Frohe Adventszeit!

While Germany has just approved substantial, progressive increases in tobacco taxation through 2030, Switzerland has not increased its cigarette excise tax since 2013. One of the arguments repeatedly used to justify this inaction — cigarette price differences with neighbouring countries — is now becoming even less convincing.

Germany has a new organisation dedicated to exposing tobacco industry influence. Founded by Laura Graen, TIME – for a nicotine-free future combines investigative work, advocacy and campaigning. Her recent scrutiny of a Bundestag hearing shows why this work matters for public health.

Corporate messages repeated across multiple media outlets can acquire the appearance of independent agreement. In a new contribution to the BMJ Tobacco Control Blog, three AT authors examine Philip Morris International’s “Technovation” events and warn of the implications for public health in the AI era.