TikTok Snubs Oireachtas Committee After M9 Tragedy, Calls It a 'Slap in the Face'
The Oireachtas Media Committee wanted TikTok to answer for content that glorifies dangerous driving, especially after the M9 crash that killed five teenagers. The company refused the public invitation, offering only a private briefing instead. Chairman Alan Kelly called the move a slap in the face to the Irish public.
TikTok has declined an invitation to appear before the Oireachtas Media Committee next month. The committee sought to question the platform publicly about online videos that promote illegal activity on Irish roads. This follows the tragic M9 crash on August 16th, in which five teenage boys lost their lives and four others, including a young child, were seriously injured.
Instead of attending the public hearing, executives from TikTok offered a private briefing session with TDs. Alan Kelly, the Labour TD who chairs the committee, did not hide his frustration. He described the refusal as a slap in the face to the Irish public.
What did TikTok say about the M9 crash and its content?
Susan Moss, head of public policy at TikTok in Ireland, wrote to the committee to explain the decision. She said it would not be possible to appear in public session until examinations by An Garda Síochána and Coimisiún na Meán are complete.
Ms Moss also pointed out that the invitation appeared to focus specifically on the events of August 16th. She noted that no other social media platforms were asked to attend the hearing alongside TikTok. She argued that TikTok should not be the sole representative of the video-sharing industry in such circumstances.
She added that TikTok was deeply saddened by the incident and the loss of life, and that the company would be open to a private briefing session at a suitable time.
Why is the committee demanding answers from TikTok?
The committee's concern stems from content that glorifies reckless and illegal behaviour. A review by the Irish Independent found that at least three of the teenagers involved in the M9 crash had previously shared footage of themselves driving against traffic to evade gardaí.
Mr Kelly said the committee wanted clarity on how TikTok identifies and removes content that shows irresponsible or illegal activity, particularly when it encourages behaviour that could put others in danger. He stressed that TikTok is one of the most influential social media platforms in Ireland and the platform of choice for many young people.
He rejected the excuse of an ongoing garda investigation, calling it a red herring. He also said he would have no problem inviting other social media companies to attend alongside TikTok if that would help.
What is Coimisiún na Meán doing about TikTok's content?
The media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has confirmed it is seeking a full account from TikTok. It wants to know how the platform deals with reports of illegal content, how it applies its own community guidelines, and whether it referred any relevant information or suspicion of criminal activity to gardaí.
TikTok is not legally obligated to appear before Oireachtas committees, but it has often engaged on a voluntary basis. Previous refusals from platform X drew criticism from Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Does TikTok remove content that glorifies crime?
According to its own policies, TikTok removes content that glorifies violence, promotes crimes that could harm people, or shows activities that cause significant harm. Between January and March this year, 99.1 percent of content removed for violating policies on violent and criminal behaviour was taken down before it was reported to the platform.
Ms Moss said any such content would contravene TikTok's Community Guidelines and would be removed once identified.
The committee has called on TikTok to reconsider its decision. Mr Kelly said the matter is far too important for the company to treat the Irish public this way.
Frequently asked questions
Why did TikTok refuse to attend the Oireachtas committee?
TikTok said it could not appear in public session until examinations by An Garda Síochána and Coimisiún na Meán are complete. It also said it should not be the sole representative of the video-sharing industry at the hearing.
What happened on the M9 on August 16th?
Five teenage boys died in a crash on the M9 motorway. Four people in another vehicle, including a young child, were seriously injured. Social media content showing teenagers driving against traffic and fleeing gardaí has since come under scrutiny.
Is TikTok required to appear before Oireachtas committees?
No, TikTok is not obligated to appear. However, it has often engaged with committees on a voluntary basis in the past.