A UK advertising watchdog orders sunbed firms to stop downplaying cancer risks and to avoid misleading claims that sunbeds can treat skin conditions or improve mental health. The BBC reports the regulator says ads must not suggest safety, or imply therapeutic benefits beyond what can be substantiated.
The Independent adds that regulators previously banned a set of advertisements for health and safety reasons, including claims that sunbeds could help treat or manage conditions such as psoriasis, osteoporosis and depression. The Evening Standard and Belfast Telegraph both emphasize that ads must not claim sunbeds are “safe” or can treat medical conditions, citing the NHS warning that UV rays from sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer.
Overall, outlets converge on the watchdog’s message: marketing for sunbeds should not minimize cancer risk or suggest they can treat medical conditions. Differences mainly lie in how much past enforcement detail is highlighted and which health references are foregrounded.
