Albania is set to officially close TikTok in the next few days, as it follows up on its December announcement. The government mentioned national security threats and fears about the influence of the platform on young people as major reasons for the ban. Authorities claim that TikTok’s data management practices are potential threats, joining other countries that have made similar moves against the Chinese-owned app.
The move has raised divided opinions across the nation. While government officials emphasize the requirement of tighter online controls, a lot of TikTok users, creators, and businesses that are dependent on the app are objecting. Entrepreneurs and social media influencers have complained about losing their major means of engagement and income and called for a reversal of the move.
This action puts Albania in the company of nations such as India, the U.S., and members of the European Union that have banned or put severe restrictions on TikTok. Experts indicate that the ban might be a reaction to wider geopolitical forces and increased Western distrust over Chinese tech companies’ access to user information. The Albanian government has not given information on whether the ban will be indefinite or if conditions for its return will be set.
As Albania proceeds with its shutdown of TikTok, digital rights activists are concerned about the implications of the move. Most of them are asking for openness regarding the government’s strategy for managing social media, in case it opens the door for future controls on other social media platforms.
