Australian Government Fights Misinformation by Influencers on E-cigarettes

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.28.2024
Australian Government Fights Misinformation by Influencers on E-cigarettes
Australian government enlists social media influencers to combat e-cigarette misinformation, targeting youth aged 14-20, in new campaign.

According to a report by Vice on February 28th, on January 1st of this year, the Australian federal government paid several Australian "influencers" on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter to create and promote anti-e-cigarette content in order to combat the influence of "e-cigarette influencers" backed by tobacco companies.

 

The government has launched a campaign aimed at influential teenagers in the e-cigarette movement targeting a demographic of 14 to 20-year-olds. The goal is to combat misinformation about e-cigarettes on social media and spark conversations with the next generation of Australians about the dangers of e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Various celebrities from different industries are participating in this campaign, including sports star Ellyse Perry, gamer Jackbuzza, actress Ella Watkins, and comedy duo Fairbairn brothers.

 

Australian Health Minister Mark Butler stated in a press release that there is a flood of "misleading e-cigarette promotion driven by tobacco companies" on social media. Influencers who have already been involved have caught the attention of young Australians, and they will authentically convey the risks of e-cigarettes in their own unique style.

 

It's obvious that teenagers aren't watching TV or listening to the health minister's speeches, which is why we're collaborating with influential people that young people actually listen to: from comedians to sports stars and gamers, everyone in between," Butler said.

 

The majority of e-cigarette users in Australia are young people. Nearly half of 18-24 year olds have tried e-cigarettes, and promotion on social media is one of the many factors contributing to the rapid spread of e-cigarettes. The #vape tag on TikTok has been used over 18 billion times, making it easy to find content showing people vaping or discussing new products and flavors. This is in contrast to Australia's ban on smoking promotion or advertising since the 1970s.

 

Since 2024, the sale, purchase, and import of e-cigarettes without a doctor's prescription have been illegal, but e-cigarettes have been widely sold in major convenience stores. This is because in Australia, almost all e-cigarettes available for purchase are labeled as "nicotine-free" or simply omit nicotine from the ingredients list. However, this loophole was closed on January 1st, and all disposable e-cigarettes, regardless of whether their labels disclose nicotine content, are now considered illegal.

 

The new teenage initiative is being conducted simultaneously with the government's second phase e-cigarette law reform on March 1. Starting this weekend, all importers must have a medical goods license, and the safety quality standards for any legal, prescription e-cigarettes will be enhanced. Over the next few weeks, the Australian government will also introduce legislation to make the domestic production, advertising, supply, and commercial ownership of non-therapeutic disposable e-cigarettes illegal.

 

Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

Irish Health Minister Proposes Raising Legal Smoking Age to 21
Irish Health Minister Proposes Raising Legal Smoking Age to 21
Irish Health Minister to propose landmark law raising legal smoking age to 21, aiming to reduce smoking rates and health risks.
Regulations
May.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The E-Cigarettes Exports from Shenzhen up 35.8% for First Half of 2023
The E-Cigarettes Exports from Shenzhen up 35.8% for First Half of 2023
In the first half of 2023, Guangdong Province exported CNY 35.2 billion of e-cigarettes. Among them, Shenzhen exported CNY 26.2 billion of e-cigarettes, an increase of 35.8% yoy.
Industry Insight
Jul.25 by Jacky Yin
Electronic Cigarettes Found in Schools Amid Rising Trend
Electronic Cigarettes Found in Schools Amid Rising Trend
Electronic cigarettes disguised as makeup, perfume, and gum causing concern in Texas schools. Students caught may face legal consequences.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Deadline for Smoking and Vape Laws in South Africa
New Deadline for Smoking and Vape Laws in South Africa
According to BusinessTech, the public consultation for South Africa's new tobacco and e-cigarette law will end on July 28th. The law aims to regulate traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which are becoming increasingly popular. The health department introduced the content of the law, which includes regulations on nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes, graphic health warning labels and plain packaging, banning e-cigarette displays at sales points, implementing 100% smoke-free public areas, a
Regulations
Jun.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Impact of IQOS Patent Invalidation on Chinese E-Cigarette Industry
Impact of IQOS Patent Invalidation on Chinese E-Cigarette Industry
PMI-BAT patent battle over IQOS temporarily ended, gives Chinese e-cigarette companies more opportunities. Learn from the experience on Jan 12.
Jan.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
High Schoolers in West Virginia Vape the Most
High Schoolers in West Virginia Vape the Most
A study by Drugwatch found 25% of American high school students use e-cigarettes with West Virginia having the highest usage rate.
Mar.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai