Suspension of Instagram accounts of Albanian opposition figures and protest activists

Question for written answer E-003499/2026/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 144 Sandro Gozi (Renew) Subject: Suspension of Instagram accounts of Albanian opposition figures and protest activists On 3 September 2026, Albanian media reported that at least 23 Instagram accounts1 linked to opposition figures and participants in ongoing anti-government protests had been suspended. Independent MP Marjana Koçeku claimed that more than 200 pages had been affected. Confirmed cases include opposition MP Agron Shehaj, leader of Mundësia, and activist Gent Progni2. Meta has so far provided no public explanation3. No evidence4 currently establishes government involvement5. However, the scale and timing of the suspensions raise serious concerns about freedom of expression, political pluralism and possible coordinated abuse of platform reporting or moderation systems. Albania is an EU candidate country subject to Commission monitoring on democracy, fundamental rights and media freedom. The Commission has already noted increasing digital threats and online harassment in Albania. 1. Will the Commission urgently seek clarification from Meta on the reasons for these suspensions and whether coordinated mass-reporting or automated enforcement played a role? 2. Will it examine this incident in the context of Albania’s accession and rule of law monitoring? 3. Will it assess whether Meta’s safeguards against coordinated manipulation of moderation systems are adequate, including where comparable risks may affect political speech within the EU? Submitted: 3.9.2026