Unlike the TikTok ban in the USA, the situation in Albania is completely different. In the USA, after the decision to shut down, TikTok started limiting access for users in the USA, but this was a restriction and ban imposed by TikTok itself.
In Albania, the government issued an order to block TikTok’s nameservers, IP addresses, and domains. This order was sent for implementation to all relevant institutions and ISPs in Albania. Meanwhile, TikTok has not taken action like in the USA and has not blocked access for Albanian users or removed the app from the Play Store and App Store.
All of this seems to be a situation that is becoming more complicated, as according to statements from Albanian users on other platforms, it appears they have found a way to bypass this restriction and claim that access continues to be normal for them, allowing full access to the app without any limitations.
It is unclear what measures the Albanian government will take following this situation, as so far it seems that the restriction is not working. In fact, major Albanian media outlets are regularly posting on their TikTok accounts.
There has not been a thorough analysis of how Albanians are gaining access to TikTok since May 13, 2025, when the ban started, as this will require time to conduct an accurate analysis and understand how almost everyone has managed to regain access without issues, just like before.
Additionally, TikTok seems unfazed and has made no public statements since May 13, 2025. Perhaps TikTok has made changes to allow Albanians access again, thereby complicating the situation for the Albanian government and ISPs, who currently, it seems, have not yet found a definitive solution to this issue.
