Albania’s Constitutional Court Declares TikTok Ban Unconstitutional, Citing Free Speech Violations

On March 11, 2026, Albania’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government’s one‑year ban on the social media platform TikTok was unconstitutional and violated fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The ruling, issued in Tirana, comes after the ban had already expired on February 5, 2026 following a year in force.

The ban was originally imposed in March 2025, shortly after the tragic death of a teenage boy during a fight that authorities linked indirectly to online content. The government argued that restricting access to TikTok was necessary to protect children and reduce online bullying. Officials also pointed to new “safety mechanisms” introduced by TikTok as part of the decision to let the ban lapse.

However, in its judgment, the Constitutional Court found that the government had failed to convincingly demonstrate that a complete ban was the only effective or necessary means to address those concerns. The court emphasized that restricting access to a global communications platform represented an excessive infringement on constitutional rights and that such a significant limitation must be justified with more solid evidence and proportional reasoning.

The legal challenge was filed by the Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), who argued that the ban disproportionately limited free expression and access to information. Opposition politicians also welcomed the decision, saying it confirmed their earlier criticism that the ban had political and electoral motivations, as it was introduced just weeks before the 2025 parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Edi Rama responded critically to the ruling on social media, claiming the court’s decision suggested that parents and teachers who had supported the ban were “wrong,” and defended the original intent of the measure.

Overall, the ruling is seen as a significant affirmation of constitutional rights in Albania’s democratic framework and sets a precedent regarding limits on government regulation of digital platforms.