Australia banned vape ads more than two years ago – so why are they still all over social media?
Summary
Australia banned vape advertising on all media, including social media, in 2024. Despite this, illegal sellers keep promoting vapes online, and authorities are working to remove these posts and fine offenders. Social media platforms say they are enforcing their rules but face challenges stopping the ads completely.Key Facts
- Australia introduced strict laws banning vape ads across all media platforms in 2024.
- Illegal vape sellers use TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to promote nicotine products to Australians.
- These sellers often direct buyers to private messages or encrypted apps like WhatsApp to place orders.
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) removed over 8,500 illegal vape ads from social media between 2024 and mid-2026.
- The TGA has fined violators over $1.5 million through more than 90 infringement notices.
- Some posts appear coordinated and may use computer-generated (AI) content.
- TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube confirm these posts violate their rules and say they remove such content and close accounts.
- Experts suggest stronger penalties on social media platforms themselves to stop the ongoing illegal advertising.
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