Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized two settlement orders with three individuals who allegedly claimed that their smartphone applications could cure acne. The settlements bar the marketers of AcneApp and Acne Pwner from making acne-treatment claims about their mobile apps and other medical devices, or claims about the safety, performance, benefits, or efficacy of any device unless they have scientific evidence. The two marketers of AcneApp are also barred from misrepresenting research, tests, or studies.

The Commission votes approving the final settlement orders were 4-0. (FTC File Nos. 102-3205 and 102-3206, the staff contacts are Stacey Ferguson or James Prunty, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2361 or 202-326- 2438; see news release dated September 8, 2011.)

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(FYI 43.2011.wpd)