Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a one-year TikTok ban starting in 2025, following the fatal stabbing of a teenager allegedly linked to social media disputes. Rama accused platforms like TikTok of inciting youth violence and stressed society’s collective responsibility. TikTok denied involvement, citing no evidence of accounts linked to the incident and clarifying the videos appeared on another platform. The ban aligns with measures to enhance school safety but has sparked criticism for its impact on digital rights and freedom of expression. SCiDEV raised concerns over the decision’s lack of transparency, evidence, and broader stakeholder engagement, highlighting the risks of setting a precedent for digital space restrictions. They recommend integrating Media and Information Literacy in education, harmonizing Albania’s laws with the EU’s Digital Services Act, ensuring platform accountability, and adopting an inclusive policymaking approach. SCiDEV emphasized the importance of aligning such measures with democratic principles to address systemic issues and protect fundamental rights. Read more here.
Source: Politico, SCiDEV