Venezuelan Government Fines TikTok $10 Million for Dangerous Content Linked to Teen Deaths

On Monday, December 30, the Venezuelan government imposed a $10 million fine on TikTok, citing negligence in controlling harmful content that led to the deaths of three teenagers and caused poisoning among others in various schools. The fine follows the spread of dangerous challenges on the platform, including inhaling chemical substances, which resulted in severe health complications among young users.

Judge Tania D’Amelio, representing Venezuela’s Supreme Court, stated that the fine must be paid within eight days. She highlighted the company’s clear failure to implement necessary measures to protect adolescents from harmful content. Additionally, the government announced the establishment of a special fund to compensate the victims and their families, providing both psychological and physical support.

This penalty against TikTok comes amid growing global criticism over the platform’s content safety. In the United States, TikTok faces allegations of espionage and data collection for foreign entities, while governments continue pressuring the company to implement stricter measures to protect users, particularly younger audiences.

In his remarks, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro emphasized the need for TikTok representatives to appear in court, underscoring the importance of holding the platform accountable to prevent future tragedies. This fine may pave the way for further legal actions against social media companies accused of hosting content that endangers users’ lives and well-being.

source : fesnews media

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