Collective Monitoring: Detect, Record, and Report Illegal Tobacco and Nicotine Advertising on Social Media
Together with Proyecto Squatters, we launched a collective monitoring campaign to identify and expose illegal advertising of tobacco and nicotine products in digital environments. The initiative aims to gather evidence to demand compliance with current regulations and protect the health of children and adolescents.
On social media, tobacco, and nicotine advertising is widespread, often in subtle and disguised forms. This includes traditional and electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products, and their accessories, which appear integrated into posts, videos, or content designed to seem spontaneous.
In Argentina, advertising of these products is prohibited in both traditional media and digital platforms. Current regulations also ban the import, distribution, commercialization, advertising, and promotion of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and their accessories. However, the tobacco industry systematically violates these provisions and adapts its strategies to the digital environment.
Today, the promotion of these products is framed as part of aspirational lifestyles, associated with enjoyment, belonging, or freedom. Through influencers, cultural events, giveaways, or sponsored content, brands manage to reduce risk perception and normalize consumption, especially among young people and adolescents.
In response to this situation, at Fundeps we are promoting a collective monitoring campaign that invites people to detect, record, and report illegal advertising on social media and digital platforms. The goal is to gather evidence to expose these practices and strengthen the enforcement of regulations that protect the right to health.
What can be reported?
Different types of content can be reported, including:
- Direct advertising of tobacco and nicotine products by brands, businesses, or influencers
- Display or sale of vapes, nicotine pouches, or heated tobacco products
- Influencer content showing or promoting these products
- Promotions, discounts, giveaways, or games linked to these products
- Sponsorship of music, sports, or recreational events
- Invitations to establish direct contact with brands or companies
- Ads or banners on websites
Where can these be found?
These types of advertisements circulate on websites, streaming channels, and social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and X.
How to participate?
To participate, record the advertisement you see and complete the form available on the website. The data is collected anonymously and does not constitute a formal complaint.
Each report contributes to building collective evidence about these practices, exposing non-compliance with the law, and strengthening actions to protect public health, especially that of children and adolescents.
To learn more about how to identify these violations, you can consult the guide also available on the platform.
Contact:
Maga Merlo Vijarra, magamerlov@fundeps.org
