Albania to close TikTok for at least a year

Albania to close TikTok for at least a year

The TikTok application is blacklisted in Albania. The social network will no longer be accessible for at least one year in the country from the start of 2025. The decision was announced this Saturday, December 21 by the Albanian government, which demands strong measures to protect minors who represent the majority of its users.

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TikTok is the neighborhood thug and we’re going to chase him for a year. » The declaration, martial, is that of the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, after a news item which shook the country: the death at the end of November of a 14-year-old student, stabbed following a altercation born on social networks.

On TikTok we only see dirt and mud », continues the head of government. “ In China, TikTok presents how students can take classes, how to protect nature, how to preserve traditions, but on TikTok outside of China we only see dirt and mud. Why would we need it? The problem is not with our children. But from all of these platforms which take them hostage. »

L’Albania accompanies this suspension of surveillance measures. Increased police presence in schools, training sessions on digital harassment and mobilization of parents. Albanian authorities warn that TikTok can resume operations only if the company takes steps to avoid outbreaks of verbal violence between its users.

The TikTok application is particularly popular with young people around the world, attracted by its ultra-short video formats which scroll continuously. The application surpasses all its competitors in its ability to capture attention. By 2024, Android users used it for an average of 34 hours each month, according to a report from We Are Social.

Also readIn Romania, accused of having favored a candidate, TikTok causes trouble in the elections

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