June 20, 2019

The Flimsy Promises of Brain Wearables

In an increasingly lucrative market, dozens of companies and startups are selling futuristic-looking headgear that promise to connect to your brain to relieve stress, enhance memory, improve sleep or increase focus.

Because of how quickly these devices are being developed, the FDA, which regulates medical devices, and the FTC, which protects consumers from false advertising, are ill prepared to reign in companies, says Anna Wexler, a University of Pennsylvania medical ethicist.

Wexler has proposed convening researchers and industry experts to monitor direct-to-consumer products and work with regulators.

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