Kelly urges TikTok to reconsider committe invitation

Alan Kelly, the Labour TD and chair of the Oireachtas committee on media, expressed disappointment upon learning that TikTok had declined his invitation to discuss the issue of illegal criminal videos posted on the platform. In his letter, Mr. Kelly urged TikTok, along with Google, Meta, and X, to reconsider their decision. The committee had invited TikTok to address concerns over videos showing people driving on the wrong side of motorways and other illegal activities.

However, TikTok cited its involvement in an ongoing garda investigation into a motorway crash and a Coimisiún na Meán examination of social media content related to the incident as reasons for declining the invitation. The platform also stated that it felt it would be inappropriate for it to be the sole platform attending the media committee meeting on the topic.

In response, Mr. Kelly reiterated his disappointment and emphasized the significant public concern surrounding the issue. He reiterated the committee's invitation to TikTok and the other companies, stating that it would be willing to consider a private meeting.