Albania will block TikTok for at least a year starting December 21, 2024.

According to the country's Prime Minister, this action is necessary for the safety of schoolchildren. During a meeting in Tirana with Albanian teachers, parents, and psychologists, the politician referred to the short video sharing service as a "local bandit."

"We will shut it down for a year and begin implementing programs that will benefit students' education and assist parents in monitoring their children's development," the head of the cabinet stated.

The restriction on access to social networks in Albania followed the murder of a 14-year-old boy by his classmate last month. This incident sparked protests across the Balkan nation.