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So UK doesn't have freedom of speech any more? If the products are bad for people/kids/etc, why not ban the products instead of just the ads?


UK never had freedom of speech the way we think of it in the US.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_in_the_United_Kingd... I highlighted the explicit loophole here:

“Article 10 – Freedom of expression

Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises.

The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.”


Is it legal in the US to directly market cigarettes to children? Why not?


An interesting wrinkle in the cigarettes example is it’s illegal sell them to kids.

So advertising to kids is actively trying to conduct an illegal transaction.


As far as I know, the US bans all tobacco advertising on TV. And obviously adults can still smoke.


Radio and TV has long had more limited free speech protections because it’s a shared and thus finite resource. Thus the fines for curse words, nudity, etc.

Banning in magazines targeting kids is a separate question.


All these laws make me want to step outside and take a long, smooth drag on a Marlboro Light.




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