An article published by La Repubblica explores Albania’s recent decision to impose a one-year ban on TikTok, following concerns about its impact on young people’s mental health and the potential for violence. The government’s move has sparked a broader conversation on censorship, its consequences for free speech, and the economic impact on local businesses.
A tragic event prompts action
The ban comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Tirana on November 20, when a 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by a peer. Authorities say the violence stemmed from a TikTok challenge, with the two teenagers encouraged by their followers to carry out the act. The young victim was stabbed 24 times, and the event has shaken Albania, raising questions about the role of social media in promoting dangerous behaviour.
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke out in the aftermath, stating, “The problem today is not our children. The problem is us. The problem is our society and what it is becoming. The problem today is TikTok and all the other tools that are taking our children hostage.”
Political and economic backlash
The Albanian government’s decision has faced significant backlash, with political leaders like former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha accusing the ruling party of using the ban for “political censorship.” They argue that TikTok is also an important platform for political expression, and restricting access undermines freedom of speech.
Arlind Qori, leader of the left-wing party Bashkë, has also raised concerns about the economic consequences of the ban. Small businesses, many of which rely on TikTok for marketing, could be severely impacted, Qori warned. The app has become a key tool for local businesses to engage with customers, and its sudden removal could disrupt their operations.
A global trend of TikTok bans
Albania is not alone in considering action against TikTok. India was the first to implement a nationwide ban in 2020, citing national security concerns. Since then, several other countries, including Nepal, Australia, and Canada, have restricted the app, often limiting its use among government officials or state employees.
Albania’s nationwide ban, however, is a more comprehensive measure aimed at preventing the spread of harmful content, which the government says contributes to a “culture of violence” among young people. The country’s decision sets it apart from other nations that have opted for more targeted restrictions.
A balancing act: protecting mental health vs. limiting freedom
Despite criticism from international outlets, including Western and Russian media, Prime Minister Rama remains firm in his stance, arguing that the ban is necessary to protect the country’s youth from the negative influences of social media.
The move raises important questions about how far governments should go in regulating digital platforms. While some see it as a necessary step to protect young people from harm, others view it as an infringement on freedom of expression.
