TIRANA, Albania, Feb 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Albania's government has lifted an 
almost year-old ban on TikTok, according to a cabinet document published in 
local media and confirmed to AFP on Thursday by the prime minister's office.

Albania blocked access to TikTok in March after a classmate fatally stabbed a 
teenager following a fight sparked by a social media dispute.

"The National Cyber Security Authority must work with the other entities to 
implement the necessary measures to restore access to this platform," 
according to the cabinet decision, which has yet to be officially published.

The decision comes amid a court challenge to the ban, due to be heard on 
Thursday. It was taken by the Albanian Journalists Association, an 
investigative media outlet, and an NGO, which argued that the ban violated 
the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

The opposition had also protested the decision by Socialist Prime Minister 
Edi Rama, saying there could have been an impact on parliamentary elections 
held last May.

Despite the ban, access to the platform has remained possible, notably 
through VPNs.

The app, which built its success on short, addictive, and often entertaining 
videos, is frequently accused of various ills -- ranging from improper data 
collection to facilitating electoral manipulation.

Several countries, concerned about the platform's impact on children's and 
adolescents' health, have taken measures in recent months.

In December, Australia banned those under 16 from accessing several social 
media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube -- a world first 
that has since inspired other countries.