Albanian authorities' decision follows the stabbing death of a teenager in mid-November by another teen after a quarrel that started on TikTok.

A 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death last month, allegedly by a fellow pupil, with the incident reportedly taking place following an argument between the pair on social media. The incident sparked a wider debate in the country.

Albania’s prime minister has said the government will shut down the social media service TikTok for one year, blaming it for inciting violence and bullying, especially among children.