Hundreds of people gathered in Tirana, Albania's capital, on Saturday to protest a government ban on TikTok, claiming the move could influence the upcoming parliamentary elections in May.
Earlier this week, Albanian authorities ordered internet providers to block access to TikTok by targeting IP addresses and DNS servers related to the platform, a decision made by Prime Minister Edi Rama in December. However, as of Saturday afternoon, it was still possible to access TikTok.
The ban was instated following the tragic killing of a 14-year-old student in Tirana, an incident that allegedly stemmed from a social media conflict. Rama cited the event as a reason for the ban, which has sparked debates on the impact of social media on youth.
Opposition leader Sali Berisha criticized the ban, arguing it would hinder their ability to run online campaigns ahead of the elections. At the protest, medical student Elida Ranci spoke out, stating that the ban not only threatened TikTok but also violated freedom of expression in the lead-up to the legislative elections.
TikTok, popular among young people for its short video format, boasts over one billion active users globally. However, it has faced controversy, with accusations of espionage in the US and scrutiny by the European Union over its potential influence on Romania's presidential election. In Albania, authorities have condemned the platform for allegedly promoting violence, including fights in schools.
TikTok has also faced criticism for its algorithm, which is accused of creating content echo chambers, spreading misinformation, and promoting harmful or inappropriate material, particularly among younger users.
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