Albania First in Europe to Ban TikTok After Teen's Death; PM Calls It "Neighborhood Thug"

Dec 21, 2024, 06:05 PM

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the government will ban TikTok for at least one year, starting from January 1, 2025, making Albania the first European country to do so. The decision follows the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in November, after a dispute that began on TikTok, raising concerns over the platform's influence on youth and its role in promoting violence among children. Rama described TikTok as "the neighborhood thug," stating that "TikTok will no longer be available in the Republic of Albania." The ban is part of the government's "Action Plan for Strengthening School Safety Mechanisms," aiming to address violence and bullying incited by social media use among young people. The government held meetings with teachers, parents, and psychologists to discuss the issue, and officials will reassess the ban after one year.