How can advocates be protected from tobacco industry’s tactics?
We honor and protect tobacco control advocates by championing a comprehensive set of policies that shield them from intimidation, harassment, and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by the tobacco industry and its allies. In line with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Guidelines for implementation of Article 5.3, we recommend enforcing bans on tobacco industry “charity” funding, mandating full transparency of tobacco companies’ ties, supporting and endorsing the participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) not affiliated with the tobacco industry, mandating conflict of interest policies, and establishing a public registry of industry-linked entities—making it harder for tobacco industry actors to harass or threaten advocates.
We also support legal reforms to prevent frivolous lawsuits (SLAPPs), guarantee whistleblower protections, immediate investigation of harassment cases directed at advocates, and related protections.
Recommended Policy Safeguards
Ban Tobacco Industry “Charity” Funding
Enforce prohibitions on tobacco companies using charitable donations as a means to influence policy and public opinion.
Mandate Full Transparency
Require complete disclosure of tobacco companies’ ties and affiliations to identify front groups and allies.
Support Independent CSOs
Endorse the participation of Civil Society Organizations not affiliated with the tobacco industry in policy discussions.
Establish Conflict of Interest Policies
Mandate clear policies that prevent tobacco industry influence in public health decision-making.
Create Public Registry
Establish a public database of industry-linked entities to make it harder for tobacco industry actors to harass or threaten advocates.
Prevent SLAPP Lawsuits
Establish legal reforms to protect advocates from strategic lawsuits designed to silence criticism and drain resources.
Protect Whistleblowers
Guarantee protection for those who expose industry wrongdoing, with immediate investigation of harassment cases.
ANNEX: Definition of the Tobacco Industry
Tobacco manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, and exporters
Companies directly involved in the production and distribution of tobacco products
Parent, subsidiary, and affiliate companies of tobacco manufacturers
All related corporate entities connected to tobacco manufacturing companies
Organizations or individuals representing tobacco industry interests
- Law firms representing tobacco companies
- Public relations companies working for the tobacco industry
- Consultants and lobbyists advancing industry positions
Organizations receiving funding from the tobacco industry
- Front groups and third-party allies
- Research institutions accepting tobacco funding
- Foundations established by tobacco companies
Entities that work to further tobacco industry interests
- Industry-established "corporate social responsibility" initiatives
- Organizations promoting "reduced-harm" products while opposing evidence-based measures aligned with the WHO FCTC
- Entities that consistently advance tobacco industry policy positions
In accordance with WHO FCTC Article 5.3 Guidelines, tobacco industry entities include, but are not limited to the categories listed above. [i]
[i] Preventing Tobacco Industry Interference. A Toolkit for Advocates and Policymakers. GGTC. 2023. Available at:
https://files.ggtc.world/uploads/2024-02-01/03-07-53-470050/GGTC%20Toolkit%20(Redesign)%20171123.pdf
NOTE: This represents minimum standards only. Organizations should adapt and strengthen these materials to address their specific context and evolving industry tactics, provided all modifications enhance protection against tobacco industry interference.
CourageAgainstTobacco.org Resources
This forms part of a suite of tools designed to support advocates in holding tobacco companies and their front groups accountable: