Albania to Ban TikTok for One Year Following Teen's Fatal Stabbing

Prime Minister Edi Rama attributes the decision to concerns about TikTok's role in youth violence and plans educational reforms alongside the ban.

The Albanian government will block access to TikTok for one year starting in early 2025, citing its influence on youth behavior and safety concerns.
The decision follows the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in November, reportedly linked to a social media confrontation involving TikTok.
Prime Minister Edi Rama criticized TikTok for promoting harmful content outside China, contrasting it with the platform's educational focus within its home country.
Authorities have conducted over 1,300 meetings with parents and teachers, with 90% of surveyed parents supporting the ban as part of broader school safety measures.
TikTok has denied any direct connection to the incident, requesting clarification from the Albanian government, while opposition figures have labeled the ban an attack on free speech.