NEWS
SAVE OUR VAPE APPS
Google urged to resist calls to remove all vape-related apps from its Play Store
Words : Patrick Griffin
Potentially lifesaving vape apps could disappear overnight from Google , if anti-vaping groups get their way . The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is spearheading a call for Google to shut down dozens of vape-themed apps that it opposes . In an open letter , a number of signatories from 62 countries , all opposed to vaping and smoking , say : “ We urge Google to immediately remove and adopt a policy to prohibit applications that encourage the purchase or consumption of smoking and vaping products in the Google Play Store . “ Time is truly of the essence to protect the next generation from the global tobacco epidemic and we urge you to act immediately .” However , 35 pro-vaping groups have penned their own letter urging Google to keep the apps online , arguing that they are vital to help former smokers stay off cigarettes .
The organisations , which represent millions of vapers worldwide , say many of the apps in question allow smokers to access the information they need online to ensure that they have the best chance of quitting cigarettes for good . Apple and Amazon are among other companies who have implemented similar bans , with around 200 vape-related apps disappearing from the Apple Store in November 2019 . The letter said that many of the apps that the Tobacco-Free Kids group wanted to be banned were specifically designed to “ help and guide those who wish to find a less risky alternative to smoking .” It also called upon Google to “ follow the science ” when deciding how to act . Francisco Ordonez , President of Latin American consumer group , ARDT Iberoamérica and signatory of the letter , said :
26 VM32