Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, announced that the government plans to block access to TikTok for one year, following the killing of a schoolboy last month, which raised concerns about the impact of social media on children. The proposed ban is set to begin in January.
TikTok has requested urgent clarification from the Albanian government regarding the decision.
The social media platform stated that it found no evidence suggesting the individual who allegedly stabbed the 14-year-old boy, or the victim himself, had TikTok accounts.
In a meeting in Tirana with teachers, parents, and psychologists, Rama referred to TikTok as “the thug of the neighborhood.” He added, “We are going to close it for a year and start launching programs aimed at educating students and helping parents monitor their children’s activities.”
The decision to block TikTok in Albania comes less than a month after the tragic death of a 14-year-old student and the injury of another in a fight near a school in southern Tirana. The confrontation reportedly began on social media, prompting a nationwide debate among parents, psychologists, and educational institutions about the influence of social networks on young people.
Prime Minister Edi Rama criticized TikTok for its content, saying, “In China, TikTok promotes educational courses, environmental protection, and cultural traditions. But outside of China, it’s filled with filth. Why do we need this?”
TikTok is already banned in several countries, including India, where it was once a major market before being banned in June 2020. The app is also blocked in Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Somalia.
Additionally, TikTok is facing legal challenges in the United States. A new law passed by Congress mandates a ban on TikTok starting January 19 unless it is sold by its parent company, ByteDance.
The US Supreme Court is set to hear TikTok’s legal arguments on January 10, just days before the deadline. The US government has raised concerns over the app’s alleged ties to the Chinese government, which both TikTok and ByteDance have denied.
Several European countries, including France, Germany, and Belgium, have implemented restrictions on social media use for children.
In November, Australia introduced the strictest regulations globally, voting to ban children under 16 from using social media. However, this ban is expected to take at least a year to be fully enforced.
In the UK, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned that a similar ban for children under 16 is “on the table,” but he emphasized the need for more evidence before proceeding.