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Time Business News
5 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
From Clouds to Compliance: How Vape Kit Advertising is Evolving Online
The vaping industry has undergone massive growth over the last decade, carving out a substantial niche in the global nicotine market. As vape kits became more advanced, stylish, and accessible, so too did the methods used to market them—particularly online. However, with rising concerns around youth vaping and public health, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced new standards and tightened advertising regulations. These changes are redefining how vape products are presented on the internet. In this blog, we'll explore the evolving landscape of online advertising standards for vape kits, what prompted these changes, how brands are adapting, and what it all means for marketers and consumers alike. In a world driven by technology, users crave products that combine performance, durability, and sleek design. One such standout is the Hayati pro max plus 6000, which redefines expectations with its cutting-edge features and user-focused design. Engineered for those who demand excellence, it offers extended functionality without compromising on style or convenience. Whether you're on the go or relaxing at home, this device adapts to your lifestyle effortlessly. With a seamless interface and long-lasting capabilities, it's more than just a gadget—it's a reliable companion for daily living. Experience modern efficiency like never before with this groundbreaking innovation. When vape kits first entered the scene, they were marketed as smoking cessation tools, offering smokers a 'healthier' alternative. Over time, the market exploded, with stylish designs, countless flavors, and celebrity endorsements contributing to a surge in popularity—particularly among young adults and teenagers. Much of this growth was driven by digital marketing. Brands utilized influencer partnerships on platforms like Instagram, flashy banner ads, email campaigns, and even TikTok videos to reach a wide audience. However, this aggressive and often youth-targeted advertising triggered alarm bells for public health officials. Several factors converged to force a regulatory overhaul of online vape advertising: Youth Vaping Epidemic: Studies showed dramatic increases in teen vaping, prompting regulatory agencies like the U.S. FDA and the UK's ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) to take action. Youths were being exposed to appealing flavors, sleek product imagery, and influencer content glamorizing vaping. Public Health Concerns: Though often promoted as safer than smoking, vaping isn't without risk. The long-term health effects are still being studied, and misleading advertising raised concerns about downplaying potential harms. Policy Pressures: Lobbying from health groups and stricter national policies created legal obligations for companies to revise their marketing strategies, especially when it came to advertising across borders. Platform Accountability: Social media giants and search engines came under pressure to restrict or ban vape advertising to prevent exposure to underage users. The new landscape for vape kit advertising online varies by country, but several core principles are being adopted globally: One of the primary regulatory shifts involves age-gating content. Vape ads must now be shown only to verified users over the legal smoking age, usually through platforms with age restriction tools. This includes mandatory pop-ups on websites, requiring users to input their birthdate, or even implementing third-party verification tools. Regulators have cracked down hard on influencer marketing. Vape brands can no longer partner with influencers whose audiences include significant numbers of underage users. In some jurisdictions, all lifestyle imagery (such as someone appearing cool, trendy, or athletic while vaping) is banned outright, since it may glamorize the habit. Flavors like 'Unicorn Milk' or 'Cotton Candy Crush' once dominated vape marketing because of their appeal. Today, many regions have banned the use of such names in online ads, considering them too enticing for minors. Ads must use plain, factual language and avoid descriptors that sound like treats or desserts. Major digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, and TikTok have imposed outright bans on paid vape advertisements. Even organic content is closely monitored, and any content deemed promotional can be flagged or removed. Brands must now walk a fine line between educating adult users and unintentionally promoting products. In line with tobacco advertising rules, many countries now require prominent disclaimers on vape-related content. These may include messages like 'This product contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance' or information about health risks. Failure to include these can result in content takedowns or financial penalties. For multinational vape brands, online advertising must now comply with the rules of each region they operate in. That means crafting multiple versions of content and ensuring their display settings respect local restrictions—a complicated but necessary process for global marketing teams. Despite these changes, vape brands are finding creative and compliant ways to maintain visibility: Content Marketing : Brands are investing more in educational blogs, how-to guides, and product comparison articles that deliver value to users while steering clear of promotional language. : Brands are investing more in educational blogs, how-to guides, and product comparison articles that deliver value to users while steering clear of promotional language. SEO and Organic Search : With paid ads limited, SEO has become critical. Companies are optimizing websites for relevant keywords to attract adult users through organic search. : With paid ads limited, SEO has become critical. Companies are optimizing websites for relevant keywords to attract adult users through organic search. Email Marketing (With Restrictions) : While not immune to regulations, email marketing remains one of the last direct communication channels. Brands must ensure recipients are age-verified and have consented to receive messages. : While not immune to regulations, email marketing remains one of the last direct communication channels. Brands must ensure recipients are age-verified and have consented to receive messages. Retail Partnerships and Affiliate Marketing : Many brands are leveraging licensed resellers or affiliate marketers with established compliance protocols to promote their products. : Many brands are leveraging licensed