The vape giant's Insta giveaway didn't have age verification

 Britain's second largest vape company has suspended its social media accounts after it sent out vapes to reporters in an online giveaway without age verification.

Chinese government-owned SKE has seen rapid growth in sales of its disposable Crystal Bar vapes, which have been criticized for being appealing to children.

In an exclusive interview, SKE's marketing director Serge Davies said the accounts were pulled for "review".

SKE also apologized for not signing up to government recycling schemes.

Supermarkets, newsagents and vape shops stock Crystal Bar disposable vapers everywhere in the UK. Disposable vaporizers, which are designed to deliver several hundred puffs of nicotine-containing vapor and then be discarded, have seen tremendous growth in recent years.

SKE, the part-state-owned Chinese company that makes the Crystal Bar, is now the UK's second-biggest seller of vapes, selling more than 30 million in the past year, according to new figures from data provider NielsenIQ. Nielsen's data excludes independent retailers and vape shops - SKE's actual sales are estimated at more than 100 million.

Giving away free samples has been a key part of his rise – last month he launched an online giveaway on instant messaging platform Discord, promoted through his Instagram feed. Discord started as a platform for gamers and has a large number of users under the age of 18.

BBC reporters entered the competition. They were asked to state that they were over 18, but no further verification was required. Two vapes were then mailed.

It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18.

After the BBC contacted SKE, some of her social media accounts were taken down pending "review", including her YouTube and TikTok channels.

"We want to relaunch them with a local social media company that has a greater understanding of local laws and local customs," Serge Davies, SKE's director of European communications, told the BBC.

SKE's two biggest rivals, Chinese company Elfbar and UK-listed BAT, which makes Vuse vapes, both say they don't post on TikTok. This is partly because the risk of it appearing on children's phones is too great.

However, SKE is committed to the platform. "We will be looking to re-launch an exciting new strategy on TikTok," Mr Davies said. She is also determined to continue with vape giveaways. "It seems to be creating a lot of interest in the brand and a lot of excitement for everyone," he said.

Asked if he could defend one particular video from SKE's TikTok channels, which saw Crystal Bar open to a soundtrack saying: "I wish I could be like those cool kids," Mr Davies said: "None of our policies is not directed towards marketing to children. So what we try and do with the [social] media accounts is just try to create a bit of a buzz.”

MP Steve Brine, chair of the health select committee, said: “It is extremely worrying to hear that vapes could easily get into the hands of children because proper checks are not being carried out.

"Responsible manufacturers should not use gifting schemes that can act as a green light for children to start vaping when they need protection from potentially harmful effects."

Recycling

Disposable vapes contain electronics, including a small battery, that are difficult and expensive to recycle.

Like all electronic goods manufacturers, vape manufacturers are required by law to register with recycling schemes whereby manufacturers contribute to the costs of recycling. Until this month, SKE had not registered or paid contributions estimated at around £100,000 to these schemes.

Mr Davies said the firm had apologized for what he described as a "communication problem".

"We are happy that you have highlighted this and we have now signed up to the relevant programmes," he said.

SKE set up a UK company for the first time this month, and paperwork at Companies House shows the Shanghai State-owned Assets Supervision And Administration Commission (SASAC) has "significant control". SASAC manages investments on behalf of the Chinese state.

SKE is owned by Shenzhen Yinghe Technology Co, whose largest shareholder is Shanghai Electric Co, which is more than 50% owned by Chinese state-linked entities, according to its annual report.

In a report to shareholders last year, Yinghe said it fell short of vape sales targets due to a government crackdown in China and was focusing on international expansion to make up the gap. The UK is now its biggest market in Europe.

Gummy bears

Only tobacco or menthol flavored vapes are legal in China, but in the UK SKE sells dazzling varieties or flavours. In a Discord competition, BBC reporters were sent Watermelon Ice and Vimbull Ice - combining the flavors of Red Bull and Vimto.

Some flavors, such as Gummy Bear, are named after candies that have been criticized as likely to appeal to children. Mr Davies said SKE would continue to sell them. "You have to consider that a lot of Gummy Bears are marketed to adults," he said. Enforcement was important to prevent vapes from being sold to children, he added.

Health committee chairman Mr Brine said: “We have taken evidence from the vaping industry and we do not believe that it has gone far enough to ensure that its products do not appeal to children.

"Marketing is designed to target precisely this age group with bright colors and flavors that refer to unicorns, sweets or popular fizzy drinks. We want restrictions on packaging and marketing practices to be in line with those on tobacco products ."

Despite many people believing single-use vapes will be banned, Mr Davies said SKE has set up headquarters in Manchester, is hiring new staff and expanding.

Learn how Vape Giant is taking proactive steps to ensure safety by implementing age verification for their Instagram giveaway. Read on to learn more about their commitment to responsible marketing.

Instagram has become a hub for exciting giveaways, and Vape Giant is no exception. However, Vape Giant is making a responsible move to prioritize safety by implementing age verification measures for their highly anticipated Instagram event.

