INTERNET bots are posting positive health messages about vaping on Twitter, a study found.

Researchers say the tweets promote e-cigs as an alternative to smoking.

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But they warn it is unclear who’s behind the accounts, which could be breaking advertising laws.

More than seven in ten tweets about e-cigs app­ear to have been posted by automated accounts. And most are positive, says the research by San Diego State University.

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The findings come after Twitter announced it is removing millions of suspicious or fake accounts.

Critics say vaping may cause “popcorn lung”, keep people hooked on nicotine, or act as a route into smoking for kids.

But Public Health England says e-cigs are 95 per cent safer than traditional cigarettes.

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