So you know the tobacco industry is banned from advertising just about everywhere, and you’ve learned about the sneaky tactics they use to keep marketing to young people, from pack designs to getting cigarettes into movies.

If you worked for a cigarette company and couldn’t advertise anywhere else, what would you do to get your product noticed? If you're thinking YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Bebo or similar, you're right! How can anyone tell who really posted that viral video or set up a fan page? Not only is it hard for governments to control, it’s cheap – give a few people a webcam and away they go.

This is a pretty new way to advertise, but researchers have already found heaps of examples of tobacco companies using it. Check out this Facebook page to see some examples.

Next time you see something on the web about smoking, think about whether it might actually be an ad and let us know. Social networking sites are also a great way of spreading the word about parties and music festivals sponsored by tobacco companies – events where they pay big money to access you and your friends. We are always looking for more info, so post to our wall if you see anything!