TikTok has pulled out of a congressional “public roundtable” scheduled for this month, according to committee leadership. Chair John Moolenaar (R-MI) stated that the social media platform reversed its decision following negotiations, citing concerns that it would face inquiries regarding its child safety protocols.
Moolenaar announced the withdrawal in a statement released Thursday. He noted that while the committee had been negotiating in “good faith” to secure the attendance of TikTok’s chief security officer, the company ultimately refused to appear.
The original intent of the meeting was for the committee to question the executive regarding Chinese government access to American user data and the mechanics of the TikTok algorithm. However, Moolenaar argued that TikTok’s decision to back out now serves to shield the company from broader oversight of its safety practices for minors.
As of the statement’s release, the company had not provided an immediate response to requests for comment.
Walking away speaks volumes. If their safety protocols were solid, they’d face the committee without hesitation.
I hope they have a legitimate legal reason for this. Dodging oversight sets a terrible precedent for big tech accountability.