Representatives from TikTok will appear before an Oireachtas Committee on media on September 23rd.
The U-turn comes as TikTok finds itself in the firing line for reducing moderation standards, and being cited as a contributing factor to the M9 tragedy in August.
In August, Labour TD Alan Kelly, who chairs the Oireachtas Media Committee, invited representatives from TikTok to appear before the committee, but they declined.
Companies or individuals who are invited to appear an Oireachtas committee are not legally compelled to do so; Kelly referred to TikTok’s previous decision not to appear as a “snub.”
Now, Kelly has welcomed the change of heart from TikTok.
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“This follows an engagement that I had yesterday at the Irish Presidency Conference on Online Safety for Children and Young People with their representative,” he said.
“At and following our panel discussion yesterday, I asked that TikTok reconsider their previous decision not to attend. In particular, I did so as yesterday TikTok were able to outline much of what they currently do and plan to do when it comes to online safety. They outlined that they spend approximately €2 billion a year on online safety,” the Labour TD said.
“I appreciate their change of heart, and I look forward to full engagement with our committee on September 23rd.”