TikTok have declined an invitation to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Media to discuss the sharing of videos of people driving down the wrong way on motorways and putting people's lives in danger.
A spokesperson for the social media platform has said that they are unable to attend due to the ongoing garda investigation, as well as a separate examination from Comisiún na Meán, and that they are the only company that were asked to attend.
This comes after they received a letter from Labour TD and media committee chair, Alan Kelly requesting officials from TikTok attend a meeting to discuss the situation, which has has called "content that glorifies irresponsible or illegal activity".
In response, a letter was sent to Mr Kelly earlier today, according to RTÉ News.
In the letter, Susan Moss, TikTok's head of public policy said: "As a result, we believe it would not be possible to appear before the committee in public session until this process is completed.
"The same issues arises in relation to other social media platforms and messaging services where instances of the content complained of is present".
"However, those platforms have not been invited to appear the committee at this time", she added. "TikTok does not consider it appropriate to be the sole representative of the video sharing industry in such circumstances".
Following this, Deputy Alan Kelly had blasted TikTok for declining this invitation, calling it a "slap in the face to the Irish public".
He added that it was "deeply disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable given the seriousness of the issues we are seeking to examine".
Urging them to reconsider this decision, Mr Kelly released this statement.
"I’m also calling on Coimisiún na Meán to encourage them to do so," he said.
"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".
Earlier today, a Fianna Fáil TD was heavily criticised after posting on social media that he was “sick of seeing people eulogising and heaping praise on thugs". More on this from Nova here.
