Venezuela’s Supreme Court Fines TikTok $10 Million Over Viral Challenges
Justice System Takes Action Against Social Media Giant
Venezuela’s highest court, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, has fined TikTok $10 million for its role in promoting viral challenges that authorities say led to the deaths of three adolescents and the intoxication of 200 others.
The court ruled that the popular video-sharing app was negligent in not implementing "necessary and adequate measures" to stop the spread of content encouraging the challenges. TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, was ordered to open an office in the South American country and given eight days to pay the fine or face "appropriate" measures.
TikTok’s Response
The company said it "understands the seriousness of the matter" and is cooperating with the court. The fine will be used to create a "TikTok victims fund" to compensate users who have suffered psychological, emotional, and physical damages, especially children and adolescents, said Justice Tania D’Amelio.
Background on the Challenges
According to Venezuelan authorities, the social media "challenges" involved ingesting chemical substances, which led to the deaths of three adolescents and the intoxication of 200 others in schools across the country.
TikTok’s Global Success Built on Challenges
TikTok’s huge global success has been partly built on the success of its challenges, which invite users to create videos featuring dances, jokes, or games that sometimes go viral. However, the app has been accused of putting users in danger with the spread of hazardous challenge videos.
Company Policy
TikTok’s official policy prohibits videos promoting self-harm and suicide. In November, President Nicolas Maduro threatened "severe measures" against TikTok if it did not remove content related to what he called "criminal challenges".
Regulation of Social Networks
Parliament is considering laws regulating social networks, which Maduro said is being used to promote "hate", "fascism", and "division". He has accused Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of social media platform X, of orchestrating "attacks against Venezuela".
Conclusion
The fine is a significant step towards holding social media companies accountable for the content they host. As the use of social media continues to grow, it is essential that platforms like TikTok take responsibility for the challenges they promote and take measures to prevent harm to their users.
FAQs
Q: What is the fine imposed on TikTok by the Supreme Court of Venezuela?
A: The fine is $10 million.
Q: What is the reason for the fine?
A: The fine is imposed for promoting viral challenges that authorities say led to the deaths of three adolescents and the intoxication of 200 others.
Q: What is the purpose of the "TikTok victims fund"?
A: The fund will be used to compensate users who have suffered psychological, emotional, and physical damages, especially children and adolescents.
Q: What is TikTok’s official policy on videos promoting self-harm and suicide?
A: TikTok’s official policy prohibits videos promoting self-harm and suicide.
