Australia Sues Telegram Over Failure to Remove Extremist Content

Australian eSafety Commissioner has threatened to file a lawsuit against the messaging app Telegram over its alleged failure to remove “pro‑terror” videos, including the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.

Regulator Julie Inman‑Grant said the company could face a fine of up to A$54.6 million (about US$38 million) under the Online Safety Act if it does not comply.

The case follows recent international scrutiny, including Russia’s accusations against Telegram founder Pavel Durov and France’s investigations for a failure to moderate extremist content.

Telegram’s history of “permissive” moderation, which made extremist posts easily searchable, prompted the regulator to question the platform’s commitment to safety.

While the regulator denied that Telegram has an adequate content‑moderation system, the case highlights growing pressure on social media to align with safety and anti‑extremism obligations.

Background

Australia first banned under‑16 users from social media in a groundbreaking move last year. The initiative followed the regulator’s earlier 2025 fine of A$1 million for Telegram’s delayed response to safety queries.

Ongoing Legal Actions

Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, remains under investigation in France, and the company is under scrutiny by multiple governments for content regulation. Violations such as delayed removal of violent content and the “desensitisation” effect on users are central to the lawsuit.

The regulator’s decision may push platforms to better ensure compliance with safety obligations to protect vulnerable populations.