TikTok responds to Albania’s decision to ban following school incident

Dec 22, 2024 - Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, has announced plans to ban TikTok in the country starting next year, following a tragic incident near the "Fan Noli" school. The event involved a violent altercation among students, which resulted in the death of 14-year-old Martin Cani. TikTok has since responded to the decision, saying there is no evidence that the platform played a role in the tragedy.

In a statement to the Associated Press, TikTok clarified that neither the victim nor the perpetrator had accounts on the platform, and reports confirmed that the videos related to the incident were posted on another social media service.

Rama’s announcement came after consultations with educators and parents about the influence of social media on young people. In a meeting on December 21, the Prime Minister outlined his plan, which includes blocking TikTok for one year from 2025. He also indicated that Albania would assess the use of content filters in the future.

“TikTok will be unavailable in Albania for one year,” said Rama. “During that period, we will look at how other countries respond and what technological solutions can be introduced to protect children.”

The decision to block TikTok is part of a broader initiative to address concerns over the role of social media in influencing youth. The government also plans to increase security around schools by installing cameras, restricting mobile phone use during lessons, and increasing the presence of security officers.

While the proposed ban has sparked debate, it highlights the growing concern over the potential risks of digital platforms for young people. The measures will be reviewed during the one-year ban, with the government considering additional steps to ensure student safety online.