Previously, families filed a lawsuit related to the consequences of content disseminated on TikTok without any oversight. On Monday, the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela imposed a fine on the TikTok platform over a case of “viral challenges” that caused significant harm to minors.

Previously, on November 21, Venezuelan families and organizations filed a lawsuit related to the consequences of content disseminated on TikTok without any oversight. Regarding this action, the judges pointed out that the platform was negligent for failing to implement necessary measures to prevent the dissemination of posts featuring viral challenges that violate the legal framework and create an unsafe cyber environment.

The fine imposed by the Court amounts to US$10 million, which the company must pay to the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) within eight days of the official publication of the decision. In the event of non-compliance, the Constitutional Chamber stated it would take the measures it deems necessary to ensure the obligation is fulfilled.

The Constitutional Chamber also ordered TikTok to establish a permanent representation in Venezuela so as to control the implementation of tools that ensure compliance with local telecommunications and social media laws. This measure aims to enhance user safety and preserve their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.

After receiving the rights protection lawsuit filed by the families, the Constitutional Chamber formed a multidisciplinary team to discuss the consequences of viral challenges and social media consumption. On Monday, the judges ordered the expansion of this team and the creation of a technical committee involving affected families to assess the damages caused by the events proven in this case, including the confirmed deaths of three teenagers.

With the funds from the fine, Venezuela will establish a “TikTok Victims Fund” to compensate for the psychological, emotional, and physical damages to users, especially children and adolescents.

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister praised Arab nations for supporting the Syrian people. A delegation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arrived in Damascus on Monday for high-level talks with the Syrian interim administration.

The delegation is led by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Saudi-owned Alarabiya TV reported. Speaking at a press conference in Damascus with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, Al-Yahya said that his visit is part of the GCC’s efforts to strengthen ties with Syria.

He underscored the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and supporting its stability, calling for the removal of international sanctions on the country. For his part, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister praised Arab nations for supporting the Syrian people during and after the country’s prolonged conflict.

At the press conference, al-Shibani said that GCC delegation has been briefed on Syria’s plans for the future. He added Damascus is willing to look forward to strengthening relationships with Gulf brothers. “We want to reintegrate Syria into its Arab environment,” he said.

According to reports, GCC officials also discussed with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ways to revitalize Syria’s war-battered economy as well as Syria’s security as an integral part of the region’s stability.

GCC Secretary-General said the council’s respect for Syria’s sovereignty and unity remains paramount. Albudaiwi denounced any foreign interference in Syrian affairs, demanding Israel’s immediate withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights and condemning its settlement expansion in the area.

The delegation, which includes Al-Yahya and Al-Budaiwi, arrived in the Syrian capital on Monday to meet with the new Syrian administration leader, Ahmad Al-Sharaa. This follows the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government earlier this month.

Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, announced on Sunday that demonstrations against the outcome of the October 8 presidential election would be suspended for a week. This decision aims to allow humanitarian organizations and international bodies to assess the state of human rights in the country. In a Facebook broadcast, Mondlane declared a five-day reprieve to facilitate the entry of regional actors into Mozambique, as reported by the Club of Mozambique.

Mondlane mentioned that a group of former heads of state from southern Africa has expressed interest in mediating an end to the ongoing political impasse. The situation has drawn attention from neighboring countries, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dispatching his national security advisor to Maputo amid escalating unrest.

South Africa shares a border with Mozambique and has significant investments in various sectors, including mining, energy, and construction. In November, South African authorities temporarily closed the Lubombo border crossing after protestors set vehicles ablaze on the Mozambican side.

Mondlane, who claims that the election was rigged, has vowed to install himself as President despite being outside the country. Last week, Mozambique’s top court upheld the victory of Daniel Chapo from the ruling Frelimo party, albeit with a reduced margin. Since protests against the election results began in October, more than 250 people have reportedly been killed in clashes, with local civil society groups indicating that most victims were shot by security forces.

This situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to ensure peace and stability in Mozambique while addressing pressing human rights concerns.