resellers or affiliate marketers with established compliance protocols to promote their products. Packaging as a Marketing Tool: As advertising shifts away from flashy visuals, packaging design has taken center stage. Clear, mature, and informative labeling now plays a significant role in brand identity. Advanced algorithms and AI moderation tools are being deployed by tech platforms to enforce advertising policies automatically. These tools can flag inappropriate content, detect influencer-brand relationships, and monitor language use in real-time. At the same time, vape brands are also using technology to stay compliant—integrating age-verification software, geo-blocking tools, and content management systems to ensure the right audiences see their content. As technology evolves and research into vaping continues, the advertising landscape is likely to keep shifting. Several trends to watch include: Increased Global Harmonization : Regulatory bodies may begin to adopt more unified international standards for vape advertising to prevent regulatory arbitrage. : Regulatory bodies may begin to adopt more unified international standards for vape advertising to prevent regulatory arbitrage. Transparency and Public Reporting : Companies may be required to report their digital marketing practices and compliance efforts more openly. : Companies may be required to report their digital marketing practices and compliance efforts more openly. Rise of Harm Reduction Narratives : Expect a pivot in messaging—from glamorization to harm reduction. Brands will increasingly emphasize their role in helping smokers transition from cigarettes in a more medically responsible tone. : Expect a pivot in messaging—from glamorization to harm reduction. Brands will increasingly emphasize their role in helping smokers transition from cigarettes in a more medically responsible tone. Emergence of Niche Platforms: As mainstream social networks restrict vape content, niche forums or closed communities could become key hubs for adult user engagement. The online advertising standards for vape kits are evolving rapidly—and for good reason. While the industry continues to serve adult smokers seeking alternatives, it must also meet growing demands for ethical marketing and public health responsibility. For brands, this means adapting to a new era of transparency, compliance, and creative restraint. For consumers, particularly adults who vape, it means being presented with clearer, more honest information. As the digital advertising world rebalances, the vape sector has a chance to reinvent itself—not as a trend, but as a regulated industry that respects both its users and its social impact. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
ASA 2024 Annual Report: Strengthening Consumer Protections With Effective Ad Self-Regulation
Press Release – Advertising Standards Authority Industry have risen to the challenge with the adoption of two new Codes in 2024, working with us as we rolled out new ad protections for children, and for all New Zealanders under the Food and Beverage Code, ASA Chief Executive Hilary Souter said. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today released its 2024 Annual Report, detailing the extensive work undertaken to strengthen consumer protections and support industry awareness and compliance with the Advertising Codes. Highlights from our report include: We received 1628 complaints. Following triage, we considered 1312 formal complaints about 206 ads 100 ads were accepted for review by the Complaints Board, of these 62% were requested to be removed or amended The industry compliance rate with decisions was 99% Enhanced protection for children and vulnerable audiences with the launch of the new Children's Advertising Code, and Food and Beverage Advertising Code Investment in industry education and training, with 20+ education and compliance resources published, and a suite of free webinars to support industry adoption of the new Codes The five most complained about ads from 2024 ASA Chief Executive Hilary Souter said, 'Industry support is the foundation of the ASA self-regulatory process, with a collective purpose to uphold high standards of responsible advertising in New Zealand. Industry have risen to the challenge with the adoption of two new Codes in 2024, working with us as we rolled out new ad protections for children, and for all New Zealanders under the Food and Beverage Code. We thank the industry for their continued support of our process, as we work together on making every ad a responsible ad. We are also grateful to the consumers and wider community who engage with our work – whether it be through our complaints process or our public consultations, consumer input is crucial to the effective operation of the ASA. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2025.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
ASA 2024 Annual Report: Strengthening Consumer Protections With Effective Ad Self-Regulation
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today released its 2024 Annual Report, detailing the extensive work undertaken to strengthen consumer protections and support industry awareness and compliance with the Advertising Codes. Highlights from our report include: We received 1628 complaints. Following triage, we considered 1312 formal complaints about 206 ads 100 ads were accepted for review by the Complaints Board, of these 62% were requested to be removed or amended The industry compliance rate with decisions was 99% Enhanced protection for children and vulnerable audiences with the launch of the new Children's Advertising Code, and Food and Beverage Advertising Code Investment in industry education and training, with 20+ education and compliance resources published, and a suite of free webinars to support industry adoption of the new Codes The five most complained about ads from 2024 ASA Chief Executive Hilary Souter said, 'Industry support is the foundation of the ASA self-regulatory process, with a collective purpose to uphold high standards of responsible advertising in New Zealand. Industry have risen to the challenge with the adoption of two new Codes in 2024, working with us as we rolled out new ad protections for children, and for all New Zealanders under the Food and Beverage Code. We thank the industry for their continued support of our process, as we work together on making every ad a responsible ad. We are also grateful to the consumers and wider community who engage with our work – whether it be through our complaints process or our public consultations, consumer input is crucial to the effective operation of the ASA. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2025.'
