Venezuela Fines TikTok $10 Million Over Deaths

Venezuela's Supreme Court has imposed a $10 million fine on TikTok for its negligence in preventing viral challenges that allegedly led to the deaths of three children. Judge Tania D'Amelio criticized TikTok for failing to implement adequate measures to control harmful content, ordering the company to pay the fine within eight days and to establish a local office to ensure compliance with Venezuelan laws. President Nicolás Maduro has publicly blamed TikTok for these tragedies, particularly highlighting the death of a 12-year-old girl who participated in a challenge involving tranquilizer pills. Additionally, a 14-year-old was reported to have died after engaging in a challenge involving sniffing substances. The fine is intended to fund a compensation scheme for the victims, reflecting growing concerns about social media's impact on youth safety in Venezuela. This case underscores broader governmental scrutiny of digital platforms amid rising incidents of harmful online content.