Brazil: Announced Procon-SP investigation into Meta regarding advertising for vapes (electronic smoking devices)

On 12 November 2024, the Sao Paolo Consumer Protection Agency (Procon-SP) announced an investigation into Meta's advertising of vapes (electronic smoking devices) on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. Procon-SP asked Meta to adopt more effective measures to prevent these adverts from being displayed on Facebook and Instagram to Brazilian consumers and asked for clarification on the criteria used by the platform to suspend them. As part of the investigation, Procon-SP asked for further information on the search methods used to detect and remove ads, whether a consumer complaint is required, and further data on the ads being removed and/or blocked. Procon-SP has also for confirmation that Meta is collaborating with Brazil's Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) to address the advertisement of vapes on its platform.