In brief
The Australian eSafety Commissioner has brought legal action against Telegram, alleging the platform failed to delete video footage linked to the Christchurch mosque attack and other terrorist incidents. The suit carries a potential fine of A$54.6m under the Online Safety Act. Earlier this year, Telegram was fined A$1m for delays in addressing child‑abuse and extremist content investigations. The complaint follows broader scrutiny of the app’s moderation policies, including allegations that it has allowed extremist material to be used for recruitment and planning attacks. The Australian government remains vigilant about ensuring digital platforms meet their safety obligations.
Australia takes Telegram to court over failure to remove extremist material
The Australian eSafety Commissioner has lodged legal action against Telegram, accusing the messaging service of keeping videos linked to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting and other terrorist incidents online after being notified.
Julie Inman‑Grant, who spearheaded a historic ban on minors using social media, warns that Telegram could be fined up to A$54.6m (about $38m) for breaching the Online Safety Act. She claims the platform left extremist content in place for months after a notice from authorities.
The complaint follows Russia’s recent charges against Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, for allegedly aiding terrorism, and France’s investigation into the company’s moderation practices.
Inman‑Grant said her agency began inquiries into Telegram’s actions in March 2024, enduring five months of unresponsiveness before the company engaged. Even after contact, she alleged that the app maintained a “permissive environment” that made extremist videos easy to find.
The eSafety regulator previously fined Telegram A$1m in February 2025 for delaying answers to questions about child abuse and extremist material handling.
