Two TikTok-based vaping advertisements were recently outlawed by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Both advertisements, one of which featured a Gogglebox star, promoted the products of well-known vape companies Elf Bar and HQD Tech. The ASA determined that the advertisements broke the rules governing advertising.
In one video, a young man selects a vaporizer with the flavour of passion fruit for lunch after returning earlier to get a blueberry Elf Bar for breakfast. The ASA prohibited the advertisement because it failed to disclose that the product included nicotine, which is required by law in the UK. Additionally, it was determined that the advertisement appealed to young people, which is against advertising standards.
The Gogglebox star-studded HQD Tech commercial also violated advertising laws. The Elf Bar advertisement was also prohibited after receiving over a million views on TikTok. The ASA decided that the product’s nicotine content was not sufficiently disclosed in the advertisement, despite the fact that young people were likely to find it appealing.
The prohibition of these advertisements is a crucial step in shielding young people from the negative effects of e-cigarette use. The ASA has been working hard to crack down on advertising that targets children and young adults, and this most recent ban demonstrates how seriously they are taking the problem.
It’s critical that businesses understand the rules governing the promotion of nicotine products. Significant fines and reputational harm may result from failure to abide by these rules. Brands must make sure that their advertising is appropriate and does not target children.
In summary, the ban on the Elf Bar and HQD Tech vaping advertisements is a step in the right direction towards shielding young people from the risks associated with nicotine addiction. Brands must be aware of the rules and make sure their advertising is ethical and legal. They can contribute to making the environment safer and healthier for everyone by doing this.
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