Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice has imposed a $10 million fine on TikTok after three adolescents died from chemical intoxication linked to viral challenges on the platform.
On Monday, December 30, Judge Tania D’Amelio ruled that TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, failed to take “necessary and adequate measures” to prevent the spread of harmful content encouraging dangerous challenges.
The court ordered TikTok to establish a local office in Venezuela and pay the fine within eight days or face further punitive actions. The funds will go toward a TikTok Victims Fund to support users, particularly children and adolescents, who have suffered psychological, emotional, or physical harm due to the platform’s content.
Authorities reported that, beyond the three fatalities, over 200 adolescents across Venezuela were hospitalized for chemical intoxication after participating in social media challenges.
TikTok acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in court but continues to face criticism for insufficiently curbing harmful videos. While the platform prohibits content that promotes self-harm, critics argue enforcement is inadequate, especially as TikTok’s viral challenges often veer from harmless trends to life-threatening stunts.
President Nicolás Maduro, who had warned of “severe measures” against TikTok in November, accused social media platforms of spreading “hate” and “division.” Venezuela’s parliament is now debating stricter regulations for social networks, targeting platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).