Albania has enacted a one-year ban on TikTok, citing concerns over youth violence and its influence in schools. This follows global trends of restrictions on the platform due to safety and security issues. Users are encountering access problems, with the ban expected to extend beyond the web to the app soon. The move follows a tragic stabbing linked to social media disputes.
Albania has implemented a government ban on TikTok due to concerns that the platform may be contributing to youth violence, particularly in schools. The ban took effect on Thursday, affecting user access to the app. This action is part of a broader trend, with more than 20 countries either banning or partially restricting TikTok for similar reasons related to content and security concerns stemming from its ownership by ByteDance, and its ties to the Chinese government.
Users in Albania are increasingly facing difficulties reaching TikTok. As reported by some individuals, the app is still functional, although web access has been significantly restricted. One user, Ermal Hoxha, mentioned experiencing error messages when attempting to navigate the site online. Other frustrated users have shared identical issues, prompting the government to extend the ban from web browsers to the app itself.
The National Authority for Cybersecurity (AKSK) has mandated that all internet providers in Albania confirm the implementation of the TikTok ban by the specified deadline. This decision came after a tragic incident where a 14-year-old was killed by a classmate following disputes on social media, highlighting the urgent need for governmental action regarding youth safety on digital platforms. TikTok has stated its intention to seek clarification from the Albanian government, citing evidence that the videos leading to the violent event were shared on a different platform, not TikTok.
Albania’s ban on TikTok emphasizes heightened concerns over youth violence and the responsibilities of social media platforms. Following similar actions in numerous countries, Albanian users are now facing significant challenges accessing TikTok as the government prioritizes internet safety. The incident of violence that triggered this ban underscores the importance of regulating online content to protect young individuals.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
