Brazil Orders YouTube, Instagram, TikTok to Remove Vape Content Within 48 Hours
Government Cracks Down on Illegal Online Promotion and Sales of E-cigarettes
The Brazilian government has ordered major digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Mercado Livre, and Enjoei, to immediately remove all content that promotes or sells electronic cigarettes (vapes) and related prohibited products. The notification, issued by the National Council to Combat Piracy (CNCP) under the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), gives the platforms a maximum of 48 hours to comply.
This action follows a CNCP investigation identifying 1,822 illegal pages or advertisements for e-cigarettes across these platforms, reaching a combined audience of nearly 1.5 million subscribers. Instagram hosted the vast majority (88.5%) of the identified illegal content.
Officials emphasized that the sale, manufacture, import, and advertising of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited in Brazil under National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) resolutions (RDC 46/2009 & RDC 855/2024). “The sale of electronic cigarettes in Brazil is illegal and poses serious risks to public health,” stated National Secretary for Consumer Affairs, Wadih Damous, highlighting the particular risk to young people.
The government expects platforms not only to remove existing content but also to reinforce control mechanisms to prevent future illegal promotions. CNCP Executive Secretary Andrey Correa stressed the need for cooperation between the public sector and tech companies to prevent the circulation of illegal goods and ensure consumer safety online. This move is part of broader efforts by CNCP and Senacon to combat digital piracy and illicit trade.
- News source: Vapes: governo dá 48 horas para sites e redes sociais removerem conteúdos sobre cigarros eletrônicos