Albania has decided to ban TikTok for one year following the tragic murder of a 14-year-old boy. The teenager was stabbed by a classmate in November, sparking public outrage. As a result, the government expressed concerns about the impact of social media on children.
Prime Minister’s Announcement
On Saturday, Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed the ban. He explained that it is part of a broader plan to improve school safety. This announcement came after Rama met with parents and teachers. “For one year, we’ll completely shut it down for everyone. There will be no TikTok in Albania,” he stated.
Stabbing Incident and Social Media’s Role
The stabbing incident has drawn significant attention. Media reports indicate that the argument between the two boys began on social media. Following the attack, several videos supporting the killing surfaced on TikTok.
Rama emphasized, “The problem today is not our children, the problem today is us, the problem today is our society, the problem today is TikTok and all the others that are taking our children hostage.” It’s worth noting that Albanian children are the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to Reuters.
TikTok Responds
In response, TikTok requested “urgent clarity” from the Albanian government. The platform stated that it found no evidence linking the victim or the perpetrator to TikTok. Moreover, TikTok clarified that videos related to the incident were posted on a different platform.
Concerns Over Social Media Influence
Prime Minister Rama further argued that platforms like TikTok contribute to violence among youths. Albanian parents have expressed growing concerns about their children bringing weapons to school, possibly influenced by content seen on TikTok.
Rama’s office also pointed out that Albania is too small to influence TikTok’s algorithm. However, he mentioned that in China, TikTok prevents children from accessing harmful content. The government plans to assess whether the ban should continue after one year.
Opposition Criticizes the Decision
However, not everyone agrees with Rama’s decision. Ina Zhupa, an opposition lawmaker, criticized the ban as a “dictatorial decision.” She argued that it infringes on freedom of speech and democracy. “It is a pure electoral act and abuse of power to suppress freedoms,” she stated.
Ban Implementation
The ban will come into effect soon. Over the next year, the government will review the situation and determine whether TikTok should be allowed to return to Albania.
