Australia’s online safety regulator has launched legal action against Telegram, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove extremist and terrorist-related material from its service. The eSafety Commissioner said Telegram allowed access to content linked to major extremist attacks, including the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting in the United States, the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, and Islamic State propaganda videos.
The case has been filed in the Australian Federal Court under the country’s 2021 online safety laws. If found responsible, Telegram could face a penalty of up to A$54.6 million ($38 million) for allegedly failing to detect and remove terrorist content. Telegram rejected the allegations and said it would challenge the claims in court. The company said it has strong measures in place to fight terrorism and protect users.
The regulator demands greater action from the platform
The Australian watchdog said the issue involves content shared through Telegram groups and channels, where messages can spread to large audiences. Groups can include up to 200,000 members, while channels can reach unlimited numbers of users.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the alleged content involved some of the most serious extremist attacks in recent years. She claimed the material remained available even after Telegram was notified about it.
The regulator said extremist videos and messages linked to attacks can continue to spread online and may encourage further radicalization. Authorities have become increasingly concerned about how digital platforms can be used to promote hate and violence.
Australian officials argue that platforms with large audiences must take responsibility for removing harmful material.
Telegram says it removes terrorist content
Telegram said it has taken action against extremist networks and regularly blocks terrorist-related communities. The company reported that it has removed over 150,000 such communities from its platform this year.
The eSafety Commissioner said her office first contacted Telegram in March 2024 and claimed the company did not respond adequately for several months. She said Telegram became more cooperative after French authorities arrested its founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in 2024 over allegations related to illegal activities on the platform.
However, Inman Grant said Telegram still maintains an environment where terrorist content can remain accessible. Telegram said it remains committed to user privacy, freedom of speech and protecting human rights. The company also pointed to its role in supporting democratic movements in various countries.
