'Social media is holding our children hostage': Albanian bans TikTok

Albanian authorities have ordered all internet service providers to block access to TikTok by Thursday. Providers are required to block relevant IP addresses and DNS servers linked to the app, according to a statement by the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority.

Prime Minister Edi Rama first announced the ban in December, after a confrontation that started on social media led to the killing of a 14-year-old student and another being injured in a fight near a school in the capital Tirana. 

Meanwhile in Albania, officials have slammed TikTok for its alleged role in promoting violence, including fighting at schools. Several countries have banned it for varying periods, including Pakistan, Nepal and France in the territory of New Caledonia.