It has been described as "worrying" and "extremely disappointing" that social media giant X is refusing to send representatives to answer questions before an Irish parliamentary committee investigating online safety matters. The chairman of the Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Alan Kelly, expressed his concerns following the platform's decision to decline an invitation to appear.
Committee Proceeds Without X
Despite X's notable absence, the committee will proceed with its scheduled session on Wednesday afternoon, where representatives from other major tech companies including Meta, Google and TikTok will be in attendance. These companies have agreed to participate in discussions about how online platforms approach regulation, content moderation, and the protection of children and young people.
Alan Kelly emphasised that X's refusal was particularly disappointing given that Irish premier Micheal Martin, the Taoiseach, had additionally requested the company's participation. "While we welcome the attendance of Google, Meta and TikTok, the committee notes that X, formerly known as Twitter, declined the invitation to appear," Kelly stated.
Ongoing Scrutiny of Online Platforms
The committee meeting aims to examine how major online platforms approach multiple aspects of digital safety and regulation. Planned discussion topics include content moderation practices, the balance between technological solutions and human oversight in addressing harmful and illegal content, age-appropriate design principles, age verification systems, and the role of digital literacy in user empowerment.
"This meeting will examine how major online platforms approach regulation, online safety and the protection of children and young people," Kelly explained. The committee also intends to explore how platforms such as TikTok are implementing their obligations under the EU Digital Services Act, with particular consideration given to the high levels of engagement by children and young people in Ireland with online platforms.
Background of Concerns About X
The refusal comes amid ongoing social and political criticism directed at Elon Musk's social media platform X, which was formerly known as Twitter. Recent concerns have centred around the platform's AI chatbot, Grok, which reportedly allowed the generation of deepfake sexualised images of people, including minors.
The European Commission has initiated an investigation into X following reports that child sexual abuse material and non-consensual intimate images of adults were generated through the Grok tool and subsequently disseminated on the platform. Although the company provided written assurances to Irish regulators and the Minister of State with responsibility for AI, Niamh Smyth, that such functionality had been switched off "globally" on January 20, concerns persist.
Minister Smyth described it as "deeply concerning" that the problematic functionality might remain available in other jurisdictions outside Ireland. This context adds significance to the committee's efforts to scrutinise online platforms and their approaches to user safety.
Focus on Youth Protection
Kelly confirmed that despite X's non-attendance, the committee's focus would remain firmly on the protection of young people online. "The importance of ensuring that their safety, privacy and wellbeing are protected" represents a central concern for the parliamentary body.
The chairman added that the committee "looks forward to engaging with representatives on these matters as part of its ongoing scrutiny of the operation and impact of online platforms and will continue its engagement with relevant stakeholders in examining the regulation of online platforms." This indicates that the absence of X representatives will not diminish the committee's determination to address these critical digital safety issues.
