Global pressure continues to mount on the social media video app, TikTok, as Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Saturday that the government plans to ban it for one year.
This decision comes after the tragic killing of a 14-year-old schoolboy in Tirana last month. The ban starts in January and aims to protect children from harmful content on social media.
Rama referred to TikTok as “the thug of the neighborhood,” and criticized the platform for promoting inappropriate material outside of China.
“In China, TikTok emphasizes education and culture, but in other places, it’s filled with scum and mud. Why do we need this?” he asked during a meeting with parents and teachers.
In response, TikTok said it is “seeking urgent clarifications from the Albanian government.” insisting they found no evidence linking the alleged attacker or victim to the platform.
The violent incident reportedly stemmed from a confrontation that started on social media.
Rama’s announcement has begun a nationwide debate among parents, educators, and psychologists about social media’s impact on youth behaviour.
During the one-year ban, the Prime Minister plans to introduce educational programs to help parents monitor their children’s online activities.
Growing Global Clamour
Globally, TikTok is facing significant scrutiny on its impact, particularly on underage children. India banned the app in 2020 over security concerns, and other countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Somalia, have also blocked it.
TikTok may be banned in the United States starting January 19 unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells the app. U.S. officials allege the platform has ties to the Chinese government, a claim both TikTok and ByteDance deny.
The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to soon hear TikTok’s appeal just before the deadline.
European nations like France, Germany, and Belgium have implemented restrictions on social media use for children. Australia recently introduced strict measures prohibiting social media for children under 16, with a one-year implementation timeline. Officials in the UK are also considering similar restrictions.
Rama’s decision highlights the ongoing struggle to balance online freedoms and safeguard young people from the potential dangers of social media.
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