Nantou Man Fined NT$600,000 for Online Sale of Crystal Bracelets Claiming Pain Relief and Other Efficacy with AI-Generated Text

Central News Agency

(Nantou County, May 5, Central News Agency reporter Xiao Boyang) A man in Nantou County sold crystal bracelets online, using AI programs to generate marketing copy that claimed therapeutic effects such as alleviating heart disease, preventing high blood pressure, and pain relief, leading to a complaint. The man explained to the health bureau that he was unaware that claiming therapeutic effects was illegal but was still fined NT$600,000.

The Nantou County Government Health Bureau today issued a press release stating that it received a public complaint and investigated the online sale of crystal bracelets claiming "alleviating heart disease, preventing high blood pressure, and pain relief" and other therapeutic effects. After verification, these were found to be false claims, violating Article 69 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and a minimum fine of NT$600,000 was imposed according to Article 91.

The Health Bureau stated that such exaggerated efficacy products are constantly emerging on online platforms, especially during festive periods. Products like massage chairs, magnetic patches, sleep pillows, energy bracelets, and foot patches are popular, often misleading consumers with phrases like "improving diseases, adjusting constitution, medical effects." However, these are "general commodities" and are legally prohibited from claiming therapeutic effects.

The Health Bureau explained that, according to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and the Medical Devices Act, unauthorized products making therapeutic claims can be fined between NT$600,000 and NT$25 million, and illegal products can be confiscated and destroyed. The Health Bureau stated that medical effects must undergo scientific verification and approval from the competent authority; any claims of miraculous efficacy often cannot withstand scrutiny. People with health problems should seek medical consultation from a doctor. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150505

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