Venezuela's Supreme Court has levied a $10 million fine against TikTok, citing the platform's inability to control the spread of viral challenges that have allegedly resulted in the deaths of three children. The court's decision followed an appeal for protection filed by the Bolivarian Movement of Aristóbulo Istúriz Families, which contended that these challenges pose psychological risks to minors. This legal action underscores growing concerns over the impact of social media on young users.
The court's ruling came after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro demanded that TikTok remove content related to these challenges. At least two children reportedly died after participating in challenges that involved inhaling toxic substances or consuming anxiety medication without falling asleep. The ruling gave TikTok eight days to pay the fine to the National Communications Commission (Conatel). The funds from this fine are intended to establish a special fund aimed at compensating the victims of the viral challenges.
Venezuela's government has previously imposed restrictions on social media platforms. In August, President Maduro announced that Conatel had temporarily suspended access to the social network X for 10 days. The suspension was a response to Elon Musk questioning the results of Venezuela's presidential election on July 28. Despite these restrictions, many Venezuelans continue to access X through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which allow them to mask their IP addresses.
The court's decision did not outline specific consequences should TikTok fail to comply with the ruling. However, TikTok faces accusations of failing to adequately control the spread of hazardous viral challenges. Magistrate Tania D’Amelio emphasized the importance of taking "the necessary and adequate measures to prevent the dissemination of publications whose content is allusive to the so-called viral challenges, violating the legal system in Venezuela."
