Albania Enforces TikTok Ban, Users Face Access Challenges

TikTok users in Albania are facing challenges accessing the platform as the government enforces a one-year ban, initially announced in December 2024.

This move comes amid fears that the social media platform contributes to youth violence within and outside schools.

On Thursday, several users reported being unable to access TikTok via web browsers, citing error messages such as “This site can’t be reached.”

However, some noted that the mobile app remained functional, though a government source indicated plans to block it soon.

The National Authority for Cybersecurity (AKSK) instructed internet service providers to confirm TikTok’s shutdown by March 13.

Read Also: President Trump Delays TikTok Ban to Allow Negotiations

The platform’s ban followed the tragic stabbing of a 14-year-old boy by a peer, reportedly sparked by social media disputes.

In its defense, TikTok stated that the videos linked to the incident were uploaded to a different platform and sought clarification from the Albanian government regarding the ban.

Albania joins a growing list of nearly 20 countries restricting TikTok, citing inappropriate content and security concerns tied to its parent company, ByteDance, and its alleged links to the Chinese government.

Meanwhile, TikTok remains entangled in legal battles in the United States over national security concerns.

A bill signed into law in April 2024 compels ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a ban on app store downloads.