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Electronic Cigarettes: Cybersecurity

Asked by Ms Julie MinnsLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 8 July 2026UIN 14557

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential security and data privacy impact of so-called smart vapes and other internet-connected vaping devices.

Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson

The Department is aware of the increasing role of technology in vapes. That is why the Tobacco and Vapes Act includes broad powers to regulate the technological features of vapes and associated software. In October 2025, we launched a call for evidence to inform potential policy proposals for future vape regulations, including in relation to the role of technology in vapes.

The Government, working with the devolved administrations where appropriate, is committed to consulting on how we will make use of new powers. We have already consulted on measures relating to introducing vape-free places and are planning to consult on introducing restrictions on vaping and nicotine product packaging, vape appearance, and changing where and how vapes are displayed in shops soon. These measures will help to reduce the appeal of vapes to young people whilst still enabling them to be accessed and used by adult smokers seeking to quit.

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