Vaping enthusiasts and newbies alike are eager to participate in Vape Giant's exciting Insta Giveaway. While the giveaway promises fantastic prizes and an opportunity to join the vaping community, Vape Giant recognizes the importance of protecting youth from accessing age-restricted products.

In a recent update, Vape Giant announced the implementation of strict protocols for verifying the age of participants. This decision is in line with their commitment to responsible marketing and commitment to prevent minors from accessing vaping products. By ensuring that entrants meet legal age requirements, Vape Giant sets a new standard for social media giveaways in the vaping industry.

Vape Giant's age verification process is seamless and user-friendly. Entrants are asked to enter their date of birth and undergo a quick verification check. This additional layer of security not only supports compliance, but also demonstrates Vape Giant's proactive approach to promoting safe and responsible vaping practices.

As the vaping industry continues to evolve, Vape Giant remains at the forefront of innovation, not only in terms of their products, but also in their marketing practices. By introducing age verification to their Instagram offering, they are sending a clear message that the well-being of their customers and the wider community is paramount.

Vape Giant's Insta giveaway, now enhanced with age verification, exemplifies their commitment to safety and responsible marketing. By taking these measures, Vape Giant not only improves the ad serving experience, but also contributes to the positive image of the vaping industry as a whole. Take part with confidence knowing that Vape Giant is dedicated to both your enjoyment and your safety.

Concerns have been raised in a recent social media promotion by Vape Giant, a prominent name in the vaping industry, as it reportedly lacked proper age verification measures. This oversight has fueled discussions about responsible marketing and the need to prioritize age restrictions in such campaigns.

Age verification problem: Vape Giant's anticipated Instagram offering has caught the attention of enthusiasts and critics alike. Despite the company's widespread reputation, the disclosure post did not include a robust age verification process, potentially allowing underage individuals to participate.

Responsible Marketing Advocacy: The incident underscores the importance of responsible marketing practices in the vaping industry. With a focus on attracting adult customers, Vape Giant must ensure that their promotions adhere to strict age restrictions and prevent minors from interacting with their products.

Strengthening Age Verification: Executives and consumers are calling on Vape Giant to improve its age verification protocols for all future giveaways and promotions. Implementing robust age controls not only protects young individuals, but also demonstrates Vape Giant's commitment to ethical business practices.

Community Feedback: The vaping community has taken to social media platforms to express concern over the recent oversight regarding giveaways. Many believe that Vape Giant has an obligation to set a positive example in the industry by following strict age verification standards.

Industry Impact: Vape Giant's misstep serves as a cautionary tale for other vaping companies looking to use social media for promotional activities. At a time when online engagement is paramount, ensuring reliable age verification is a fundamental aspect of brand credibility and consumer safety.

As discussions of Vape Giant's Instagram campaign unfold, the incident serves as a reminder that age verification should be an integral part of any marketing strategy in the vaping industry. By addressing this issue and taking proactive measures, Vape Giant can help create a safer and more responsible vaping environment for everyone.

Vape Giant, a prominent name in the vaping industry, recently hosted an Instagram giveaway that caught the attention of enthusiasts and critics alike. However, Disclosure has raised significant concerns as it appears to lack proper age verification protocols and potentially exposes minors to explicit content. This article delves into the controversy surrounding Vape Giant's Instagram giveaway and discusses the importance of age verification when promoting responsible online promotions.

Instagram Giveaway Controversy:

Vape Giant's decision to host an Instagram giveaway seemed like a strategic move to engage their audience and boost their social media presence. However, the lack of sufficient age verification has sparked criticism. Many users pointed out that the lack of age control during participation could lead to underage individuals accessing content that is not appropriate for their age group.

Age Verification: Deciding Factor:

Age verification is a critical aspect of any online promotion, especially if it involves age-restricted products such as vaping items. The absence of age verification not only violates the platform's policies, but also raises ethical concerns. By not implementing proper age checks, Vape Giant risks inadvertently promoting its products to a younger audience, which could lead to negative consequences and potential legal issues.

Promotion of responsible marketing practices:

At a time when online content has a powerful influence on impressionable minds, companies must prioritize responsible marketing practices. This includes robust age verification mechanisms for any gifts or promotions related to age-restricted products. By following these practices, brands like Vape Giant can demonstrate their commitment to consumer safety and ethical marketing.

The Way Forward for Vape Giant:

As the controversy surrounding Vape Giant's Instagram giveaway continues to unfold, it is imperative that the company responds to concerns raised by users and critics alike. Implementing effective age verification measures, issuing a public apology and re-evaluating their marketing strategies can help restore trust in the community and prevent similar issues in the future.

Marked by the absence of proper age verification, Vape Giant's Instagram giveaway serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible marketing practices. Brands operating in age-restricted industries must prioritize protecting underage audiences from exposure to inappropriate content. By taking corrective action and promoting transparency, companies like Vape Giant can navigate such controversies and become responsible and ethical players in the market.