Legal definitions
A “child” or “minor” is defined as any person under 18. Albanian law distinguishes between minors under 14 and those aged 14–18, with minors under 14 lacking legal capacity and unable to consent to sexual activity.
Albanian legislation does not provide explicit statutory definitions of “child sexual exploitation,” “sexually explicit conduct,” or “child sexual abuse,” but Albania has ratified the Lanzarote Convention and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which provide applicable definitions covering conduct such as child prostitution, child pornography, and depictions of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The Albanian Criminal Code criminalizes trafficking in minors, exploitation of prostitution, sexual acts or violence against minors, and child pornography. “Child pornography” (child sexual abuse material or CSAM) is defined through applicable international instruments as visual depictions of a child engaged in real or simulated sexually explicit conduct and includes the production, distribution, possession, or access to such material and recruiting a child for pornographic performances. Computer-generated CSAM is not specifically addressed but may fall within this definition.
“Enticement” or “grooming” and “sextortion” are not specifically defined under Albanian law; however, related conduct may fall within offenses concerning solicitation of children for sexual purposes under the Lanzarote Convention or other criminal provisions addressing CSAM, prostitution, or sexual exploitation of minors.
Regulatory requirements/recommendations
Under Albanian law, video-sharing platform providers must take measures to protect children from harmful or illegal content, including child sexual exploitation and CSAM. Platforms must monitor content and investigate complaints and are required to remove illegal content once notified by authorities or third parties. There is no explicit obligation to proactively report illegal content, though a general duty to report crimes may apply.
Age verification requirements/recommendations
Online platforms must adopt protective measures for content that may harm minors. These measures may include age verification systems, but the law does not require any specific method and treats such measures as guidance rather than a strict legal obligation.
Parental consent requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to obtain parental consent before allowing a child to access their services.
Legal remedies for child victims
Victims of online child sexual exploitation may seek removal of CSAM by filing a complaint with the Audiovisual Media Authority or directly with the online platform, and courts may issue injunctions ordering the removal of illegal content where necessary. Online platforms are generally required to remove illegal content after receiving a complaint or request from authorities or third parties. Victims may seek financial compensation from offenders through civil proceedings or within criminal proceedings. Victims are also entitled to support services, including medical care, psychological assistance, counseling, legal aid, and exemption from certain legal costs. Additionally, victims who file a criminal complaint have the right to be notified of the arrest or release of the accused.
"Safety by Design" requirements
Online platforms are not required to incorporate “Safety by Design” into their systems.