TikTok refusal to attend Oireachtas Committee a slap in the face to Irish Public – Kelly
TikTok refusal to attend Oireachtas Committee a slap in the face to Irish Public – Kelly - The Labour Party
Labour TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Alan Kelly has strongly criticised TikTok for declining an invitation to appear before the Committee to answer questions about the safeguards it has in place to protect users from dangerous and harmful content.
Deputy Kelly said:
“TikTok’s decision to decline the Committee’s invitation is deeply disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable given the seriousness of the issues we are seeking to examine. It’s a slap in the face to the Irish Public
“The Committee invited TikTok for a very clear reason. We want to understand the processes currently in place to protect users, particularly younger users, from content that glorifies dangerous, reckless or illegal behaviour.
“TikTok is one of the most influential social media platforms in Ireland and is the platform of choice for many young people. With that influence comes an enormous responsibility.
“These questions are particularly important following the recent tragic incident on the M9 and the concerns that have arisen about social media content glorifying dangerous and illegal behaviour.
“I’m calling on TikTok to immediately reconsider its decision and accept the Committee’s invitation. I’m also calling on Coimisiún na Meán to encourage them to do so. The issue of a Garda investigation being ongoing as an excuse for not coming is a red herring, while if they want us to invite in other social media companies with them I’ve no problem with that. This matter is far too important for them to treat the Irish public this way. TikTok should come before the Oireachtas Committee, answer our questions directly and demonstrate that protecting its users is a responsibility it takes seriously.”