Wed Jul 23 11:16:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on your provided text:
**Summary:**
A new report highlights concerns that tobacco and vaping companies are using the metaverse to market their products to young people. They are employing tactics like digital tokens and sponsoring games within virtual environments.
**News Article:**
**Tobacco and Vape Companies Target Youth in the Metaverse, Report Warns**
**[City, State] –** A new report has raised serious concerns about tobacco and vape companies exploiting the burgeoning metaverse to market to young audiences. The report details how these companies are employing tactics such as creating digital tokens related to their brands and sponsoring games within virtual environments, effectively bypassing traditional advertising restrictions.
“The metaverse presents a largely unregulated space where these companies can freely target vulnerable young people,” said [Expert Name or Source, add name and details here if available]. “By creating branded digital assets and integrating their products into popular games, they’re normalizing tobacco and vape use in a way that is incredibly difficult to monitor and control.”
The report calls for stricter regulations and increased oversight of advertising practices within the metaverse to protect young people from the harmful influence of tobacco and vaping companies. Advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to take immediate action to address this emerging threat to public health. They highlight the potential for long-term health consequences resulting from early exposure to tobacco and vaping products through these virtual platforms.
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