Key facts
- TikTok declined an invitation to appear before an Irish parliamentary committee on media.
- The committee sought to discuss videos of dangerous driving posted on the platform.
- The invitation followed a fatal motorway crash where five teenagers died.
- TikTok cited ongoing investigations by An Garda Síochána and Coimisiún na Meán as reasons for refusal.
- TikTok stated it would not be the sole representative of the video-sharing industry.
- The committee chair described TikTok's decision as "a slap in the face to the Irish public."
TikTok has declined an invitation to appear before an Irish parliamentary committee on media to discuss videos of people driving the wrong way down motorways being posted on its platform. The decision comes after five teenagers were killed in a head-on crash while driving the wrong way down a motorway in County Kildare.
In a letter seen by Irish broadcaster RTÉ, a TikTok spokesperson stated they could not attend the Oireachtas Committee on Media due to the ongoing police investigation by An Garda Síochána and a separate examination by Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland's media regulator. The company also cited that it was the only platform asked to attend, deeming it inappropriate to be the sole representative of the video-sharing industry.
Labour TD and media committee chair Alan Kelly had requested TikTok officials attend a meeting to discuss "content that glorifies irresponsible or illegal activity." TikTok's head of public policy, Susan Moss, responded that the ongoing examinations meant it would not be possible to appear until the process is completed, noting similar content exists on other platforms not invited.
Kelly described TikTok's decision as "deeply disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable" and "a slap in the face to the Irish public," urging the company to reconsider. He dismissed the ongoing Garda investigation as a "red herring" and stated he had no issue inviting other social media companies if TikTok wished.
Tusla, the Irish child and family agency, confirmed one of the teenagers killed was in its care and two were known to the agency. The agency is liaising with An Garda Síochána and providing support to those affected by the tragedy.