Albania Bans TikTok Within 24 Hours Following Tragic Incident

Albania Bans TikTok Following Tragic Incident, Global Concerns Over Violent Content Increase

Albanian authorities have ordered all internet service providers to block TikTok starting Thursday, following a tragic incident in which a 14-year-old student was killed and another injured in a fight related to challenges on the platform, according to a statement from the Albanian Electronic and Postal Communications Authority.

Rising Criticism Over TikTok’s Content and Algorithms

This decision comes amid growing international criticism of TikTok due to its algorithms, which trap users in closed content loops and promote misleading information or violent content. These concerns have led countries such as France, Pakistan, and Nepal to temporarily ban the app in the past.

TikTok’s Efforts to Reduce Risks

In response to these pressures, TikTok has announced several measures aimed at reducing risks for younger users. The platform has provided new tools for parents to set usage times and monitor the accounts their children follow. It also removed over 24 million accounts belonging to users under the age of 13 in just three months. Additionally, TikTok confirmed that it deletes 95% of inappropriate content within 24 hours of posting.

Global Pressure on TikTok

Global pressure on TikTok continues to rise, with ongoing negotiations over the app’s potential sale in the United States and bans in Europe and Asia due to security concerns and violent content. Despite being valued at approximately $50 billion, TikTok’s future remains uncertain amid escalating geopolitical tensions and ongoing international criticism.

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Sources:

• Albanian Electronic and Postal Communications Authority statement
• Media reports on actions taken by various countries
• TikTok’s statement on recent updates and security measures