section_path: Campaign/TikTok ban
section_name: TikTok ban
paragraph_text: TikTok ban
  
  On 21 December 2024, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that TikTok would be banned in Albania for at least one year, starting from the beginning of 2025. Rama cited the death of a teenager in a brawl linked to a conflict on TikTok and concerns over social media promoting youth violence. Alongside this ban, the Albanian government plans to initiate educational programs for students and parents.
  
  On 13 March 2025, the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) and the National Cybersecurity Authority (AKSK), per the decisions released by the Albanian government, instructed all internet service providers in Albania to block TikTok's IPs, DNS resolution, and Server Name Indications, as well as ByteDance's IP addresses.
  
  Opposition leader Sali Berisha criticized the ban, arguing it would hinder their ability to run online campaigns ahead of the elections. Hundreds of Democrat protesters gathered in front of the Kryeministria building on 15 March 2025 to protest the ban. Arlind Qori, leader of Together Movement, considered the ban as an act of censorship.