The "Anti-Vape" chatbot in the Nizhny Novgorod region has yielded initial results.

      On April 21, 2026, at 13:39 Society In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the first results of the work of the chatbot "ANTIVEIP," launched in the messenger "Max," have been summarized. As reported by the regional Ministry of Education, in the first week, residents sent several dozen inquiries. Signals are coming from both the parents of schoolchildren and students, as well as from the students themselves. Users report retail outlets where vapes may be sold in violation of the law, and also inform about cases of underage smoking on the premises of educational institutions. Deputy Governor Andrey Checherin noted that the chatbot has become an additional tool in the fight against the spread of vapes among young people. The initiative is being implemented on the instructions of the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin: since spring, mass inspections of retail outlets have been taking place with the participation of executive, supervisory, and law enforcement agencies. Each inquiry becomes the basis for an inspection and, if necessary, for taking action. Checherin reported that the Ministry of Education, the prosecutor's office, and the regional office of Rospotrebnadzor are jointly verifying information about the retail outlets, including their location relative to educational institutions. In the first week, several unscrupulous entrepreneurs were identified. He emphasized that signals are coming not only from parents but also from "conscious youth," and called on residents to actively engage in this work. One of the inquiries came from a student at Minin University. He reported a vape shop located in close proximity to the educational building. The young man said that he had previously tried vapes but later gave up this habit and now leads a healthy lifestyle and conducts preventive talks with his peers. "Never try vapes — they cause strong addiction. I managed to quit smoking, and now I try to encourage others to give it up too," said the student, adding that sending an inquiry to the chatbot was easy and the response from the relevant services was prompt. Rospotrebnadzor specialists checked the specified address on April 20: a test purchase was made, and an act was drawn up. The entrepreneur will have to appear at the office to sign documents, after which a protocol on administrative violations will be drawn up, and an order to eliminate violations will be issued. The region reminds that federal legislation prohibits the sale of vapes near educational organizations. Earlier, Governor Gleb Nikitin proposed to restrict the sale of vapes during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sarov. The proposal was supported. In March, it was also approved by the State Commission for Counteracting the Illegal Circulation of Industrial Products, and federal authorities will further develop it. Work to reduce the consumption of nicotine-containing products is being carried out within the framework of the national project "Sustained and Active Life." Prevention among children and youth is part of the tasks of the national project "Youth and Children." NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.