By Alba Legal – Your Trusted Partner in Albanian Law.
In today’s digital age, data privacy and cybersecurity have become critical concerns for businesses, government institutions, and individuals. Albania, like many other countries, has been strengthening its legal framework to address evolving cyber threats and ensure compliance with international standards.
At Alba Legal Albanian Law Firm, we help clients navigate Albania’s data protection and cybersecurity regulations to mitigate risks and avoid legal penalties. This article provides an overview of key laws, recent developments, and practical examples of compliance in Albania.
1. Legal Framework for Data Privacy in Albania
Albania’s primary data protection law is the Law No. 9887 “On Personal Data Protection” (2008) , which was amended to align with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) . Additionally, the Law No. 2/2022 “On Cybersecurity” establishes cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructure and digital service providers.
Key Provisions of Albania’s Data Protection Law
– Consent & Transparency – Organizations must obtain explicit consent before collecting personal data and inform individuals about how their data will be used.
– Data Subject Rights – Individuals have the right to access, correct, and request deletion of their personal data.
– Data Breach Notification – Companies must report data breaches to the Albanian Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDP) within 72 hours if the breach poses a risk to individuals.
– Cross-Border Data Transfers – Personal data can only be transferred outside Albania if the recipient country ensures an adequate level of protection (similar to GDPR rules).
Cybersecurity Laws in Albania
The Law on Cybersecurity (2022) introduces obligations for:
– Operators of Essential Services (OES) – Energy, transport, banking, and healthcare sectors must implement security measures and report cyber incidents.
– Digital Service Providers (DSPs) – Cloud services, search engines, and online marketplaces must comply with cybersecurity standards.
– National Cybersecurity Authority – The AKCESK (National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cybersecurity) oversees compliance and incident response.
2. Recent Cases & Enforcement in Albania
Albanian authorities have been increasingly active in enforcing data privacy and cybersecurity laws. Some notable cases include:
Example 1: Data Breach Penalties (2023)
A telecommunications company in Albania was fined 5 million ALL (approx. €45,000) for failing to secure customer data, leading to a breach exposing sensitive personal information. The IDP Commissioner found that the company did not have adequate encryption and access controls in place.
Example 2: Unlawful Data Processing by a Bank (2022)
A financial institution was investigated for sharing customer data with third-party marketers without consent. The bank was ordered to halt processing, delete improperly shared data, and pay a fine of 3 million ALL (approx. €27,000) .
Example 3: Cyberattack on Government Systems (2021)
Albania faced a major cyberattack allegedly linked to foreign hackers, targeting government IT systems. This incident led to stricter enforcement of the Cybersecurity Law , requiring public institutions to adopt stronger security protocols.
3. Best Practices for Compliance
To avoid legal risks, businesses in Albania should implement:
Data Protection Policies – Ensure GDPR-like compliance, including Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
Employee Training – Staff should be aware of phishing scams and secure data handling.
Incident Response Plan – Establish a clear protocol for detecting, reporting, and mitigating breaches.
Regular Audits – Conduct cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
4. How Alba Legal Can Help
At Alba Legal Albanian Law Firm , we provide:
– Compliance audits for GDPR and Albanian data protection laws.
– Cybersecurity risk assessments and incident response strategies.
– Legal representation in case of investigations by the IDP Commissioner or AKCESK.
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By staying informed and proactive, businesses in Albania can protect sensitive data and avoid costly penalties in an increasingly regulated digital landscape. Ensure your business meets Albania’s data privacy and cybersecurity requirements.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice