Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Saturday that the government would impose a year-long ban on TikTok starting in 2025, citing the platform’s negative impact on young people.
“We are going to chase this thug out of our neighborhood for one year,” Rama said during a meeting with teachers, parents, and psychologists in Tirana. He emphasized that the decision aligns with plans to introduce educational programs to support students and help parents monitor their children’s activities.
The move follows a tragic incident last month where a 14-year-old student was killed, and another injured in a schoolyard fight stemming from an online altercation. The incident reignited debates about the role of social media in shaping youth behavior.
Criticizing TikTok’s content disparity, Rama stated, “In China, TikTok promotes education, nature conservation, and traditions. But outside China, we see only scum and mud. Why do we need this?”
TikTok’s challenges, which often go viral, have been linked to harmful incidents across the region. In Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia, authorities reported cases of injuries and self-harm among teenagers attempting dangerous challenges popularized on the platform.
The ban also comes amid global concerns about TikTok’s influence, including accusations of espionage and its alleged role in swaying elections. Several countries have already restricted TikTok usage within state institutions.
With more than a billion active users worldwide, TikTok remains a dominant force in social media. However, the platform has faced increasing scrutiny over its role in perpetuating harmful trends and misinformation, particularly among vulnerable groups like adolescents.
