Artificial intelligence bots were responsible for over three quarters of responses to a government consultation regarding plans to create a smoke-free generation and restrict vape sales, a study has found.

According to the analysis, these submissions were "overwhelmingly targeted" at opposing proposed restrictions on disposable e-cigarettes .

Academics believe this represents the first recorded instance of widespread, automated interference in a formal, public health consultation.

The Tobacco and Vapes Act received Royal Assent in April, making it illegal to ever sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1 2009.

It also introduced a ban on the sale of disposable vapes – which came into force in June last year – alongside measures to restrict the flavours and marketing of e-cigarettes.

Prior to the proposals becoming law, a public consultation took place in October 2023.

For the study, published in the journal Tobacco Control, experts at the University of Edinburgh examined published…