Venezuelan Court Imposes Hefty Fine on TikTok

In a significant move, the Venezuelan Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) has mandated TikTok to pay a $10 million fine. This decision comes in light of the platform's alleged negligence in curbing the spread of content related to hazardous 'viral challenges.'

President Nicolas Maduro's Condemnation

The ruling follows President Nicolas Maduro's criticism of TikTok, prompted by the tragic deaths of three teenagers. These youths lost their lives in early November while engaging in a challenge that involved the ingestion or inhalation of clonazepam, a medication used for treating epilepsy and panic disorders.

Consequences and Measures

TikTok has been given a ten-day ultimatum to settle the fine with the Venezuelan National Commission of Telecommunications. The funds are earmarked for a special fund aimed at compensating victims of viral challenges for their moral, physical, and psychological damages. Additionally, the court has ordered TikTok to establish its headquarters within Venezuela.