UK bans tanning ads falsely claiming health benefits, citing cancer risks.

The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority banned ads from five tanning companies for falsely claiming sunbeds are safe and offer health benefits like boosting vitamin D, improving mood, and treating conditions such as psoriasis and seasonal affective disorder. The ASA, using AI monitoring, ruled the claims downplayed serious risks from UV radiation, including skin cancer and DNA damage, contradicting long-standing guidance from the NHS and Cancer Research UK that no tan from UV is safe. All companies must stop using the banned ads and ensure future advertising complies with regulations. The Sun Company acknowledged the ruling and said the problematic post was removed and practices reviewed.