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The Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela imposed a fine of 10 million dollars on TikTok this Monday for failing to implement measures to prevent the spread of viral challenges that, according to authorities, resulted in the deaths of three minors in the country.
The president of the Constitutional Chamber of the TSJ, Tania D’Amelio, announced that the Chinese platform must pay the fine to the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) within eight days, reported the EFE agency.
Additionally, he warned that if this provision is not complied with, further legal actions will be taken to ensure adherence to the ruling.
Among the ordered measures, TikTok is required to establish a presence in Venezuela to oversee the content disseminated on the social network, aiming to safeguard the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of users, particularly minors.
"This is all aimed at improving the safety of users and ensuring their physical, psychological, and emotional integrity, effectively and promptly controlling content related to so-called viral challenges," he emphasized.
The TSJ also ordered the creation of a fund with the fine money to compensate the victims for the damages caused.
The case arises following the acceptance of a petition filed by the Bolivarian Movement of Aristóbulo Istúriz Families, which highlighted the dangers of viral challenges on social media and requested measures to protect children and adolescents.
According to authorities, the challenges have resulted in not only fatalities but also dozens of injuries and cases of poisoning in the country.
This decision sets a precedent in Venezuela regarding the control of digital content and the responsibility of platforms in disseminating potentially harmful materials.
Last August, in the context of his campaign against social media, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused TikTok, owned by Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yiming, of inciting a civil war in the country.
The accusations against the owners of the microvideo platform emerged when the international community questioned Maduro's victory in the elections held on July 28, and when the Venezuelan people took to the streets to reject the official count.
Maduro also ordered the blocking of other networks such as X, and previously urged Venezuelans to delete WhatsApp, platforms that kept the population informed amid the widespread censorship in Venezuela.
“Look at how immoral TikTok is; I accuse the executives and owners of TikTok worldwide of wanting a civil war in Venezuela and supporting fascism in Latin America and around the world,” he said in a meeting with high-ranking state officials.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fine and Possible TikTok Ban in Venezuela
Why has TikTok been fined in Venezuela?
TikTok has been fined $10 million by the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela for failing to implement measures to prevent the spread of viral challenges that resulted in the deaths of three minors in the country. The fine was imposed for not adequately controlling dangerous content on the platform.
What should TikTok do to avoid being blocked in Venezuela?
TikTok must open an office in Venezuela and pay a fine of 10 million dollars to avoid being blocked in the country. Additionally, they are required to establish a representation to oversee the content disseminated on the social network.
What political context influences the measures against TikTok in Venezuela?
President Nicolás Maduro has accused TikTok of inciting a civil war in Venezuela and has taken action against several social media platforms amid widespread censorship. The accusations against TikTok arise in a context of repression and control over information in the country.
What other platforms have been affected by Maduro's policies in Venezuela?
In addition to TikTok, the Maduro government has ordered the blocking of other social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and has urged Venezuelans to delete WhatsApp. These actions are part of a broader strategy of censorship and information control.
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