Albania has quietly lifted restrictions on TikTok, just over three months after the popular video-sharing app was banned by the government over concerns about harmful content targeting young users.

The restoration of access to TikTok was not formally announced by the government or the company. However, users across the country reported full access to the platform this week, indicating the end of a nationwide block that began on March 13, according to reports by Monitor.al and other media.

The government had initially announced a one-year suspension of the app, citing the need to protect children and adolescents from online content promoting violence and bullying.

The decision to block TikTok was issued by the Council of Ministers in March, following consultations with tens of thousands of parents and educators.

It followed a public outcry following the fatal stabbing of a child by another minor in November 2024, an incident that sparked debate over the influence of social media.

Despite the ban, TikTok usage in Albania remained high. Many users bypassed restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), with ProtonVPN reporting a 1,200% spike in usage on the first day of the block. By the end of 2024, the app had an estimated 1.53mn active users over the age of 18, according to market research.

Data from Pikasa Analytics quoted by Monitor.al suggested the ban had little impact on platform engagement, with a modest 3.3% drop in post volume and a 14% rise in video views compared to the week prior to the ban.