Crackdown on Online Marketing: Four Vaping Ads Including ZOVOO Banned in the UK

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The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned four vaping ads that appeared on the social platform TikTok. According to the regulations regarding the use of vaping ads, all nicotine-containing vaping ads that do not have pharmaceutical approval are prohibited from being published on social media.<\/p>

According to marketingweek on September 13, the ASA has banned four vaping ads from TikTok. The regulatory body has stated that all nicotine-containing vaping ads without pharmaceutical approval are not allowed on social media.<\/p>

From the disclosed information, these four products belong to four vaping companies: The Disposable Vape Store, Innofly HK Ltd, Vapes-Bars Ltd, and ZOVOO (Shenzhen). The ASA has made it clear that "there are too many vaping ads appearing on the channels," and these ads were present between March and May of this year.<\/p>

As part of the advertising ban, the ASA has issued enforcement notices to vaping brands, requiring them to stop all advertising on TikTok, and has reported approximately 300 posts for removal to TikTok.<\/strong><\/p>

The ASA is also strengthening its review of vaping ads on the platform. The regulatory body stated that it has discovered some brands' affiliate marketing activities and brand ambassador programs, where creators on the app are compensated to promote products.<\/p>

Additionally, the ASA held a "priority" roundtable discussion with representatives from social media platforms such as TikTok, Meta, YouTube, and X (Twitter) to present its findings on online monitoring and the measures taken to address this issue. The specific timing is still unclear.<\/p>

This announcement comes as rumors circulate that the UK government is about to announce a ban on disposable vapes in the UK. According to foreign media reports, the government believes that the primary target audience is teenagers under 18, and the ban could be implemented as early as next week.<\/strong> <\/p>

The UK vaping industry association's director John Dunne pointed out that there is a "large gray area" in how harmful marketing practices are handled.<\/p>

He stated:<\/p>

"We already have very strict advertising restrictions, the problem is that these restrictions are not being enforced."<\/strong><\/p>

References:    【1】 Four TikTok vape ads banned as pressure ramps up on e-cigs brands<\/p>