Venezuela’s Supreme Court has fined TikTok $10 million for failing to prevent viral challenges that have harmed minors, while also ordering the platform to establish a local office to oversee user safety.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court has imposed a significant fine on TikTok for its failure to prevent the spread of harmful viral challenges that have caused serious harm to minors. The court's ruling also introduces measures aimed at enhancing the platform's accountability in the country.
The Supreme Court of Justice announced that TikTok is being fined $10 million for not taking adequate steps to stop the spread of dangerous content. These viral challenges, which have reportedly led to severe consequences for minors, sparked a legal response from the Venezuelan government.
Tania D'Amelio, President of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, explained the court's decision, calling attention to TikTok’s negligence in safeguarding users, particularly minors.
She stated: “Firstly, TikTok is fined ten million US dollars, payable to the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) within eight days of the decision’s publication on the Supreme Court's website. This fine is for failing to implement necessary measures to stop the spread of viral challenges. Secondly, TikTok is ordered to establish a physical presence in Venezuela, in accordance with national legal standards, to oversee the implementation of technology tools aimed at protecting users' physical, psychological, and emotional safety.”
The decision follows growing concerns over TikTok’s role in spreading dangerous content. In November, President Nicolás Maduro directly accused the platform of being responsible for viral challenges that led to the tragic deaths of two teenagers. Maduro also proposed stricter regulations similar to Australia’s social media laws for minors to prevent future tragedies.
The fine, along with the court's directive for TikTok to open a local office, represents a broader push by Venezuela’s government to regulate digital platforms operating within its borders, ensuring they comply with national laws and prioritize user safety.
Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted once more early on Saturday, with ash and lava spewing from the southeastern crater. The eruption, which began late Friday night, continued through midday, local sources reported.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
In a groundbreaking event, China hosted the world’s first humanoid robot race, where robots and humans competed side by side. The competition saw Chinese-made Tien Kung Ultra emerge victorious in the half-marathon, completing the 21-kilometer course in an impressive 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
he Trump administration has replaced the Covid.gov website, once a central hub for COVID-19 resources, with a new platform focusing on the lab leak theory regarding the virus's origins.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Algeria on April 20-21 for high-level strategic talks, according to diplomatic sources.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plan to reclassify approximately 50,000 federal workers under a new category, "Schedule Policy/Career," which would make it easier to fire civil servants who do not align with his administration's policy agenda.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order early Saturday blocking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members from Texas under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law from 1798.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he plans to visit India later this year, following a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about potential collaboration in technology and innovation.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman is scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday, just days after the commencement of a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks mediated by Muscat.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Algeria on April 20-21 for high-level strategic talks, according to diplomatic sources.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plan to reclassify approximately 50,000 federal workers under a new category, "Schedule Policy/Career," which would make it easier to fire civil servants who do not align with his administration's policy agenda.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order early Saturday blocking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members from Texas under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law from 1798.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment