Philip Morris accused of misleading advertising over AI-generated texts for EU consultation

Tobacco giant Philip Morris faces accusations of misleading advertising after allegedly assisting citizens in creating AI-generated texts for a consultation on stricter EU regulations. Lung doctors have lodged a formal complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority over the company's actions.

The controversy centers on Philip Morris's alleged role in facilitating public input for the European Union's regulatory process. Critics argue that using AI to generate responses undermines genuine citizen participation and constitutes deceptive marketing practices.

Philip Morris, however, defended its initiative, stating that it aims to encourage citizen engagement. The company reportedly views the complaints as a sign of attention to their efforts in promoting public involvement in policy discussions. This stance positions the company as a facilitator of dialogue, despite the criticisms regarding the methods employed.