Tirana: Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Saturday that the government will impose a one-year ban on the video-sharing platform TikTok, accusing it of fostering violence and bullying, particularly among children.
The decision follows the fatal stabbing of a teenager in mid-November, allegedly by another teen after a quarrel that reportedly began on TikTok. In the aftermath, Albanian authorities held over 1,300 meetings with teachers and parents to address growing concerns about the platform’s influence.
Speaking at a gathering with educators and parents, Rama declared, “TikTok will be completely shut down for all. There will be no TikTok in the Republic of Albania.” He confirmed the shutdown would take effect next year, although a specific date has yet to be announced.
TikTok responded to the announcement via email, seeking “urgent clarity from the Albanian government” regarding its decision. The company stated it had found “no evidence that either the perpetrator or the victim had TikTok accounts,” adding that multiple reports suggested the videos linked to the incident were uploaded on another platform, not TikTok.
Concerns Over TikTok’s Influence
Research shows that Albanian children make up the largest demographic of TikTok users in the country. Parents have grown increasingly alarmed by reports of children bringing knives and other dangerous objects to school, allegedly inspired by content seen on the platform.
Prime Minister Rama contrasted TikTok’s content in Albania with its operations in China, where its parent company is based. In China, the platform promotes educational and constructive content, such as tips on studying and environmental preservation, according to Rama.
“Albania is too small to compel TikTok to change its algorithm to prevent the spread of hate speech, violence, bullying, and similar content,” Rama’s office said in a statement to The Associated Press. It further noted that TikTok in China actively prevents children from being exposed to harmful content.
Government’s Preventive Measures
In addition to the planned ban, authorities have introduced protective measures in schools, including an increased police presence, new training programs, and closer collaboration with parents.
Rama said the government would monitor TikTok’s response and observe how other countries handle the platform before deciding whether to lift the ban after the one-year period.
Mixed Reactions
The decision has faced criticism from opposition figures. Ina Zhupa, a lawmaker from the opposition Democratic Party, condemned the move, calling it “a dictatorial decision” and “an attack on freedom of speech and democracy.”
“This is a blatant abuse of power and a purely electoral act,” Zhupa said, noting that Albania is set to hold parliamentary elections next year.
While the government defends the measure as necessary for the safety and well-being of children, the controversy underscores a broader debate about balancing freedom of expression with the responsibility to protect vulnerable groups.
Source: https://apnews.com/
