Australia Sues Telegram Over Alleged Terror Content Failures

Australia Files Civil Case Against Telegram Over Terror Content – Platform Faces Potential AUD 54.6 Million Penalty

Key Takeaways

• Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has initiated civil penalty proceedings against Telegram in the Federal Court.
• The regulator alleges Telegram failed to remove pro-terror content, including material linked to the Christchurch and Buffalo attacks.
• Telegram could face penalties of up to AUD 54.6 million, approximately USD 38 million.
• Telegram denies the allegations and says it will contest the case in court.

Australian Regulator Accuses Telegram of Failing to Remove Terror Material

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has filed civil penalty proceedings against messaging platform Telegram, alleging the company failed to detect and remove pro-terror content in breach of Australian online safety codes and standards.

According to the regulator, the case follows a year-long investigation into Telegram’s content moderation practices. The Commissioner alleges that publicly posted pro-terror material, including videos of terrorist executions and mass shootings, remained accessible on the platform after being reported by Australian users.

If the Federal Court finds Telegram in breach, the company could face penalties of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars, equivalent to roughly 38 million US dollars.

Alleged Delays in Removing Christchurch and Buffalo Attack Content

The eSafety Commissioner claims that Telegram left certain pro-terror materials online for up to three weeks after receiving reports from Australian users. In addition, the regulator alleges the platform failed to detect known footage of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting and the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting.

According to the press release, this material remained on Telegram for nearly three months before being removed.

Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that the case concerns content linked to some of the most widely reported extremist attacks in recent history. She said the regulator alleges that such material remained accessible long after Telegram had been put on notice.

The Commissioner also noted that Australians visit Telegram approximately 1.5 million times per month on average. Telegram reports more than one billion users globally and allows groups of up to 200,000 members.

Claims of Inadequate Policies and Reporting Transparency

Beyond the alleged failure to remove specific content, the regulator also argues that Telegram’s policies did not prohibit pro-terror material across all parts of the app.

In addition, eSafety claims that Telegram failed to inform complainants about the outcome of their reports. The Commissioner stated that Telegram has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent the hosting, sharing, amplification, and monetisation of harmful material.

The case centers on whether Telegram complied with Australia’s applicable codes and standards, which set expectations for how platforms manage and respond to harmful online content.

Telegram Rejects Allegations and Signals Court Challenge

Telegram has denied the allegations. In a statement, a company spokesperson said the platform’s anti-terrorism efforts are well documented and that it rejects the claims brought by the Australian regulator.

The company confirmed it will contest the proceedings in court.

The lawsuit adds to broader legal pressure facing the messaging service. Russian authorities have charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity. Durov has stated that Russia acted against him because Telegram refused to comply with demands for mass surveillance and censorship. French authorities also arrested Durov in August 2024.

These separate actions are not directly connected to the Australian proceedings but contribute to the wider legal environment surrounding the platform.

Implications of a Potential Federal Court Ruling

The outcome of the case may indicate how assertively Australia intends to enforce its online safety framework against global technology platforms operating in its market.

Should the Federal Court impose the maximum penalty, it would represent a significant financial sanction under Australia’s regulatory regime. The case also tests how national regulators apply domestic content standards to platforms with large international user bases.

For users of digital platforms, including those active in cryptocurrency, betting, and online communities, the case highlights the increasing scrutiny applied to moderation practices and compliance obligations. Messaging apps are often used to distribute market information, community updates, and user-generated content. Regulatory actions concerning content governance can therefore influence how such platforms operate within specific jurisdictions.

Our Assessment

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has formally accused Telegram of breaching national online safety standards by failing to remove pro-terror content in a timely manner and by not adequately informing complainants. The Federal Court will determine whether Telegram violated applicable codes and whether penalties of up to AUD 54.6 million are warranted. Telegram has denied the allegations and will challenge them in court, while related legal proceedings in other countries add to the company’s current regulatory exposure.