TikTok Fined Heavily Over “Dangerous Challenges”

1st January 2025

1 minute read

TikTok Fined Heavily Over "Dangerous Challenges"

Venezuela imposed a $10 million fine on the “TikTok” platform on Monday for what it described as “negligence” in controlling dangerous challenges circulating online, following the death of three Venezuelan teenagers who participated in a risky challenge on the platform.

Judge Tania D’Amelio announced that the Venezuelan Supreme Court ordered TikTok to pay the fine within eight days for failing to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of content featuring dangerous challenges online.

The case dates back to November 21, when the Supreme Court agreed to review it after the deaths of three teenagers and the poisoning of 200 others in Venezuelan schools due to inhaling chemical substances promoted in online challenges.

According to the “AFP” agency, the judge stated that the fine would contribute to the establishment of a fund to compensate TikTok victims for psychological, emotional, and physical damages, particularly among children and adolescents.

Later in November, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro mentioned summoning TikTok representatives to court in connection with the incident.

It is worth noting that platforms like TikTok are under scrutiny in several countries, including the United States, where over 170 million people use the app. U.S. authorities suspect TikTok of collecting personal data for espionage purposes, allegations that the company vehemently denies.