On 22nd December 2024, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a one-year ban on TikTok, set to commence in January 2025, following the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Tirana. The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a confrontation between the involved youngsters on social media (allegedly TikTok and Snapchat), intensified concerns about the influence of platforms like TikTok on youth behavior. Rama criticized TikTok as “the thug of the neighbourhood,” expressing concerns over its content and impact on children. He emphasized the need for educational programs to guide students and assist parents in monitoring their children’s online activities. In response, TikTok stated it is seeking urgent clarifications from the Albanian government about the proposed ban and mentioned that it had found no evidence linking the individuals involved in the incident to TikTok accounts.
The SafeJournalists Network is following this development closely and emphasizes the importance of addressing harmful online behavior in ways that uphold democratic principles, including the right to freedom of expression. Social media platforms have become integral to modern public discourse, and any restrictions must be carefully considered to ensure they do not infringe on fundamental rights or set a precedent for arbitrary censorship.
Rather than imposing a blanket ban, we argue that Albania should adopt a more transparent, proportionate, and consultative approach to regulating digital platforms. This includes aligning with international standards such as the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which provides a framework for addressing harmful content while protecting fundamental rights, including freedom of expression. We believe this is the appropriate approach for all Western Balkans to frame any attempts to regulate digital platforms within the DSA and the standards of the Council of Europe. Engaging with all relevant stakeholders, such as civil society, academia, the private sector, experts, and platform operators, is critical to ensuring that measures are both effective and rights-respecting.
Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy and must remain at the forefront of any policy addressing online content. We encourage the Albanian government to reconsider the current approach and focus on regulatory solutions that balance safety with protecting fundamental freedoms. An open and inclusive process will help safeguard democratic processes and freedom of expression while addressing the legitimate concerns raised by this tragic event.
SafeJournalists Network
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 25.12.2024
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
Association BH Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro