Venezuela imposed a $10 million fine on TikTok for its "negligence" in controlling online challenges, following the deaths of three Venezuelan teenagers who participated in a dangerous challenge circulating on the Chinese platform. The Venezuelan Supreme Court ordered TikTok to make the payment within eight days, citing the company's failure to implement necessary measures to prevent the spread of viral challenges, according to Judge Tania D'Amelio.
On November 21, the Supreme Court agreed to review this case after the deaths of the three teenagers and the poisoning of 200 others in various schools across the country due to inhalation of chemical substances promoted through viral challenges. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro mentioned the potential legal action against TikTok representatives in response to these deaths.
TikTok is under scrutiny in several countries, including the United States, where it has over 170 million users. Authorities suspect the app of spying on Americans and collecting personal information, while TikTok denies these accusations. This year, a law was signed requiring TikTok's Chinese owner, Bytedance, to divest from the app by January to avoid a ban in the U.S., a move opposed by elected President Donald Trump, who believes it would only benefit competitors like Instagram and Facebook. Canada has ordered the liquidation of TikTok's Canadian branch due to "specific national security risks," while Brazil has urged TikTok to take measures to protect minors' personal data, hinting at possible sanctions.
