Albania to suspend TikTok for one year, citing its role in encouraging youth violence.

TIRANA, Albania — The Prime Minister of Albania announced on Saturday that the government plans to prohibit access to the video-sharing platform TikTok for a duration of one year, citing concerns over the platform’s alleged role in fostering violence and bullying, particularly among young people.

In the wake of a tragic incident where a teenage boy was stabbed to death by another adolescent following a dispute that originated on TikTok, Albanian officials engaged in 1,300 discussions with parents and educators. Prime Minister Edi Rama made these comments during a meeting with teachers and parents, declaring that “TikTok would be fully closed for all,” emphasizing that the app would be banned throughout the Republic of Albania starting sometime in the next year.

It remains unclear whether TikTok maintains any official presence in Albania. The company responded via email, seeking “urgent clarity from the Albanian government” regarding the recent case of the teenage stabbing. TikTok also stated that they found “no evidence” suggesting either the victim or the perpetrator had accounts on their platform, and noted that multiple reports had confirmed that videos connected to the incident were shared on another platform, not TikTok.

Research indicates that children in Albania represent the largest demographic of TikTok users in the nation. There has been growing alarm among parents as reports have surfaced of children bringing knives and other weapons to school in response to conflicts or bullying inspired by content they see on TikTok.

Rama highlighted that TikTok’s operations in China, where its parent company is located, differ significantly, focusing on educational content and environmental preservation. He stated that Albania is too small to compel TikTok to modify its algorithm to prevent the promotion of hate speech, violence, and bullying. Rama’s office pointed out that in China, the platform actively works to deter children from engaging in harmful behavior.

In response to these issues, Albanian authorities are implementing a range of protective strategies in schools, which include an increased police presence, training initiatives, and enhanced collaboration with parents.

Rama noted that the government’s decision to shut down TikTok for one year will be assessed based on the reactions from the company and other countries before any further decisions regarding TikTok’s future operations in Albania are made.

However, not everyone concurs with the Prime Minister’s decision to ban TikTok. Ina Zhupa, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, expressed her concerns, labeling the shutdown as a “dictatorial decision” that represents a significant violation of free speech and democratic principles. She criticized the move as an electoral maneuver aimed at suppressing individual freedoms, especially given that Albania is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections next year.