WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Meta Blocks Accounts Protesting Kushner-Linked Albanian Resort Project
WHY IT MATTERS
The blocking of these accounts raises concerns about digital repression and the potential for governments to silence critical voices on social media, particularly in countries seeking EU membership, where protecting democracy and the rule of law is a key aspect of integration.
What happened
Meta has blocked or disabled dozens of Instagram accounts linked to Albanian activists, journalists, and an opposition party leader protesting a luxury hotel development backed by Jared Kushner. The protests, dubbed the Flamingo Revolution, have been ongoing for nearly 100 days and have evolved into a call for the entire Albanian government to resign.
Social media has played a crucial role in the protest, but users have faced copyright infringement notices, content takedowns, and account suspensions and closures.
A Meta spokesperson said they are reviewing the actions taken against the accounts and have already restored some that were removed by mistake.
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PRIMARY SOURCES
Meta blocks dozens of accounts protesting Kushner-linked Albanian resort project
POLITICO Europe · Alice Taylor · Discovery only; POLITICO copyright and subscription terms apply