Albania’s government has officially ended its ban on TikTok, a move confirmed as a court challenge to the restriction was set to be heard.
TIRANA: Albania’s government has lifted a ban on TikTok that lasted nearly a year.
The decision was confirmed to AFP on Thursday by the prime minister’s office.
The ban was initially imposed in March after a teenager was fatally stabbed by a classmate.
The fight was reportedly sparked by a dispute on social media.
A cabinet document published in local media outlined the move.
It stated that the National Cyber Security Authority must work to implement measures to restore access.
The decision comes as a court challenge to the ban was due to be heard.
The Albanian Journalists Association, an investigative outlet, and an NGO had argued the ban violated constitutional freedom of expression.
The opposition had also protested Prime Minister Edi Rama’s original decision.
They suggested it could have impacted parliamentary elections held last May.
Despite the official ban, access to the platform remained possible through tools like VPNs.
The app is frequently accused of various ills, from improper data collection to facilitating electoral manipulation.
Several countries have recently taken measures against social media platforms over health concerns.
In December, Australia banned those under 16 from accessing TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
