AI Bots Flooded UK Government Vape Ban Consultation with Fake Responses

AI Bots Interfere in UK Vape Consultation

In 2023, AI bots submitted tens of thousands of fake responses to a UK government consultation regarding a proposed ban on disposable vapes. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) identified that 90,835 of the 118,756 responses received, or 76%, were machine-generated. These automated submissions consistently opposed the ban on disposable vapes.

First Documented Large-Scale AI Interference

Research published in the journal Tobacco Control by Dr. Nason Maani and Prof. Anna Gilmore disclosed this attempt to manipulate the consultation outcome. The bombardment of responses is considered the first documented instance of large-scale automated interference in a formal public health policy consultation in the UK. The DHSC noted that the submissions were often duplicated and sent at high frequency from a small number of IP addresses.

Implications for Policy Making

Although the DHSC successfully identified and excluded the automated responses from its decision-making, experts warn about the future threat of more sophisticated AI campaigns. Dr. Maani stated that future attempts could be harder to detect, potentially allowing powerful interests to create the appearance of widespread public support. The tobacco and vapes bill, including the ban on disposable vapes, was passed into law in 2024.

Industry Reaction and Safeguards

Caroline Cerny, deputy chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, expressed concern over the use of AI bots to influence public health regulation. She highlighted the need for vigilance against technological advances being used to further commercial interests and called for safeguards to ensure public health decisions are based on sound evidence rather than manipulated response numbers.