WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Dec. 12 that Aura Labs Inc., doing business as AuraLife and AuraWare, agreed to settle allegations that their blood pressure-measuring mobile app deceived consumers.
According to the FTC, Aura sold the IBP app through Google Play and Apple’s App Store for between $3.99 and $4.99. The app supposedly measured blood pressure when a user placed their index finger over the rear camera lens and put the base of the phone over their heart.
Aura alleged the app could be used to replace around-the-arm cuffs and be equally accurate as the traditional device. The FTC argued, however, the app was less accurate and charged the defendants with violations of the FTC Act.
“For someone with high blood pressure who relies on accurate readings, this deception can actually be hazardous,” said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “While the commission encourages the development of new technologies, health-related claims should not go beyond the scientific evidence available to support them.”
Under terms of the settlement agreement, Aura and co-owner Ryan Archdeacon have been banned from making unsupported claims in the future.
The FTC voted 3-0 to authorize the staff to file the complaint.