Big Tech faces varied EU scrutiny; some nations compel testimony while others see voluntary compliance.
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Big Tech firms can be compelled to appear before parliamentary committees in some EU member states, though this is not universally enforced. In Ireland, social media representatives have faced criticism when appearing before Oireachtas Committees regarding content glorifying illegal or irresponsible activity, such as following a fatal car accident involving teenagers. While companies like TikTok and X have declined invitations to appear before Irish committees, other European nations have varying levels of compulsory powers for witnesses in parliamentary inquiries. France has strong compulsory powers requiring attendance under penalty of criminal offense, whereas Lithuania’s temporary investigative commissions have stronger summoning powers, though compelling executives abroad is unclear. Italy utilizes a parliamentary commission of inquiry with judicial-like powers. In Poland, a campaign demands financial penalties equivalent to 150% of revenue for platforms profiting from false adverts. The Digital Services Act aims to boost transparency and enforcement across the EU, but questions remain about the consequences of executives declining hearings without meaningful repercussions. Data protection is largely overseen in Ireland by the DPC under GDPR’s one-stop-shop mechanism, which has resulted in significant fines against major tech companies. Furthermore, Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, enforces the Online Safety Framework and DSA elements through investigations. TikTok recently faced scrutiny in Ireland regarding its data transfers to China, with the company defending its engagement process while facing criticism over its safety investments.
