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2mo ago

Albania Implements Year-Long TikTok Ban Over Child Safety Concerns

The government cites a fatal stabbing linked to social media and widespread parental support as reasons for the decision, while opposition leaders criticize it as censorship.

The ban on TikTok in Albania is set to last 12 months

Overview

  • Albania's government has decided to block TikTok for 12 months, citing concerns about violence and bullying among children influenced by social media content.
  • The decision follows a fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old in November, which started as an argument on social media, sparking national debate about the impact of platforms like TikTok on youth behavior.
  • Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the ban in December and confirmed its implementation this week after consulting with 65,000 parents and teachers, many of whom supported the move.
  • The government is in ongoing discussions with TikTok, which plans to introduce child safety measures, including parental controls and language support, in Albania.
  • Opposition leaders have condemned the ban as an attack on free speech, claiming it will hinder their ability to campaign ahead of parliamentary elections in May.