Today, Albanian Minister of Interior, Taulant Balla, met with TikTok's Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for Central and Eastern Europe, Jakub Olek, to discuss recent events and the need to increase vigilance against online violence, misinformation, blackmail, and hate speech.
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| Taulant Balla and Jakub Oleg in Tirana, February 19, 2024 |
During the meeting, Minister Balla expressed concerns to Olek about recent incidents and the need to increase vigilance against online violence, misinformation, blackmail, and hate speech.
Additionally, Minister Balla requested detailed information on the protection and use of users' personal data.
TikTok's director, along with his team, will also meet with representatives from the State Police and other agencies today to discuss measures being taken to increase the moderation of posts in the Albanian language and the options the app offers for reporting cases and parental control over children's posts.
"I asked TikTok to establish permanent points of contact with the State Police and provide prompt responses to reported cases. Increased attention is urgently needed regarding post moderation in the Albanian language, preventing the use of this platform for illegal activities or promotion, verifying the age and identity of users, monitoring usage time, parental monitoring to prevent dependence among children and adolescents, as well as the need highlighted by the European Parliament for detailed monitoring during election periods to prevent misinformation and interference in the electoral process. The Ministry of Interior is carefully studying the legal improvements undertaken by the European Union, such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, etc., with the aim of creating a digital space in Albania where the basic rights and obligations of users are protected and clearly defined," Minister Balla stated.