- Australia’s online safety regulator has launched Federal Court proceedings alleging Telegram failed to meet obligations for tackling extremist material.
- Authorities claim reports of unlawful content were not handled adequately, with some material and related accounts allegedly remaining available for extended periods.
- Telegram rejects the allegations and plans to defend the case, which could result in penalties of up to $54.6 million if the court finds breaches occurred.
Australia’s eSafety regulator has filed civil penalty proceedings against Telegram, accusing the messaging service of failing to comply with legal obligations designed to curb the spread of pro-terror and other unlawful material online. The Australian court action comes a day after Russian authorities escalated their own case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of aiding terrorist activity.
A year-long investigation found that extremist material remained on the platform for as long as three weeks after Australian users alerted Telegram. The allegations also include failing to remove the associated accounts, groups and channels responsible for distributing the content.
It is also alleged that Telegram did not identify known terrorist videos, including footage from the Christchurch mosque attack and the Buffalo mass shooting, with some content reportedly remaining available for nearly three months before being removed.
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Claims Extend Beyond Delayed Removals
The regulator further claims Telegram’s terms of service did not prohibit pro-terror material across every part of the platform and that users who reported unlawful content were not advised of the outcomes of their complaints. Maximum civil penalties of up to $54.6 million could apply if the alleged breaches are proven.
The action reflects the importance of enforcing online safety laws as Australia continues to face a probable terrorism threat and concerns about online radicalisation, according to eSafety Australia. It also said digital platforms must take responsibility for preventing the distribution of the most harmful content.
Telegram has denied the allegations and intends to defend the case. The company says it has more than one billion users worldwide, with Australians visiting the platform approximately 1.5 million times every month.
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