The Federal Trade Commission orders Focus Education to stop making unsubstantiated brain training claims
Makers of Jungle Rangers Computer Game for Kids Settle FTC Charges that They Deceived Consumers with Baseless “Brain Training” Claims (Federal Trade Commission):
“A Texas company and its officers must stop making unsubstantiated claims that their computer game, Jungle Rangers, permanently improves children’s focus, memory, attention, behavior, and school performance, including for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), under a Federal Trade Commission settlement…
The FTC’s administrative complaint states that Focus Education, its chief executive officer, Michael Apstein, and its chief financial officer, John Able, have marketed and sold the ifocus System, including the Jungle Rangers computer game, via television infomercials and the company’s websites for $214.75 plus tax, generating sales of approximately $4.5 million between 2012 and the middle of 2013.
The advertisements claimed that Jungle Rangers had “scientifically proven memory and attention brain training exercises, designed to improve focus, concentration and memory” and touted the software as giving children “the ability to focus, complete school work, homework, and to stay on task.” Focus Education’s website implied that these benefits would be permanent…
The FTC has charged that Focus Education and its officers violated the FTC Act by making false or unsubstantiated claims that the ifocus System permanently improves children’s focus, memory, attention, behavior, and/or school performance, including in children with ADHD. The company also allegedly falsely claimed that these benefits were scientifically proven.”
Learn more:
- Full FTC complaint (opens PDF)
- Full settlement between the FTC and Focus Education (opens PDF)
- (Previous, related decision) FTC Investigation of Ad Claims Leads to Stronger Order Against Kellogg
- (How consumers can learn to separate wheat from chaff) The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness