Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who announced a year-long ban on TikTok in December, suggested this week that the decision could be reconsidered after discussions with the platform’s European representatives. 

Initially, Rama took a firm stance, calling TikTok a harmful influence and vowing to “chase this thug out of our neighborhood”. However, after meeting with Christine Grahn, a senior TikTok official in Europe, he described their talks as “open and constructive”.

Rama said that he and Grahn discussed the concerns behind the temporary suspension and agreed on steps for cooperation in the coming months. He warned that unless progress is made, Albania would maintain the ban. TikTok sources also described the meeting as constructive, indicating a willingness to work with the government to address its concerns.

The ban followed a violent incident in Tirana, where a 14-year-old student was killed and another injured in a fight linked to an online dispute. The tragedy sparked a debate about the role of social media in youth violence and its broader impact on Albanian society. Rama has criticised TikTok for promoting harmful content outside China while portraying educational and cultural content within its home country.

His willingness to engage in discussions marks a shift from his initial refusal to justify the ban. The timing of this development coincides with international scrutiny of TikTok, including a US order requiring its Chinese parent company to divest or face a ban. While Albania's final decision remains unclear, the talks suggest a possible compromise rather than a strict enforcement of the ban.