According to SWR on May 31, experts from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) are calling for stricter regulations on e-cigarette advertising online to protect the health of young people.
Since 2022, Germany has banned tobacco advertising in public areas such as posters, bus stops, and movies suitable for teenagers. As of the beginning of this year (2024), e-cigarette advertising, including online, has also been added to the ban. However, experts suggest that there is a legal "gray area" when it comes to e-cigarette advertising on social platforms, especially on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Expert Katrin Schaller from the research center stated that despite some restrictions on e-cigarette advertising currently being in place, there are still some loopholes. For example, e-cigarette ads can still be found at point of sale locations such as newsstands, gas stations, and some grocery stores. Additionally, while advertising e-cigarettes online has been prohibited, it is still seen as potentially legal on social media platforms.
However, Jan Mücke of the German Federal Tobacco Industry New Product Association (BVTE) expressed doubt about this. He emphasized that the industry's advertising methods are already restricted, and e-cigarette advertisements have not been allowed on posters since the beginning of the year. Mücke believes that simply imposing further advertising bans will not further reduce Germany's smoking rate, and a more effective approach would be for the government to enforce existing regulations more effectively.
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