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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Melissa Davey

Facebook ads opposing a ban on vaping in Australia failed to disclose tobacco company backing

An electronic cigarette
Advertisers are banned from promoting vaping on Facebook, but permitted to discuss social issues as long as the ad sponsor is disclosed, according to its parent company, Meta. Photograph: Eldar Nurkovic/Alamy

A pro-vaping lobby group has run a series of advertisements targeting those over 18 without disclosing the ads were sponsored by big tobacco, despite Facebook requiring groups advertising political or social issues to disclose who paid for the ad.

An initiative of British American Tobacco Australia, “Responsible Vaping Australia” emerged in November, and on Facebook describes itself as an “education research centre”. It claims to represent retailers who want to sell vapes responsibly.

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