TikTok fined $10 million in Venezuela over deaths

TikTok fined $10 million in Venezuela over deaths

Venezuela's Supreme Court has fined TikTok $10 million, accusing the company of failing to take sufficient measures to control the spread of viral challenges that allegedly led to the deaths of three children.

Court demands victim fund and local representation

Judge Tania D'Amelio said on Monday that TikTok must pay the fine to the National Communications Commission (Conatel) within eight days. Proceeds will be used to create a special fund to compensate victims of these viral challenges. In addition, the judge asked the video portal to set up an office in the country to represent itself.

Uncertainty about possible consequences

The court did not provide any information about what consequences TikTok could face if the company does not comply with the requirements. CNN has reached out to TikTok for comment. D’Amelio mentioned that three young people have died and many others have been affected by these challenges, but did not elaborate on specific cases.

President Maduro comments on the issue

In November, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro spoke out, reporting that at least two of the children who died had participated in challenges that included inhaling toxic substances or taking anti-anxiety medications without subsequent sleep.

Sustainable impact through viral challenges

The court ruling, read by D'Amelio, said TikTok failed to take necessary and appropriate measures to prevent the spread of content related to the so-called viral challenges. As a result, the legal system in Venezuela was violated.

Government control and safeguards

This decision comes after the educational organization Bolivarian Movement of Families of Aristóbulo Istúriz filed a protection complaint, which, according to D'Amelio, argued that viral challenges have a psychological impact on minors. The court accepted that request for protection after Maduro demanded in November that TikTok remove content related to viral challenges.

Social media restrictions in Venezuela

The Venezuelan government has previously imposed restrictions on social media. In August, Maduro announced that Conatel had suspended access to the social network X for 10 days after its owner Elon Musk questioned the results of the July 28 presidential election. However, many Venezuelans can still access X by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to hide their IP address.