Vaping Group Urges Google Not to Ban Vaping Apps
Tobacco Free Kids, known for dismissing the potential of vaping products as quit-smoking tools, has recently urged Google to follow Apple's lead and ban all vaping-related apps on Google Play. A total of 35 vape groups, including the World Vapers' Allianc
The Tobacco Free Kids organization recently made a request, known for ignoring the potential of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, urging Google to follow Apple's lead and ban all vaping-related applications on Google Play.
A total of 35 vaping groups, including the World Vapers Alliance (WVA), opposed this. “Google has demonstrated the ability to protect children from accessing underage content. Clearly, they have the technical capability to protect children without depriving adults of information. This anti-e-cigarette movement must stop for public health and consumer freedom,” stated WVA director Michael Landl, emphasizing that the health and well-being of millions of people depend on it.
Google should follow science rather than unfounded claims.
In a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, these organizations reiterated that e-cigarettes are at least 95% safer than regular cigarettes, a fact that has led many government agencies and health organizations to recognize the product as a smoking cessation tool. Google should adhere to these science-based facts, these groups added, rather than unfounded claims.
The vaping groups also explained that most of the banned applications are designed to reduce harm, aimed at guiding those looking for safer smoking alternatives. “Smoking is far more harmful than vaping and is an effective method for quitting. People need access to accurate information about vaping and cessation assistance. Reducing smokers' access to reliable information will lead to fewer attempts to use less harmful alternatives. No one wants that. Google needs to resist these misleading and populist demands.”
Apple has removed 181 vaping-related applications.
Last November, Apple also removed all (181) vaping-related applications from the iOS App Store. Although Apple users who have downloaded all vaping applications can continue to use them without interruption, these applications cannot be downloaded again. Similar to applications on Google Play, some of these applications are very useful and informative, providing news and/or practical features such as allowing users to adjust settings like temperature on their devices.
Related Articles
Vaping News
Ahead of a Nationwide Ban, Hundreds of Russian Retailers Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
2026-04-16
Vaping News
Illegal Vape Brands Try to Evade FDA Scrutiny by Posing as “Made in the USA”
2026-04-08
Vaping News
Jordan’s New Tobacco Control Rules: Waterpipe Tobacco Market Set for Major Changes
2026-03-17