TikTok says it offered to meet media committee in private

TikTok has extended an offer to hold a private meeting with the Oireachtas Committee on Media, in response to criticism surrounding the company's refusal to attend a public hearing. The invitation came after the social media platform declined to partake in discussions about videos depicting illegal activities, such as driving the wrong way on motorways.

A TikTok spokesperson stated that they were unable to attend due to an ongoing garda investigation into a fatal M9 crash, as well as a separate examination by Coimisiún na Meán, and the fact that they are the only company approached for an appearance. However, committee chair Alan Kelly proposed that TikTok could join other social media companies, including Meta, in a joint appearance.

TikTok affirmed its willingness to meet the committee privately to deliver a briefing and answer questions while investigations by gardai and Coimisiún na Meán are ongoing. The company noted that the committee had previously held a private session with both Meta and X in 2024, and stated that its offer remains available. Fianna Fáil Dublin MEP Barry Andrews criticized TikTok for disrespecting the State by declining a public committee hearing and suggested that the European Commission could activate legal clauses allowing for the temporary suspension of TikTok in Europe.

The European headquarters of the Chinese company is located in Dublin. Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke also called for TikTok to appear before the media committee, asserting that social media companies are endangering society by failing to promptly remove content depicting dangerous and illegal activities. The recent tragic car crash on the M9 motorway, which resulted in the deaths of five teenagers and serious injuries to several others, has highlighted concerns over the timeliness of content moderation.