TikTok Ban In Albania Triggers Debate On Freedom Of Opinion

Albania's Prime Minister, Edi Rama (photo: x ediramal)

JAKARTA The Albania government's decision to ban the use of the TikTok social media app for one year has sparked heated debate over its impact on freedom of expression and the business world. The ban was announced by Albania's Prime Minister, Edi Rama, as a step to reduce violence among teens, following the stabbing of a 14-year-old student in November.

However, for many business actors such as Ergus Katiaj, this ban could be catastrophic. Katiaj, a shop owner in Tirana who relies on TikTok to market snacks, cigarettes and alcohol delivery services at night, said the ban would be very detrimental to its business.

"Most of my sales come from free promotions on TikTok. This ban will have a big impact on my income," said Katiaj, who claimed to be able to earn an additional 1,000 euros per month from the app.

TikTok Bans And Concerns About Freedom Of Opinion

The announcement of the ban on TikTok was made on December 21, 2024, after consultations between governments, parents, and teachers. However, many fear that this step is part of the government's efforts to silence dissent ahead of elections scheduled for next May.

"This creates a dangerous precedent where the government can at any time close certain platforms," said Orkidea Xhaferaj of the Tirana-based think tank SCideEV.

TikTok itself denies allegations that its platform sparked violence among teens. "We seek immediate clarity from the Albania government because reports suggest that videos related to the incident were actually posted on other platforms, not TikTok," said a TikTok representative.

Protests And Concerns Of Political Opposition

The ban has also come under fire from opposition parties in Albania. Arlind Qori, leader of the opposition party Bashke (Together), said that TikTok's ban on seizing communication tools was important to the opposition.

"He wants to silence our voices," said Qori, referring to Prime Minister Rama.

In recent years, Albania has experienced a wave of strong protests, including demonstrations of the imprisonment of opposition political figures accused of corruption. Leaders of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, and the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, denied the allegations and called them political motives.

Rama insists that this ban aims to protect young people from the negative impact of TikTok. In a statement, he compared TikTok content outside China with app versions in China that were considered more positive.

"On Chinese TikTok, you don't see violence, bullying, or crime. While on TikTok outside China, there is only trash. Why do we need this?" he said.

However, this decision continues to draw sharp criticism from various parties, who think this move could have a negative impact on freedom of expression in Albania.