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Major change to TV ban on junk food adverts before 9pm
The plans had been due to be implemented in October but a four-month pause will now take place to allow officials to work on clearer guidelines on the restrictions Plans to ban TV adverts for junk food before 9pm will be delayed until January next year. Ministers will also change the legislation so that brand-only advertising, which does not show specific products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS), is not caught under the rules. The plans had been due to be implemented in October. It is understood that a four-month pause will now allow the Department of Health and the Advertising Standards Authority to work on a clearer interpretation of the restrictions. This is despite many retailers, including major grocers, previously committing to a voluntary October start. The restrictions will now legally take effect on January 5. Regardless, key industry stakeholders including ITV, Channel 4, the Advertising Association and the British Retail Consortium, have committed to complying with the restrictions from October 1. The decision comes amid concerns raised by retailers and broadcasters about the impact of the ban and confusion over the rules. In April, the Government was forced to reassure businesses that pure brand messages are not "in scope" of the upcoming ban. Speaking at the Retail Technology Show earlier this year, M&S chairman Archie Norman said the government's new HFSS advertising rules "probably mean we can't run a Christmas ad", due to many festive foods not adhering to HFSS guidelines. A Government spokesman said: "Obesity robs children of the best start in life and sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, which costs the NHS billions. "We have secured a unique and public commitment from advertisers and broadcasters so that from October 1 2025, adverts for identifiable less healthy products will not be shown on TV before 9pm or at any time online, and this will be a legal duty from January 2026. "The junk food advertising restrictions on TV and online are a crucial part of our plan for change to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. By reducing children's exposure to junk food advertising, we will remove up to 7.2 billion calories from UK children's diets each year." An Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) spokesman said: "The Government has set out its intention to bring in amending legislation to push back the implementation date on LHF (less healthy food and drink) ad restrictions and to consult on changing the law on brand exemption. "We recognise the importance of this issue for a range of stakeholders, therefore, together with Ofcom, we will now carefully assess what this means for the process to develop and implement the rules and guidance and will provide a further update as soon as possible."
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Food ad ban which will 'end Christmas adverts' delayed until January
Food ad ban which will 'end Christmas adverts' delayed until January Broadcasters will voluntarily introduce the new rules from October and it will become law next year A mother and her two sons sit on the sofa enjoying a home movie night Government plans to ban TV advertising for products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) before 9pm will be delayed until January 2026, following concerns from food and media brands and confusion over enforcement guidelines. The delay to the ban, which was to have come into effect from October, comes as ministers prepare to amend legislation to ensure brand-only advertising, which does not show specific HFSS products, is not caught under the rules. Regardless, key industry stakeholders including ITV, Channel 4, the Advertising Association and the British Retail Consortium, have committed to complying with the restrictions from October 1. The restrictions will legally take effect on January 5. A Government spokesman said: 'Obesity robs children of the best start in life and sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, which costs the NHS billions. We have secured a unique and public commitment from advertisers and broadcasters so that from October 1 2025, adverts for identifiable less healthy products will not be shown on TV before 9pm or at any time online, and this will be a legal duty from January 2026. 'The junk food advertising restrictions on TV and online are a crucial part of our plan for change to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. By reducing children's exposure to junk food advertising, we will remove up to 7.2 billion calories from UK children's diets each year.' It is understood that a four-month pause will now allow the Department of Health and the Advertising Standards Authority to work on a clearer interpretation of the restrictions. This is despite many retailers, including major grocers, previously committing to a voluntary October 2025 start. Article continues below An Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) spokesman said: 'The Government has set out its intention to bring in amending legislation to push back the implementation date on LHF (less healthy food and drink) ad restrictions and to consult on changing the law on brand exemption. We recognise the importance of this issue for a range of stakeholders, therefore, together with Ofcom, we will now carefully assess what this means for the process to develop and implement the rules and guidance and will provide a further update as soon as possible.' The decision comes amid concerns raised by retailers and broadcasters about the impact of the ban. In April, the Government was forced to reassure businesses that pure brand messages are not 'in scope' of the upcoming ban. However, it added that brands might have to be more creative in the way they showcase their food ranges. Addressing the House of Commons last month, health minister Ashley Dalton said, 'While it is for a court to interpret the legislation, the Government's view remains that pure brand advertising is not in scope of this policy. This is because the legislation only restricts adverts that could reasonably be considered to be for identifiable less healthy products, and not adverts that could be reasonably understood to be advertising brands. Article continues below 'We therefore expect that businesses will still have opportunities to promote their brands, provided that their adverts do not identify a less healthy product.' Ms Dalton also said that the final interpretation of the junk food ad guidelines would be up to regulators, with the law providing 'considerable discretion' in how the new rules can be enforced. Speaking at the Retail Technology Show earlier this year, M&S chairman Archie Norman said the government's new HFSS advertising rules 'probably mean we can't run a Christmas ad', due to many festive foods not adhering to HFSS guidelines.
