London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, Jun 29, 2025

Albania's TikTok Ban Sparks Concerns Over Free Speech and Rule of Law

The government's decision to ban the application for a year raises questions about civil rights and EU accession ambitions.
Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania announced in late December a controversial plan to enforce a nationwide ban on the popular social media platform TikTok for a year.

This decision has been met with significant backlash from opposition politicians and human rights groups, who have decried it as an 'abuse of power' aimed at suppressing freedom of speech.

Rama's announcement follows a tragic incident in November, where a 14-year-old was fatally stabbed after engaging in a series of online disputes.

TikTok became a point of contention when videos emerged showing support for the killing, despite TikTok stating there is 'no evidence' linking the actions to its platform.

Multiple reports indicated these videos were originally published on a different social media service.

In response to the proposed ban, opposition MP Ina Zhupa criticized the move as a political maneuver that ignores proper legal procedures.

Ruslan Stefanov, of the Sofia-based Center for the Study of Democracy, echoed these sentiments, labeling the decision a populist tactic that highlights Albania's ongoing challenges with systemic corruption.

The ban has also raised concerns in Brussels.

European Union officials are closely monitoring the situation, given that Albania is in the process of meeting EU regulations on rule of law and fundamental freedoms as part of its accession process.

Albania has been an EU candidate country since 2014, and formal negotiations began in 2022.

Full membership by 2030 is a key aim for Rama's administration.

A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed the EU is reviewing Albania's plan while emphasizing that bans on digital services should be a last resort, and any such action must adhere to transparency and accountability standards.

The EU is conducting an investigation under the Digital Services Act, assessing risks to users' mental and physical well-being.

Prime Minister Rama defended the ban as part of a broader initiative to ensure safety in schools, claiming it aligns with parental concerns across the country.

He assured that the measure is not a reaction to the November incident alone, and his office is currently finalizing the technical aspects needed to enforce the ban within six to eight weeks.

Despite criticism, Rama maintains that alternative avenues for free speech and marketing will remain in Albania without TikTok.

The broader implications of this move could impact Albania's EU aspirations if perceived as a step back in democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
Russian Shadow Payments via Cryptocurrency Reach $9 Billion
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
Macron and Merz: Europe must arm itself in an unstable world
Germany and Italy Under Pressure to Repatriate $245bn of Gold from US Vaults
Airlines Evaluate Flight Cancellations Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions
Starmer Invites Innovators to Join Government Talent Scheme
UK Economy’s Strong Opening Quarter Shows Signs of Cooling
Harrods Seeks Court Order to Secure Al Fayed Estate for Victims
BA and Singapore Airlines Cancel Dubai Flights Amid Middle East Tensions
Trump Faces Backlash from MAGA Base Over Iran Strikes
Meta Bets $14 B on Alexandr Wang to Drive AI Ambitions
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
FedEx Founder Fred Smith, ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Company, Dies at 80
Chinese Factories Shift Away from U.S. Amid Trump‑Era Tariffs
Pimco Seizes Opportunity in Japan’s Dislocated Bond Market
Labubu Doll Drives Pop Mart to Status as China’s Most Valuable Toy Maker
Global Coal Demand Defies Paris Accord Goals
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
BBC Demands Perplexity AI Immediately Stop Using Its Content
Telegram Founder: I Will Leave My Fortune to Over 100 of My Children
Political Turmoil Resurfaces in Belgium Amid Economic Concerns
Fed policymakers divided on timing of interest rate cuts
Trump signals imminent agreement with Harvard University
Inheritance tax referendum alarms Swiss billionaire community
Japan cancels bilateral security meeting amid US defence demands
AI skeptic Emily Bender warns that ‘the emperor has no clothes’
×