Australia’s online safety regulator has initiated legal proceedings against Telegram, alleging that the messaging platform failed to remove extremist and terrorist-related content despite repeated warnings from users. The action, filed by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, marks one of Australia’s most significant regulatory moves against a global social media platform under its online safety laws.
If the court finds Telegram in breach of Australia’s Online Safety Act and related standards, the company could face civil penalties of up to A$54.6 million (approximately US$38 million).
Allegations Against Telegram
According to Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, the case centres on Telegram’s alleged failure to remove content linked to some of the world’s most notorious terrorist attacks.
The regulator claims that Australian users reported multiple posts between July and October 2025 containing videos of terrorist executions and footage associated with the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand and the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting in the United States. Despite these reports, authorities allege that much of the content remained accessible on the platform and that several associated accounts were not suspended or blocked.
Regulator Says Harmful Content Stayed Online
In announcing the legal action, Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the case concerns material linked to some of the most widely recognised extremist attacks in recent history.
The regulator argues that once Telegram had been notified about the content, it had a responsibility to act promptly. Authorities allege that the platform failed to remove ten of the twelve reported posts, allowing extremist material to remain available to users.
Telegram Rejects the Allegations
Telegram has denied the allegations and said it intends to challenge the case in court.
A company spokesperson stated that Telegram’s efforts to combat terrorism are well documented and highlighted that the platform has blocked thousands of extremist communities during 2026. The company maintains that it actively removes terrorist content and complies with its moderation policies.
Potential Financial Penalty
Under Australia’s online safety framework, companies that fail to comply with mandatory industry standards can face substantial financial penalties.
If Telegram is found to have breached its obligations, it could be ordered to pay up to A$54.6 million, making it one of the largest enforcement actions taken by Australia’s digital safety regulator. The case is expected to test the effectiveness of the country’s increasingly stringent online content moderation laws.
Telegram Under Growing International Scrutiny
The Australian proceedings come amid increased global scrutiny of Telegram and its founder, Pavel Durov.
Telegram, which reports more than one billion monthly active users, has become one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms. While it serves as an important communication tool in many regions, governments have repeatedly raised concerns about its use by extremist groups, criminal networks, and other actors distributing illegal content.
The legal action also follows recent developments in Russia, where authorities have reportedly accused Durov of facilitating terrorist activity by failing to prevent the platform from being used for organising attacks. Telegram has rejected those allegations as well.
Broader Debate Over Platform Responsibility
The case highlights the growing debate over how technology companies should balance user privacy with the need to prevent the spread of harmful and illegal content.
Governments around the world have introduced stricter digital safety laws requiring online platforms to detect, remove, and report extremist material more quickly. Supporters argue that stronger regulation is necessary to protect public safety, while technology companies continue to debate the practical and legal challenges of moderating content at scale.
What Happens Next?
The case will now proceed through Australia’s Federal Court, where Telegram is expected to contest the allegations. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Telegram but also for how other global technology platforms respond to online safety obligations in Australia.
As governments worldwide continue to tighten regulations on digital platforms, the proceedings are likely to be closely watched as a potential benchmark for future enforcement against companies accused of failing to remove extremist content.
