TLDR
- Australia sues Telegram over alleged failures to remove terrorism-linked material.
- Telegram faces penalties of up to AU$54.6 million under Australia’s safety law.
- Reported execution and mass shooting videos allegedly stayed online for weeks.
- The case tests how Australia applies safety duties to major messaging platforms.
- Telegram rejects the claims and says it blocked thousands of extremist groups.
Australia has sued Telegram over claims that it failed to remove terrorism-linked material after receiving user reports. The eSafety Commissioner filed civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court after a year-long investigation. Telegram could face penalties reaching AU$54.6 million if the court confirms the alleged breaches.
Australia Regulator Details Telegram Safety Failures
Australia alleges Telegram left reported execution videos and other unlawful material online for up to three weeks. The regulator says users reported the content between July and October 2025. However, Telegram allegedly failed to remove the material promptly or suspend the accounts distributing it.
The case also targets Telegram’s wider controls over extremist channels, groups, and public broadcasts. Australia says the platform failed to reduce repeat violations after identifying terrorism-linked material. It allegedly kept related accounts active, allowing users to access and share similar content.
The regulator also cited footage from the Christchurch mosque attack and the Buffalo supermarket shooting. According to the filing, users uploaded known attack videos months before Telegram removed them. Australia argues stronger detection systems should have blocked or identified the material much earlier.
Federal Court Case Tests Online Safety Rules
Australia requires online services to prevent, detect, disrupt, and deter serious unlawful content. These duties cover terrorism material, child abuse content, extreme violence, and serious criminal activity. The rules apply through standards issued under the Online Safety Act 2021.
The eSafety Commissioner also alleges Telegram maintained incomplete terms covering terrorism-linked content across its services. Telegram allegedly failed to inform complainants about the outcome of reports concerning unlawful material. Australia now seeks court declarations, penalties, and other orders linked to the alleged breaches.
Telegram has rejected the accusations and plans to contest the proceedings in court. The company says it blocked thousands of extremist communities during 2026. However, Australia will focus its case on Telegram’s conduct, systems, and responses during the investigated period.
Global Pressure Builds Around Telegram
The Australian case adds another legal challenge for Telegram and its founder, Pavel Durov. Russian authorities separately accused Durov of facilitating terrorist activity through channels used by alleged Ukrainian operatives. They also started procedures aimed at placing him on an international wanted list.
Telegram launched in 2013 and now reports more than one billion monthly active users worldwide. Its large groups and unlimited broadcast channels allow information to spread quickly across borders. Australia says that scale creates clear duties to limit serious harm and enforce platform rules.
The proceedings will test how courts apply systemic safety duties to large encrypted messaging services. A ruling could influence future enforcement against platforms that host public channels and mass-distribution tools. Australia has said no online service can avoid national laws when harmful material remains widely accessible.
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