Every evening, Ergus Katiaj uploads a video on TikTok reminding customers that his shop in Tirana delivers potato chips, cigarettes and alcohol through the night. His phone buzzes with orders that add about 1,000 euros to his monthly profit.
But Katiaj will soon have to find a new way to attract business. Albania’s government has imposed a year-long ban on the social media app that it says is aimed at reducing youth violence but which rights groups and business owners say threatens commerce and free speech ahead of May elections.
“It will have a huge impact on my business because most of the sales are through delivery thanks to TikTok’s free marketing,” Katiaj said as he made deliveries across the outskirts of the capital.
Albania's government has imposed a year-long ban on TikTok that it says is aimed at reducing youth violence, but which rights groups and business owners say threatens commerce and free speech ahead of May elections reut.rs/40eJt0z
— Reuters (@reuters.com) 2 januari 2025 om 10:21
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