Italian watchdog fines BAT and Amazon over misleading advertising

Italy’s AGCM competition watchdog has fined British American Tobacco (BAT), opens new tab and Amazon, opens new tab a combined 7 million euros ($7.5 million) over misleading advertising for heated tobacco products.

BAT was fined 6 million euros and Amazon 1 million euros for failing to provide sufficient information to consumers about the nicotine content and corresponding health risks from using the Glo Hyper X2 and Glo Hyper Air products, AGCM’s statement said.

Street and online advertising presented the products as “simple electronic devices” and “design objects”, the regulator said.