Albania - December 2024

On 21 December, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a one-year ban on TikTok, starting 1 January, following the murder of a 14-year-old boy by his peer over a TikTok argument and videos supporting the killing. Rama said the decision was also based on a survey of 65,000 parents, 90 per cent of whom requested TikTok's shutdown. The opposition accused Rama of attempting to stifle political campaigning ahead of the May elections. Critics argued that banning TikTok will not solve youth violence, and that children need education on navigating technology responsibly. Experts questioned the legal basis for the ban and warned of its implications for internet freedom, free expression, and media freedom. As of 29 January 2025, the ban had not been implemented. TikTok is one of the most popular platforms in Albania. According to ByteDance, as of early 2024, there were 1.53 million users over 18, and its reach extends to younger users despite a 13+ age requirement.  

Sources: Shqiptarja, Balkan Insight, Reuters, Politico