EBN- The Albanian government’s decision to ban TikTok for a year has sparked massive popular protests in the country.
The European network “Euronews” quoted, on Monday, the deputy of the main opposition Democratic Party, Inna Zhuba, as saying: “The decision to close the social media platform (TikTok) is a serious act against freedom of expression and democracy.”
It is noteworthy that Albania is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections next year amid protests.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Saturday that TikTok would be banned in the new year, blaming the platform for a rise in violence and bullying, particularly among young people, which has angered some users in the country.
He also stressed that the decision to ban the app was not a knee-jerk reaction to a single incident, but a carefully considered decision made in consultation with parent communities in schools across the country.
“For one year, we’ll be completely shutting it down for everyone. There will be no TikTok in Albania,” Rama said.
There was no immediate comment from TikTok administration.
Rama has blamed TikTok in particular for fuelling violence among youth in and outside school.
Videos had emerged on the app of minors supporting the killing.
