Venezuela’s Supreme Court on Monday fined TikTok $10 million over viral challenges that authorities say led to the deaths of three children.
Judge Tania D’Amelio criticized the popular short video app for failing to implement “necessary and adequate measures” to curb content that promotes challenges.
TikTok, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, was ordered to open an office in the South American country so it can comply with local laws.
Ten days were given to pay the fine. D’Amelio said the money would be used to “create a TikTok victims fund.” TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
deadly tiktok challenges
Venezuelan authorities have blamed video challenges on TikTok for the deaths of three children who died after ingesting chemicals.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed TikTok for the death of a 12-year-old girl who took part in a challenge involving tranquilizer pills. In November he threatened to take “serious action” against TikTok if it did not remove content related to “criminal challenges”.
Education Minister Hector Rodriguez said a 14-year-old boy also died following a TikTok challenge to sniff drugs. Additionally, on November 21, the Venezuelan Attorney General linked the platform to the death of a third child.
TikTok’s global popularity is partly driven by its challenges.
However, the app has faced criticism for putting users at risk by allowing the spread of dangerous challenging videos.
TikTok’s official guidelines prohibit content that promotes self-harm or suicide.
The Venezuelan parliament is considering laws regulating social networks.
ess/lo (AP, AFP, EFE)