Child safety or censorship? Albania's TikTok ban raises concerns
18 January 2025
Albania plans a one-year TikTok ban after a child was killed in a school, alleging youth violence is linked to videos on the app and claiming the measure is needed to protect children.
TikTok has denied any connection, claiming the videos came from another platform. Critics warn the ban endangers free speech, especially with the upcoming May elections, as TikTok is a platform mainly used by the opposition because the algorithm amplifies their content to a very large audience independently of whether users follow them or not.
TikTok's algorithm thrives on engagement, and it’s designed to prioritize content that sparks strong emotional reactions. This has led to the politicisation of content, as users tailor their posts to push ideological limits to gain more views. The more controversial or extreme a video is, the more likely it is to be viral. This shapes political discourse and creates a loop where this content is more valued than nuanced discussions.
France, Germany, and Belgium have limited TikTok for users under 16 years old, and the US is banning it on Sunday because of its close relations with China. However, Albania’s total ban, under the guise of child safety, appears politically motivated to weaken opposition influence.
 | Ariadna Mañé Social media is deeply tied to freedom of speech and political expression but is also a tool for control with censorship or bans, as well as a way of spreading false news and narratives. TikTok has an undeniable influence on the youth and their opinions because the algorithm shows content that validates their worries and reinforces their biases which makes it a target. While some sort of regulation on what minors see is crucial on any platform, banning a whole app sets a dangerous precedent. |
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