Albania’s TikTok Ban Sparks Protests Ahead of Elections

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s cabinet has defended the government's TikTok ban, insisting it is necessary to protect youth, while critics call it an attempt to silence dissent ahead of elections on May 11. (Courtesy: Flickr)

Hundreds of protesters flooded the streets of Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Saturday, decrying the government’s one-year TikTok ban, which they claim is a politically motivated attempt to stifle dissent ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections on May 11.

The ban, which took effect Thursday, has sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders, journalists, and civil rights groups, who see it as part of a broader trend of democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party. Social media has played a key role in mobilizing younger voters, many of whom express frustration with government corruption and a struggling economy that has driven thousands to seek work abroad.

Government officials insist the ban is necessary to curb online violence and protect Albania’s young population. The decision follows concerns over a fatal school stabbing in November, which authorities claim was linked to social media disputes. However, critics argue that TikTok is being scapegoated to suppress online political discourse, particularly as mainstream media in Albania comes under increasing government control. As of 2024, Albania is rated 99 out of 180 in global media freedom and journalists are routinely intimidated by both politicians and organized crime. Sali Berisha, former Prime Minister of Albania from 2005 to 2013 and leader of the main opposition center-right Democratic Party, condemned the ban as blatant election interference, alleging that “TikTok will be back on May 12.”

Despite government assurances that the ban is purely a security measure, legal challenges are mounting. The Association of Journalists of Albania announced plans to take the case to the Constitutional Court, fearing that the move could set a dangerous precedent and pave the way for future social media shutdowns.

The ban comes as Rama’s government appears increasingly likely to secure a fourth consecutive term, since the opposition is deeply fractured and is facing mounting internal struggles. Berisha and his family have been barred from entering the United States and U.K. over corruption allegations, while divisions within the Democratic Party have led to defections, further fragmenting the right-wing vote.

Polling suggests the Socialists remain the clear favorite to form government once again, but the TikTok ban could alter public perception of Rama’s government in the final stretch before voters go to the ballot box on May 11.