AKEP (Authority for Electronic and Postal Communications) has given an ultimatum to internet companies: Block access to TikTok by March 13!

The Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) has officially requested the closure of access to TikTok. In an email sent to all ISP entities (Internet Service Providers), it is requested that they block access to TikTok by March 13.

AKEP is based on the order of the National Authority for Cybersecurity. TikTok will be blocked in Albania for 12 months, after which measures will be considered to limit inappropriate content. The government’s decision has been criticized, with the opposition calling on young people to protest against the blocking of this application.

AKEP’s announcement:

“The National Authority for Cybersecurity (AKSK), with letter no. 1196 prot., dated 10.03.2025 (administered in AKEP with no. 359/2 prot., dated 10.03.2025), has requested the necessary measures for blocking access to the TikTok application and its digital infrastructure in Albanian territory, taking the following actions:

• Blocking TikTok IPs in the territory of Albania.
• Blocking TikTok DNS in the territory of Albania.
• Blocking TikTok SNI (Server Name Indications) in the territory of Albania.
• Blocking ByteDance company IPs in the territory of Albania.”

The AKSK letter cites the legal basis (Council of Ministers Decision no. 151 dated 6.3.2025) and the list of all IPs and domains for which access blocking is requested. Based on letter c) of point 2 of Article 30 of Law no. 54/2024 “On electronic communications in the Republic of Albania” and letter e), point 1, of Article 9, as well as point 9 of Annex E, of AKEP Regulation no. 47 dated 26.10.2017 “On the implementation of the General Authorization regime,” any operator/entrepreneur offering electronic communication services/networks under the general authorization regime must comply with restrictions on transmissions containing illegal or harmful content as determined by AKSK. Therefore, we are forwarding the AKSK letter.

Also, each entrepreneur (ISP) must submit a written confirmation to AKEP and for AKSK’s information, regarding the closure of access to the IPs and domains cited in the AKSK letter, by March 13, 2025.”