Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice imposed a $10 million fine on TikTok on Monday, citing the platform’s role in viral challenges that authorities allege resulted in the deaths of three adolescents due to chemical substance intoxication.
Judge Tania D’Amelio accused the video-sharing giant of failing to implement “necessary and adequate measures” to prevent the dissemination of harmful content promoting such challenges.
TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has been given eight days to pay the penalty or face unspecified “appropriate” actions.
Additionally, the court mandated that the company establish a physical office within Venezuela.
The fine is intended to finance a TikTok victims fund, which, according to D’Amelio, will be used to address the psychological, emotional, and physical damages suffered by users, particularly children and teenagers.
“The company told the court that it ‘understands the seriousness of the matter,’” she added.
Venezuelan authorities reported that the viral challenges led to the deaths of three adolescents and the intoxication of 200 others in schools across the nation.
TikTok’s massive popularity has often been driven by viral challenges—activities ranging from dances to jokes—that encourage widespread participation.
However, the app has faced criticism over the risks associated with hazardous challenges. While TikTok prohibits content promoting self-harm or suicide, the spread of dangerous trends remains a concern.
Last November, President Nicolas Maduro warned TikTok of “severe measures” if it failed to remove what he termed “criminal challenges.”
He also called for legislative oversight, stating that social media platforms are being used to spread “hate,” “fascism,” and “division.” Maduro further accused Elon Musk, owner of platform X, of orchestrating “attacks against Venezuela” through social media.
