Australia’s internet regulator has begun legal action against messaging platform Telegram over alleged failures to remove pro-terror content, including videos depicting terrorist executions and mass shootings. The eSafety Commissioner said the material remained accessible even after Telegram had been notified about it.
Australia’s eSafety Regulator Takes Action Against Telegram
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner said the case concerns content associated with some of the most notorious extremist violence in recent history, including material linked to the Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks.
“We allege that this content remained accessible on the service long after Telegram had been put on notice.”
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the legal action relates to Telegram’s alleged failure to address the material in accordance with Australia’s online safety requirements.
Telegram Rejects Allegations
Telegram rejected the allegations and said it would challenge the case in court. A company spokesperson also pointed to the platform’s anti-terrorism efforts, saying thousands of extremist communities had been blocked by Telegram during 2026.
“We reject these allegations and will contest them in court.”
The legal proceedings will therefore centre on whether Telegram failed to meet its obligations under Australia’s applicable online safety codes and standards.
eSafety Says 10 Posts Were Not Removed
According to an eSafety court filing, Australian Telegram users reported 12 posts containing pro-terror material between July and October 2025. The filing said three of those posts contained known terrorist content.
eSafety alleged that Telegram failed to remove 10 of the reported posts and did not suspend or block the accounts responsible for publishing the material.
The regulator said failure to comply with Australia’s codes and standards could result in civil penalties of up to A$54.6 million ($38 million).
Telegram Has More Than 1 Billion Monthly Users
Telegram is among the world’s most downloaded messaging applications and has more than 1 billion monthly active users, according to the company.
The platform was founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, who left Russia in 2014. Durov and the company moved to Dubai in 2017.
Telegram has also become an important source of information surrounding Russia’s war in Ukraine, with the platform widely used by officials in both Moscow and Kyiv.
Russia Also Charges Telegram Founder Pavel Durov
The legal action in Australia comes as Telegram founder Pavel Durov faces a separate development in Russia. Russian authorities charged Durov on Wednesday with facilitating terrorist activity, alleging that the platform was being used by Ukrainian spies to organise attacks inside Russia.
Australia’s case is focused on alleged failures by Telegram to deal with pro-terror content under the country’s online safety requirements, while Telegram has said it will contest the allegations in court.
Source: Reuters
