The Albanian government has ordered all internet service providers to block access to TikTok by Thursday, citing concerns about the platform’s influence on young people following a recent act of violence.
The Electronic and Postal Communications Authority announced the decision, instructing service providers to restrict access to TikTok’s IP addresses and DNS servers.
This move follows remarks made by Prime Minister Edi Rama in December when he proposed the ban. His call for action came in response to a violent incident that reportedly began online and resulted in the death of a 14-year-old student and another student being injured near a school in Tirana.
The tragic event ignited a national debate about the impact of social media on youth violence, prompting authorities to take swift action against the popular video-sharing app.
However, the ban has drawn criticism from the Albanian opposition, which claims the move could interfere with their campaign efforts ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for May.
TikTok, a platform known for its viral short videos, has become increasingly popular among young users worldwide. The Chinese-owned app boasts over one billion active users but has faced mounting scrutiny in several countries.
In the United States, TikTok has faced espionage allegations, while the European Union is currently investigating claims that the platform was used to influence Romania’s presidential election in favor of a far-right candidate.
Albanian authorities have accused TikTok of promoting violent content, including encouraging school fights, further justifying their decision to block the platform.
Beyond Albania, several countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, and France (specifically in New Caledonia) have also implemented TikTok bans in response to concerns about misinformation, illegal activities, and explicit content.
Meanwhile, AFP and over a dozen other fact-checking organisations continue to work with TikTok in several regions to identify and verify videos that may contain false information.
The ban has fueled debate over the balance between online safety and digital freedoms, with many now watching how the decision will impact Albania’s social and political landscape.
