Berisha vows to restore TikTok ban in battle for ‘free speech’

TIRANA, Dec 23, 2024 – Albania's government has confirmed a year-long ban on TikTok starting January 2025, aiming to protect young users from harmful content. Opposition leader Sali Berisha has criticized the decision, vowing to reverse it if his party wins the upcoming elections.

The move, announced on Saturday, comes amid rising concerns over TikTok's influence on children and its management of potentially harmful content. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government stated that the ban is a precautionary measure to ensure a safer online environment, particularly for teenagers, and is in line with global discussions about regulating social media platforms.

Government officials defended the decision, pointing to harmful trends and insufficient content moderation as key reasons for the move. 

Berisha, on the other hand, accused the government of using the ban for political reasons, alleging that the opposition’s strong presence on TikTok influenced the decision. “This is an attack on free speech and an attempt to silence the youth,” Berisha stated, pledging to reinstate the app if his party secures victory in May’s elections.