In a significant move, the Albanian government has decided to temporarily close access to TikTok for one year, starting in a week. The decision was announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who stated that it followed consultations with 65,000 parents and teachers. The government aims to increase the safety of children using digital platforms, particularly in light of concerns regarding harmful content and online behaviour.
The ban will be enforced through the National Cyber Security Agency (AKSHI), which will be responsible for disabling access to the Chinese-owned platform for the next 12 months. Minister of Education, Ogerta Manastirliu, explained that the decision followed a series of consultaions with parents – about 65,000 of them, who participated in over 1,300 meetings. These discussions focused on the impact of social media on children`s mental and emotional health, with many parents expressing support for the temporary ban or restriction of TikTok.
“We have analysed the effects of these platforms, particularly regarding children`s health and incidents of physical violence. The working group, which includes all relevant authorities, has recommended the closure or limitation of access to TikTok for a period of 12 months, allowing us time to implement measures in coordination with TikTok representatives. We are in discussions with TikTok to establish filters to prevent the promotion of undesired behaviours, “ said Minister Manastirliu.
Prime Minister Rama emphasized that the closure is temporary and intended to allow for the implementation of filters that ensure the safety of young users. According to Rama, the government is engaging in positive dialogue with the company and anticipates that TikTok representatives will visit Albania soon to introduce new measures aimed at increasing security, including the use of Albanian language settings for educational purposes.
“The decision to temporarily close TikTok was made after extensive consultations with 65,000 parents and teachers. It will also made possible due to the development of the necessary technical capabilities. We are in positive discussions with the company, and they will soon come to Albania to prevent a series of measures to enhance child safety, including in Albania, as well as innovation for education and studies. We do what we sat, and we say what we do,“ Rama stated.
TikTok`s reopening will only occur if the company implements the necessary filters to prevent the dissemination of violent language and problematic content. The announcement sparked an immediate response from opposition leader Sali Berisha, who criticized the government`s decision, calling it an act of censorship. Berisha vowed to organize a protest on March 15, 2025, to demand the reversal of the decision, accusing the government of suppressing free speech and using the ban as an attempt to stifle youth expression.
“This is a clear act of censorship, an expression of fanaticism, intolerance, fear, and terror of free thought and expression. TikTok is a communication platform that has gained massive popularity among young people in Albania and worldwide,“ Berisha said.
Tiktok is widely used in Albania, with over 1 million active users, and has become a significant platform for business and social interaction. The decision to ban the platform came after a series of public consultations and concerns raised in December 2024 following the tragic stabbing of 14-year-old Martin Cani by a peer after a conflict that started on social media.
The move is being framed as part of a broader effort to protect children from harmful digital content, but critics, including Berisha, argue that the ban places Albania alongside countries known for heavy censorship like Afghanistan and Iran. They argue that such a decision undermines Albania`s commitment to free expression and European integration.
As the ban looms, the debate over digital safety and freedom of expression in Albania is expected to intensify. The government`s approach reflects a growing concern over the impact of social media on youth behaviour, but it also highlights the ongoing tensions between regulation and freedom in the digital age.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
