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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The government has officially banned TikTok for 12 months. Access to the platform will be suspended within a week, by decision of the Council of Ministers.
The decision announced by the Minister of Education, Ogerta Manastirliu, comes after the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the capital Tirana, which increased fears about the influence of digital platforms on young people.
The ban was described by Manastirliu as a necessary step to protect children and adolescents. “We have consulted extensively with parents and it is clear that social networks can have a serious impact on young people,” she said, adding “this is a temporary measure that will give us time to work with TikTok representatives and implement further protective measures.”
The movement to block TikTok follows the death of 14-year-old Martin Cani in Tirana, who was stabbed to death by a peer after a dispute that allegedly started online. Another teenager was also injured in the incident, which sparked a wave of public outrage.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, who hinted at such a crackdown last December, has been particularly vocal about the dangers posed by social media.
"This tragedy is a wake-up call for both the state and society," Rama said at the cabinet meeting.
"We can no longer stand by and allow platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to expose our children to violence and toxic content. The murder of a 14-year-old boy should remind us all of the ever-present threat of these networks," he said.
TikTok has denied any direct connection to the attack, stating that neither the victim nor the perpetrator had accounts on the platform. The company also criticized the Rama government for failing to consult with them before making the decision, calling for "urgent clarity."
It remains unclear how effective the decision will be in implementing it, as past efforts in other countries have shown that technology users often find ways to circumvent restrictions.
While the government insists the ban is about protecting children, critics argue it is a politically motivated move, especially as the 2025 general election approaches.
Ina Zhupa, an opposition MP from the Democratic Party, accused Rama of exploiting a tragedy to tighten control over online platforms. “The timing of this decision is a clear indication that the real motive is electoral interest,” she wrote.
"This is a premeditated murder of media freedoms," she said.
The ban also raises broader concerns about internet censorship in Albania. Although the government has described it as a temporary measure, many fear it could set a precedent for further digital crackdowns. Rama has warned that restrictions could continue on Snapchat.
The decision comes as part of a growing global push to regulate social media, especially when it comes to children. In France, a law passed in June 2023 requires social media platforms to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for those under 15.
Similarly, Germany enforces strict data protection laws under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates parental consent for the processing of personal data of children under 16.
In Australia, a comprehensive law has banned access to social media for children under 16.
TikTok’s influence on politics in Southeast Europe has also drawn attention. In Romania, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu used TikTok to unexpectedly lead the first round of the presidential election, prompting an investigation by the European Commission. Similarly, ahead of the presidential vote in Croatia on December 29, TikTok took new measures to prevent its misuse in political campaigns.
For now, Albania has taken one of the most drastic steps in Europe against the platform. / Pamphlet adapted from IntellNews /
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