Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to block access to TikTok for a year starting in January, following the killing of a 14-year-old boy in southern Tirana last month. The incident, linked to a social media dispute, has ignited a nationwide debate on the influence of online platforms on children.
During a meeting in Tirana with parents, teachers, and psychologists, Rama referred to TikTok as “the thug of the neighbourhood” and outlined plans to introduce programs aimed at improving students’ education and guiding parental involvement. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the platform’s impact on young users.
TikTok, however, has denied any connection to the tragic incident, stating it found no evidence that either the victim or the alleged perpetrator had accounts on its platform. The company is seeking clarification from the Albanian government regarding the proposed ban.
Albania’s move adds to global scrutiny of TikTok. The app is already banned in countries like India and Iran, while the United States and other nations are considering stricter regulations due to concerns over data privacy and content moderation.
