Reuters: TikTok ban in Albania sparks debate on freedom of speech

The decision, expected to be adopted and enacted, is largely supported by parents, who view this app as promoting conflicts among young people primarily. But representatives of the opposition, rights groups and business owners say it threatens trade and freedom of expression before the May elections.

Every evening, Ergys Katay uploads a video to TikTok reminding customers that his shop in Tirana distributes French fries, cigarettes and alcohol overnight. His phone is buzzing with orders adding about 1,000 euros to his monthly profit.

But Katiaj will soon have to find a new way to attract business. Albania's government has imposed a 1-year ban on social media application, as it says it aims to reduce violence in young people, but that rights groups and business owners say it threatens market and freedom of speech before the May elections.

The “will have a huge impact on my business, because most sales are through the shipment thanks to TikTok's free marketing,” said while making remittances across the capital's suburbs.

Prime Minister Edi Rama declared the ban on December 21st after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in November by another student, a crime that local media reports occurred after the boys crashed on the internet. TikTok is expected to close in the coming weeks.

The move comes after partially blocked or bans in at least 20 countries due to concerns about inappropriate videos or security concerns related to the China-based ByteDance Company, and its proximity to the Chinese government.

In Albania, Rama said the decision came after discussions with parents and teachers, but his opponents worry it is part of the prime minister's crackdown on political instability after a year of popular unrest.

“This creates a dangerous precedent that at any moment governments can shut down various platforms,” said the Xhaferaj Orchestra, by SCi Tirana-based DEV.

TikTok said he was looking for “urgent clarification” from the Albanian government because numerous “raports have confirmed that the videos that led to that incident were being posted on another platform, not on TikTok”.

Albania held regular violent protests last year against the imprisonment of political opponents. Demonstrators dropped gasoline bombs on government buildings as police responded with tear gas and water pressure.

Leaders of the two largest opposition parties -- Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party and Ilir Meta of the Freedom Party -- are accused of acts of corruption. They deny accusations, which they say are politically motivated.

Arlind Qori, head of the political party “Basce” formed in 2022, said the ban on TikTok cuts a powerful means of opposition communication.

“He wants to shut us down,” says Qori from his office, where party supporters fled the cold and discussed their campaign plans.

Rama insists the move is aimed at protecting young people. In an alley in downtown Tirana, a photo of students killed has hung on an electric pole surrounded by dried flowers and messages from friends.

He was stabbed there and went to his bloody school before an ambulance came in.

China's “Brenda TikTok does not see hooliganism, pervertity, violence, lullism, crime”, Rama said when announcing his decision last month. “While in TikTok outside of China only sludge and shit. Why do we need this? / LAPSI.al