Albania Imposes TikTok Ban Amid Concerns of Youth Violence

Albania has started a one-year ban on TikTok due to concerns about youth violence linked to the platform, following similar actions worldwide. Users report access issues, and the National Authority for Cybersecurity has mandated its full shutdown across all platforms. The ban follows a tragic incident involving a young stabbing, raising questions about social media’s influence on youth behavior.

On Thursday, TikTok users in Albania faced significant access difficulties, as a one-year government-imposed ban came into effect. This decision stems from growing concerns that social media, particularly TikTok, contributes to increased youth violence that has been observed both in schools and in broader society.

Albania is not alone in its actions; it joins at least 20 other nations that have implemented similar bans or restrictions on TikTok due to fears related to inappropriate content and security concerns regarding the app’s parent company, ByteDance, and its ties to the Chinese government.

Users began to report access issues through web browsers post-midday. Ermal Hoxha, a 28-year-old resident of Tirana, remarked, “I can see that TikTok is no longer accessible on the web but the app is still working, for now.” He indicated receiving an error message when attempting to reach the site. Other users corroborated similar experiences, and a government official confirmed to Reuters that the ban would eventually extend to the app.

The Albanian National Authority for Cybersecurity (AKSK) has mandated that all local internet service providers provide written confirmation regarding the complete shutdown of TikTok by Thursday. The resolution to ban the application was driven by an incident last December when a 14-year-old boy was murdered by a peer following disputes escalated on social media.

In response to the ban, TikTok has expressed a desire for more clarification from the Albanian authorities, asserting that their investigation indicated the videos preceding the tragic stabbing were posted on a different platform, not TikTok.

The Albanian government has enacted a ban on TikTok following concerns over youth violence related to social media, a move that aligns with similar actions taken by other countries. Users have reported difficulties accessing the app, and the government plans to enforce a full ban across platforms. The impulsive decision followed a tragic incident involving youth violence, reflecting heightened scrutiny on the impact of social media on young individuals.

Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj