# Censored Anti-Smoking Ads Russian Anti-Smoking Billboard Meets Controversy By Luisa Amanda Gomes | Published 2010-03-24 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/russian-anti-smoking-billboard References: [englishrussia](http://englishrussia.com/index.php/2010/03/20/new-street-advertising/) The latest Russian anti-smoking billboard was created out of caution and consideration. Yet, some have argued that it still manages to be on the offensive side. Since smoking is a big deal, the designer and client went to great lengths to get their anti-smoking message across effectively. The billboard features the message, "Smoking in the presence of a kid is a more severe torture for it." Underneath the message lies a diapered baby facing away from the camera. Before the censorship, passersby saw a cigarette butt snubbed out on the child’s back. The red box below reads, ‘Don’t Care?!’ While the ad did get the anti-smoking message across, it could be argued that it crossed a line. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Publicity Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/publicitystunts) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Controversial Anti-smoking Advertising:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation in creating attention-grabbing anti-smoking campaigns that push boundaries while still resonating with audiences. - **Censorship in Advertising:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation in finding alternative ways to deliver impactful messages without the risk of being censored or deemed offensive. - **Creative Approaches to Social Messaging:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation in using unique and unexpected visuals to communicate important social messages. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Advertising:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation within the advertising industry to create bold and impactful campaigns that spark conversations. - **Healthcare and Wellness:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation in the healthcare and wellness industry to develop creative strategies for promoting anti-smoking messages and preventing smoking-related health issues. - **Government and Regulatory Bodies:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation within government and regulatory bodies to establish guidelines and frameworks for responsible and effective anti-smoking advertising. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creative Ad Responses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiehls-response.md) - [Syringe-Based Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/injectable-billboard.md) - [Peeling Cheese Packaging Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/babybel-billboard.md) - [Innovative Outdoor Advertising Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-advertising-campaign.md) - [AI Sun Care Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burnable-billboard.md) - [Burger Ad Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-kings-new-campaign.md) - [Gen Z-Targeted Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outsmart-nicotine.md) - [Flame-Grilled Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flame-grilled-billboard.md) - [Interactive Snacks Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grab-and-go-billboard.md)