TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Saturday that TikTok will be banned in Albania for one year due to its connection with violence and bullying, particularly among the youth.
The decision comes in the wake of heightened concerns from parents and educators after a tragic incident involving the stabbing death of a teenager last November, which stemmed from a disagreement that began on TikTok. In response, authorities organized 1,300 discussions with teachers and parents to address the escalating issues linked to the platform.
During a meeting focused on these challenges, Rama declared, “TikTok will be completely shut down across the Republic of Albania… There will be no TikTok available.” The government plans to implement the ban sometime in the next year.
According to local researchers, Albanian children represent the largest demographic of TikTok users in the country. This increased usage has raised alarming reports of students bringing weapons to school to resolve disputes and cases of bullying influenced by content seen on the app.
Rama pointed out that TikTok’s operations in China differ significantly, where the platform emphasizes educational content and environmental awareness, contrasting with its use in Albania.
In light of these concerns, the Albanian government is introducing measures to enhance school safety, which include increasing police presence, offering training programs, and improving collaboration with parents.
The prime minister noted that Albania will observe other countries’ and TikTok’s reactions to the year-long ban before determining if the platform can return to the country afterward.
However, Rama’s cautious approach has sparked criticism. Ina Zhupa, a member of the opposition Democratic Party, condemned the decision, stating, “This dictatorial move to shut down TikTok is a serious violation of freedom of speech and democracy. It is merely an electoral tactic and an abuse of power to limit liberties.” Albania is set to hold parliamentary elections next year, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
As of now, it remains unclear if TikTok has a local representative in Albania, as the company has not responded to requests for comment regarding the proposed shutdown.
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