Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice has fined TikTok $10 million for its role in the spread of viral challenges that led to the deaths of three adolescents from chemical intoxication. The court found TikTok negligent in failing to implement proper safeguards to prevent the distribution of dangerous content encouraging these challenges.
The ruling, issued by Judge Tania D’Amelio, mandates that TikTok open an office in Venezuela and pay the fine within eight days, or face additional penalties. The fine is intended to fund a “TikTok victims fund” to compensate for the emotional, psychological, and physical damage caused by these challenges, particularly among children and adolescents.
Venezuelan authorities reported that three teens died and over 200 others were poisoned in schools across the country after ingesting harmful substances as part of the viral social media trend. These “challenges,” which typically involve users performing dangerous stunts or activities, have been a hallmark of TikTok’s global popularity.
While TikTok’s policy prohibits content promoting self-harm and suicide, the app has faced growing scrutiny over the spread of hazardous challenge videos. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had previously warned TikTok of “severe measures” if the platform failed to curb such content.
As lawmakers in Venezuela consider new regulations for social media, President Maduro has also accused platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) of spreading harmful content and fueling political division.
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