Albania, a Muslim-majority European nation, has imposed an immediate one-year ban on TikTok, accusing the platform of promoting immorality and violence.
The decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident in December 2024, where a 14-year-old boy was killed during a TikTok video shoot. Following the incident, the government announced the ban effective January 1, 2025.
Prime Minister Edi Rama described TikTok as a threat to the younger generation, stating, “We cannot leave our youth at the mercy of TikTok, which fosters violence.” He urged the nation to prioritize the well-being of future generations over the platform’s influence.
The ban received mixed reactions from the public, with many supporting the move while others argued that banning the app is not a viable solution. Opposition politicians, however, linked the ban to alleged pre-election manipulation by the government, as Albania gears up for elections later this year.
Albania joins a growing list of countries that have restricted TikTok, citing concerns about indecency, violence, and national security.
