Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans to block access to TikTok for one year, following the killing of a 14-year-old schoolboy in Tirana last month. Speaking on Saturday, Rama stated the ban would take effect in January, aiming to address growing concerns over social media’s impact on children.
TikTok, responding to the announcement, told the BBC it is seeking urgent clarifications from the Albanian government. The platform also noted it found no evidence that either the alleged attacker or the victim had TikTok accounts.
The fatal incident, which involved a fight near a school in southern Tirana, reportedly stemmed from a confrontation on social media. The tragedy has sparked nationwide debates among parents, educators, and psychologists about the role of social media in influencing youth behavior.
Rama criticized TikTok as “the thug of the neighborhood,” asserting the platform promotes harmful content outside of China. “In China, TikTok highlights education, environmental protection, and cultural traditions. But elsewhere, it’s filled with scum and mud. Why do we need this?” he said during a meeting with teachers and parents in Tirana.
The Prime Minister outlined plans to introduce educational programs during the ban to help parents monitor their children’s online activities.
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced increasing scrutiny worldwide. India banned the app in 2020, citing security concerns, while countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Somalia have also blocked access.
In the United States, a congressional law threatens to ban TikTok from January 19 unless ByteDance sells the app. The US government alleges ties between TikTok and the Chinese state, which both the company and ByteDance deny. The US Supreme Court is set to hear TikTok’s appeal just days before the deadline.
European nations, including France, Germany, and Belgium, have implemented restrictions on social media use for children. Australia recently enacted the world’s strictest measures, barring children under 16 from using social media—a ban expected to take a year to implement. Meanwhile, UK officials are considering similar restrictions, pending further evidence.
The Albanian government’s decision has fueled discussions about balancing online freedoms with protecting young people from social media’s negative effects. Rama’s announcement reflects growing global concerns over the influence of digital platforms on mental health, safety, and societal values.
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