TIRANA, Albania — On Sunday, Prime Minister Edi Rama clarified that the recent decision to impose a ban on TikTok for one year was not a hasty reaction to a singular event but rather a well-considered action aimed at tackling significant social issues.
The ban, announced on Saturday, is motivated by allegations that TikTok has been a platform for promoting violence and bullying, especially amongst the youth.
Since the fatal stabbing of a teenager in November, which stemmed from a dispute that originated on social media, authorities in Albania have conducted approximately 1,300 discussions with parents and educators. A significant 90% of those engaged expressed support for the TikTok ban.
Rama emphasized that the ban was a collective decision derived from consultations with school communities nationwide.
In response to Albania’s decision, TikTok requested clarification regarding the incident involving the stabbed teenager. The platform asserted that it found no proof that either the victim or the culprit had accounts on TikTok. Moreover, investigations indicated that videos linked to the incident had been disseminated on a different social media platform.
Rama contended that disconnecting the incident from TikTok reflects a misunderstanding of the vast influence the platform has on youth today, as well as the rationale that underpins the government’s decision to safeguard children.
He further criticized TikTok for perpetuating a cycle of harmful language and behavior that poses a risk to children and adolescents. In Albania, young people represent the largest demographic of TikTok users, as reported by local researchers.
Nevertheless, many young Albanians oppose the ban. Samuel Sulmani, an 18-year-old from Rreshen, argued that TikTok is a space for self-expression and relaxation during their free time, stating that the prohibition feels like a restriction on their freedom.
Amid rising concerns from parents regarding instances of children bringing knives and other potentially harmful objects to school due to conflicts fueled by TikTok content, Rama reiterated the government’s commitment.
“Our stance is unmistakable: TikTok must ensure the safety of Albanian children, or we will take measures to shield our youth from the risks associated with the platform,” he declared.
