Albania has taken a decisive step in strengthening protection against digital violence and online abuse. Under a new decision approved by the Council of Ministers, online platforms and service providers now face administrative fines of up to 500,000 Albanian lekë for every 24 hours of delay if they fail to remove harmful digital content ordered by the courts.
The new legal framework significantly expands the enforcement powers of the Authority of Electronic and Postal Communications (AKEP), transforming it into a key institution with direct sanctioning authority over online service providers operating in or affecting Albania.
This move marks one of the most aggressive regulatory approaches in the region to combat online harassment, digital stalking, and non-consensual distribution of intimate content.
What Does the New Law Require from Online Platforms?
According to the government decision, AKEP is authorized to impose administrative fines ranging from 30,000 ALL to 500,000 ALL per 24-hour delay on any online service provider that fails to comply with court-ordered protective measures.
These measures include orders to:
- Remove, block, or delete harmful digital content
- Disable online accounts used for harassment or stalking
- Restrict access to digital profiles, links, or platforms used for abuse
- Remove intimate images or videos shared without the victim’s consent
- Prevent the misuse of passwords or accounts for intimidation or control
Each day of non-compliance is treated as a separate violation, making prolonged delays extremely costly for platforms.
AKEP’s Sanctions Have Immediate Legal Force
One of the most important aspects of the new regulation is that fines imposed by AKEP constitute an executive title. This means:
- The fines are immediately enforceable
- Collected amounts are transferred directly to the state budget
- Platforms cannot delay payment by procedural tactics
However, the law also introduces a financial incentive for quick compliance. Online service providers receive an automatic 15% reduction of the fine if payment is made within 30 days from notification.
Right to Appeal Preserved
Despite the strict penalties, the legal framework preserves due process. Any sanctioned entity has the right to appeal within 45 days to the competent administrative court.
This balance aims to ensure that enforcement is strong, while still respecting legal safeguards and judicial oversight.
Expanded Jurisdiction Beyond Albania’s Borders
One of the most impactful elements of the new law is the expanded territorial jurisdiction granted to Albanian authorities.
Although protective and administrative measures apply within the territory of the Republic of Albania, AKEP and the audiovisual media regulator may order content removal, blocking, or restriction regardless of:
- The physical location of the server
- The country where the platform is registered
- The geographic location of the service provider
This provision directly targets global platforms and cross-border digital services, ensuring that foreign-hosted content harmful to Albanian citizens can still be sanctioned.
Court Powers Go Even Further in Serious Cases
In severe cases of digital violence, the law allows civil courts to impose even broader protective measures.
These may include:
- Banning all online and offline contact between perpetrator and victim
- Seizure of digital devices used to carry out online abuse
- Confiscation of tools used for harassment, as long as they are located within Albania
This signals a clear policy shift: digital violence is treated with the same seriousness as physical harassment.
Standardized and Faster Digital Procedures Coming Soon
To ensure the law is applied efficiently, procedures for requests, formats, and electronic notifications will be standardized through a joint decision involving:
- The High Judicial Council
- The authority responsible for justice
- The Authority of Electronic and Postal Communications (AKEP)
The goal is to accelerate response times, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve coordination between courts and regulators in the digital environment.
Why This Law Matters for Albania
The new legislation represents a major milestone in Albania’s legal response to:
- Online harassment and cyberstalking
- Revenge porn and non-consensual image sharing
- Digital coercion and intimidation
- Abuse through social media and messaging platforms
By introducing daily fines of up to 500,000 ALL, the government sends a strong message that inaction by platforms will no longer be tolerated.
For victims, this means faster content removal, stronger protection, and clearer accountability. For platforms, it introduces significant financial and reputational risk if they fail to act promptly.