X refuses to appear before Oireachtas media committee amid Grok controversy

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) into Elon Musk’s X over the production of sexually explicit images and the spreading of possible child sexual abuse material generated through Grok. File picture: Yui Mok/PA

Social media platform X has refused to appear before the Oireachtas media committee despite a request from Taoiseach Micheál Martin in a move that has been described as “extremely disappointing and worrying”.

The committee will meet on Wednesday with representatives from Meta, Google, and TikTok to discuss online regulations. It comes in the wake of international outcry about the platform’s AI chatbot Grok.

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) into Elon Musk’s X over the production of sexually explicit images and the spreading of possible child sexual abuse material generated through Grok.

Speaking ahead of the media committee meeting on Wednesday, chairman Alan Kelly, a Labour TD, said it invited several online platforms to attend as part of its work.

“While we welcome the attendance of Google, Meta, and TikTok, the committee notes that X, formerly known as Twitter, declined the invitation to appear.

“It is extremely disappointing and worrying that X have refused to attend especially after a request was additionally made by the Taoiseach for them to do so.”

The meeting on Wednesday will examine how major online platforms approach regulation, online safety, and the protection of children and young people, Mr Kelly said.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

“We plan to discuss issues including content moderation, the use of technology and human oversight to address harmful and illegal content, age-appropriate design, age assurance, and the role of digital literacy and user empowerment.”

“We will also ask how platforms such as TikTok are implementing their obligations under the EU Digital Services Act, particularly considering the high levels of engagement by children and young people in Ireland with online platforms and the importance of ensuring that their safety, privacy and wellbeing are protected.”

In January, the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau confirmed there is an ongoing investigation in relation to Grok. An Garda Síochána is investigating 200 child sexual abuse-related images generated by the chatbot.