Venezuela Fines TikTok $10 Million After Three Teens Die in Viral Challenges

Dec 30, 2024, 08:28 PM

Venezuela's Supreme Court has imposed a $10 million fine on TikTok for negligence in failing to prevent the spread of dangerous viral challenges that have resulted in the deaths of three adolescents and intoxication of hundreds in recent months. The court ordered the Chinese-owned social media platform to establish a local office in Venezuela and stated that the fine would be paid to Conatel, the National Telecommunications Commission, and used to create a fund for victims. The ruling came after challenges involving chemical inhalation and ingestion led to widespread concern. Judge Tania D'Amelio said the viral challenges caused 'social shock' and that TikTok must take responsibility for harmful content affecting minors.