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Venezuela’s Supreme Court has decided to fine popular social media platform TikTok $10 million for “negligence” in monitoring viral challenges that led to the deaths of three teenagers and the poisoning of more than 200 people in the country’s schools. The verdict was handed down on 21 November, and the court ordered the fine to be paid within eight days, Judge Tania D’Amilio said, according to AFP.
The tragedy was the result of challenges in which teenagers inhaled dangerous chemicals popularised on the TikTok platform. This situation caused a significant public outcry and criticism of the platform for its shortcomings in content control.
Fund for TikTok victims
“This fine will be the basis for the creation of a fund to help TikTok victims, which will compensate for the physical, psychological and emotional harm caused to users, especially children and teenagers,” the judge said.
Response of the Venezuelan authorities
In late November, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro publicly called for the prosecution of TikTok following the tragic incidents. He stressed the need to increase the responsibility of social networks for the content they allow to be distributed.
TikTok under pressure around the world
This case is just one of many instances where TikTok has been in the international spotlight. In the United States, TikTok is suspected of collecting personal data, spying and being used for Chinese propaganda. The US Congress has already passed a law requiring TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, to sell the platform by January 2024. Otherwise, TikTok may be banned in the country.
Similar investigations have been opened in other countries, including Canada, Brazil and the European Union. All of them are making claims against TikTok due to national security risks, data protection shortcomings, and possible election manipulation.
