Australia Sues Telegram Over Alleged Failure To Remove Extremist Content; the platform could face a $38 million fine | Today’s news
Australia’s online safety regulator has launched legal action against the messaging platform Telegram claiming it has failed to remove extremist and terrorist content despite repeated warnings from authorities.
The civil case, filed in Australia’s Federal Court, is seen as a major test of Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021, which requires digital platforms to take reasonable steps to detect and remove illegal and anti-terrorist material from their services. If found liable, Telegram could face penalties of up to A$54.6 million (about $38 million).
The lawsuit focuses on content linked to some of the world’s most notorious extremist attacks, including videos from the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting in New Zealand, the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting in the US and propaganda videos from the Islamic State group. Australian authorities say such material remained available on Telegram long after the platform was alerted to its presence.
Telegram has denied the allegations, saying it will contest the case in court. The company said its counter-terrorism efforts are extensive, pointing to publicly available data showing it has blocked more than 150,000 terrorism-related communities on the platform this year.
The regulator says platforms must deal with terrorist material
Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the case involved content linked to some of the most high-profile extremist attacks in recent history. According to the regulator, Telegram’s large channels, which can reach an unlimited audience, increase the platform’s responsibility to prevent the spread of harmful material.
Grant said her office has been working with Telegram since March 2024 and urged it to follow its own content moderation policies. While the company began to respond after the founder of Telegram Pavel Durov was arrested in France in 2024 on separate charges related to illegal activity on a platform the regulator says terrorist propaganda continues to be available.
Telegram cites privacy and free speech commitments
In response to the lawsuit, Telegram said it was committed to protecting users’ privacy and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly. The company also emphasized its role in supporting pro-democratic movements in countries such as Iran, Russia, Belarus, Myanmar and Hong Kong.
The Australian case comes as governments around the world increase scrutiny of major tech platforms over their handling of extremist and illegal content. The outcome could affect how online messaging services are held accountable for moderating content shared through large public channels, particularly when such material is accused of supporting terrorism or inciting radicalisation.
