Brazilian Consumer Agency Urges Meta to Improve Transparency in E-Cigarette Advertising Measures

Nov.13.2024

A Brazilian consumer agency has demanded that Meta provide an explanation regarding e-cigarette ads on its platform and take measures to block them.

The Procon-São Paulo Foundation, Brazil's leading public agency for consumer protection, has formally requested an explanation from Meta regarding advertising practices on its platform, according to a report by Infomoney on November 12.

The agency has requested detailed information explaining the specific actions social media platforms are taking to suspend e-cigarette and e-cigarette ads.

In its statement, Procon-SP emphasized that one of its goals is to require Meta to adopt "more effective measures" to prevent such ads from continuing to appear to users.

The agency also called on Meta to "provide documents of cooperation with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa)" to block relevant content.

Other demands from Procon-SP to the social media company include:

Updating the timeframes for suspending accounts that sell e-cigarettes;
Providing methods to search for and remove these ads;
Clarifying whether reporting is required or if there are tools to self-identify such ads;
Providing data on deleted or blocked ads.

In its statement, Procon-SP stated:

"Due to the high health risks posed by these products, which are banned nationwide for sale and use, Procon-SP monitors the sale of 'e-cigarettes' in all possible physical and digital environments, always seeking dialogue and cooperation with suppliers and tech platforms in the fight against illegal goods trading."

References:

[1] Procon-SP pede à Meta suspensão de anúncios de ‘vape’ no Instagram e Facebook

Also Read:

[1] Latvian Consumer Protection Center Fines Companies for Unfair Practices

[2] ASA Ruling on Apollo Future Technology Ltd Advertising Violation

[3] Singapore strengthens crackdown on e-cigarette promotion and sales

[4] Brazil Suspends Operations of Non-Compliant Companies Starting October 26

[5] Brazilian State Drug Committee Discusses E-cigarette Regulation with Federal Tax Agency

[6] Brazilian Authorities Crack Down on Illegal e-Cigarette Smuggling Ring

[7] Brazil's E-cigarette Regulation Project Excluded from CAE Meeting Agenda

#E-cigarettes #Regulation #South America #Brazil

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