After a tense negotiating phase, TikTok has pulled out of a scheduled meeting with a congressional committee over concerns it would be grilled on child safety practices. Chair John Moolenaar (R-MI) accused the company of reneging, saying it cited a desire to avoid broader scrutiny in light of Meta’s recent settlement with state attorneys general. The move comes amid ongoing legal battles focused on child safety.

The committee, which negotiated in good faith, is now attempting to reschedule the meeting. Moolenaar insisted that TikTok executives must appear before the House Select Committee on China before the end of the year to address questions about their operations and safeguards.

Following a deal in January to make TikTok’s US service part of a new entity, lawmakers still harbour concerns about Chinese government influence and US data protection. Moolenaar highlighted that the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which briefly banned TikTok in the US, still requires answers on these issues.

The committee’s persistence in pushing for transparency is emblematic of broader efforts to protect users, particularly children, in the digital age. As TikTok dodges the spotlight, the committee continues its quest to ensure the tech giant is held accountable.