TikTok Withdraws from Congressional Roundtable Over Child Safety Questions

TikTok has pulled out of a public roundtable set by the House Select Committee on China for this month, citing concerns that the forum would probe its child‑safety policies. Chair John Moolenaar (R‑MI) announced the decision Thursday, noting that the company had previously agreed to bring its chief security officer before the committee to discuss Chinese government access to American data and the platform’s algorithm.

Moolenaar said TikTok reversed course after negotiating “in good faith” to provide testimony. The company’s refusal, he wrote, was driven by a desire to avoid broader scrutiny of its child‑safety practices. TikTok has not yet issued a response to the committee’s statement.

The withdrawal highlights the mounting pressure on TikTok from U.S. lawmakers over data security and user protection. With the roundtable canceled, the committee will likely pursue alternative means to obtain the information it seeks. The story was reported by The Verge.