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.

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

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