TikTok is the most influential social media platform, and over the years, fingers have been pointed at it for encouraging dangerous trends. The growing concern regarding the negative impact the platform has on users has resulted in Albanian authorities deciding to ban it for a year. The decision was made on Thursday by the Albanian Cabinet. Authorities accused the platform of inciting violence and bullying. Albania believes that children are especially affected.
Albania is in communication with TikTok, according to Education Minister Ogerta Manastirliu. They have discussed adding restrictions such as parental control features and adding the Albanian language to the platform. Authorities also revealed that the shutdown and limitations are supported by many parents.
According to a Jamaica Gleaner report, the Albanian authorities held 1,300 meetings with around 65,000 parents who agreed with the decision. However, the opposition disagrees with the ban, calling it “an act of intolerance, fear, and terror from free thinking and expression.” The opposition plans to protest the shutdown on March 15.
Concerns about the platform encouraging violence and bullying increased after a teenager was killed in November. The incident stemmed from an argument between two teens that started on the platform and horrifically escalated to one teen fatally stabbing another. This incident led to the authorities starting the move to have the platform banned, which was announced in December. The announcement prompted TikTok to contact Albania over the murder.
However, TikTok later reported that there was no evidence that the killer or the victim had accounts on the platform. Additionally, several reports clarified that the two teens posted videos on another platform, confirming that TikTok was not involved.
According to a report, most of the users on TikTok in Albania are children. Additionally, Albanian parents are deeply concerned over the safety of their children following reports of children being influenced to bring knives to school or instigate bullying due to the stories they encounter on TikTok.
As a result of the growing concern about violence, police presence at some schools has increased. Authorities also equip teachers, students, and parents with the skills to handle such situations by implementing measures like training programs.