.
- Furthermore, Razer only “stopped the false advertising after negative press coverage and consumer outrage over the misleading claims.”
What happens next? Razer has assumed so far that they acted correctly by removing the masks from sale. Therefore, it remains to be seen how this will proceed. It is unknown whether Razer will contest the fine.
Razer simultaneously introduced another project: a gaming chair that promises a lot of exciting features. However, when this chair will be released is unknown. So far, it is just an advanced concept:
Razer shows an innovative gaming chair you will definitely want to sit in
