Albania has banned TikTok due to concerns over youth violence associated with social media. Users report difficulties accessing the platform, with the ban planned to extend from web browsers to the app. The ban was prompted by a violent incident involving a young student. TikTok seeks clarification regarding its involvement.
Albania has implemented a government ban on TikTok, effective Thursday, due to rising concerns regarding youth violence attributed to social media platforms. The action follows similar measures in over 20 countries that cite issues related to inappropriate content and security risks associated with the app’s ownership by ByteDance, which is linked to the Chinese government.
Users in Albania are facing difficulties accessing the TikTok platform; many reported being unable to reach it via web browsers. For instance, Ermal Hoxha, a resident of Tirana, stated, “I can see that TikTok is no longer accessible on the web but the app is still working, for now.” Each attempt to access the site yields an error message indicating it cannot be found. Other users have shared similar experiences, and officials indicated that the ban will soon extend to the app itself.
The National Authority for Cybersecurity (AKSK) in Albania mandated internet providers to confirm in writing that they would disable TikTok by the stated deadline. The decision to prohibit the app follows a tragic event where a 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by a classmate, following disputes that began on social media. TikTok has expressed intention to seek clarification from the Albanian authorities, asserting that evidence points to a different platform being involved in the situation leading up to the incident.
The Albanian government has initiated a ban on TikTok due to escalating concerns over youth violence linked to social media interactions. This decision reflects a broader global trend as numerous countries respond to similar challenges with the platform. While access has already ceased on web browsers, plans are underway to completely disable the application. The severity of the issue stems from a recent incident involving serious youth violence that sparked these preventive measures.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
