Albanian PM explains TikTok ban, citing parents’ overwhelming support

Tirana, December 22, 2024 - Prime Minister Edi Rama has shed light on the government’s decision to ban TikTok for one year, explaining it was driven by widespread parental concerns over children’s safety online. The move, announced on Saturday, followed consultations with tens of thousands of parents, the majority of whom called for action against the platform.

Speaking during a national meeting with teachers and parents, Rama outlined the rationale behind the ban. “Starting next year, TikTok will be completely blocked in Albania for one year. During this time, we will observe how other countries handle similar challenges and explore better technologies for regulating platforms like this,” he said.

Consultations behind the decision

The decision emerged from 1,300 meetings organised by the Ministry of Education across the country. Over 65,000 parents participated, with more than 90% supporting a ban on the platform. Rama emphasised that the process reflected a broad consensus among Albanian families.

“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly,” he noted, highlighting the risks posed by TikTok, including exposure to harmful content and inadequate oversight.

Learning from global practices

Rama also addressed the disparity between TikTok’s operation in China and elsewhere, calling attention to the stricter controls applied domestically by its parent company, ByteDance. “When you compare TikTok in China to TikTok abroad, they’re two completely different platforms,” he observed.

During the ban, Albania plans to study how other nations tackle similar concerns, while assessing technological solutions like filters and restrictions. “We’re treating this as a year of learning,” Rama explained, “to ensure we implement the most effective measures moving forward.”

Divided reactions

The ban has sparked debate within Albania, with many praising the government’s focus on children’s safety, while critics argue that such a sweeping measure may not address the deeper issues of digital literacy and oversight.

Internationally, the move has caught the attention of media and policy experts, particularly as TikTok continues to face scrutiny for its data practices and influence on young users worldwide.

For now, Albania’s approach stands out as one of the strictest in Europe, raising questions about whether other nations might follow suit in the battle to regulate social media.