Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the introduction of a block on the popular TikTok application, Reuters reported. The new regulations are to come into force from January 2025. TikTok demands explanations from the Albanian authorities.
– We will completely block it for everyone for a year. IN Albania There will be no TikTok, the Albanian head of government announced on Saturday, quoted by Reuters.
TikTok banned in Albania
Last month, the murder of a teenager in Albania raised concerns about the impact of social media on children, Reuters reported. The new ban is part of a broader plan to increase safety in schools. According to Rama, social media, especially TikTok, are responsible for fueling youth violence.
– The problem today is not our children, the problem is us, our society, the problem currently is TikTok and all other (social media – ed.) that take our children hostage – said the Prime Minister, quoted by the agency.
The Albanian government's decision was made after a 14-year-old student was stabbed by a schoolmate in November. Local media reported at the time that the incident occurred after an argument between the boys on social media. Videos of other children related to this tragic event were also supposed to appear on TikTok, Reuters described.
TikTok wants explanations
TikTok said it demands urgent explanations from the Albanian government. “We found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had accounts on the app, and multiple reports confirmed that videos supporting this incident were posted on another platform,” said a company spokesman, quoted by Reuters.
Recently, several European countries have decided to restrict the use of social media, including: France, Germany and Belgium. However, the strictest law was introduced in Australiawhere there is a complete ban on the use of the so-called social media for children under 16 years of age.
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