Despite the official decision to shut down TikTok in Albania on March 13, the platform remains accessible to users, though disruptions have begun to emerge. Many have reported difficulties navigating the app, slower video loading times, and failed attempts to access TikTok through web browsers—signs that the government’s restriction efforts are underway. However, a complete ban is expected to take up to ten days, as authorities coordinate with major tech companies like Apple and Google to remove the app from their stores.
While some users may attempt to bypass the restrictions using VPN services, Albania’s cyber security agency has already announced measures to counteract this workaround. The government’s decision to ban TikTok, affecting 1.5 million Albanian users, comes after extensive consultations with 65,000 parents and teachers who expressed concerns about the platform’s impact on young people. The ban was implemented as a safety measure, particularly in response to the tragic case of 14-year-old Martin Cani, who was murdered by a peer following an altercation that originated on social media. This incident highlights the dangerous consequences of unregulated digital interactions.
The growing body of research on TikTok’s effects on mental health, cognitive development, and social behavior only reinforces the necessity of this ban. Studies have shown that excessive use of TikTok can lead to attention deficits, addictive behaviors, and increased exposure to harmful content. The app’s algorithm is designed to maximize engagement, often pushing sensationalist and extreme content that can negatively influence impressionable minds.
Furthermore, concerns about data privacy and national security have led several countries to take action against TikTok. The platform’s data collection practices, which raise alarms over potential misuse of personal information, have already prompted bans in countries like the United States, India, and several European nations.
While TikTok has announced plans to introduce stronger content filters to protect young users, the question remains: Can a platform that thrives on unfiltered, viral content truly ensure a safe digital environment? Until TikTok demonstrates genuine and effective reforms, its presence poses a significant risk to society.
Albania’s move to ban TikTok is not just an isolated act but part of a global reckoning with the dark side of social media. If we are serious about protecting future generations from the harmful effects of these platforms, governments worldwide must take decisive action—before it’s too late.