Australia, July 30 : Australia’s internet safety regulator has initiated legal proceedings against messaging platform Telegram, accusing the company of failing to take adequate action against terrorist related material shared on its service.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner said on Thursday that Telegram did not remove videos depicting terrorist executions and mass shootings despite being notified about the presence of such content on the platform.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the case involves material connected to some of the most serious extremist attacks in recent years, including content associated with the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand and the Buffalo attack in the United States.
According to the regulator, the alleged failure allowed harmful extremist content to remain accessible on Telegram for an extended period after the platform was made aware of the issue.
“Platforms have a responsibility to address serious online harms and ensure their services do not become channels for spreading terrorist material,” the commissioner said while announcing the legal action.
Under Australia’s online safety regulations, companies found violating digital safety obligations could face significant financial penalties. The eSafety Commissioner stated that non-compliance with relevant codes and standards may result in civil penalties of up to A$54.6 million.
Telegram has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. A company spokesperson did not immediately comment on the matter when contacted.
With more than one billion monthly active users, Telegram has grown into one of the world’s most widely used messaging applications. The platform is known for its encrypted communication features, large public channels and ability to host communities with millions of members.
The legal challenge comes at a time when Telegram and its founder Pavel Durov are facing increased international scrutiny over concerns related to content moderation and security issues.
Durov, who was born in Russia, left the country in 2014 after disputes with authorities over control of his previous social media venture. He later moved Telegram’s operations to Dubai, where the company is currently based.
The messaging service has become an important communication tool during the Russia-Ukraine war, with government officials, military analysts and civilians on both sides using the platform for updates and information sharing.
Meanwhile, Russia recently filed charges against Durov, alleging that Telegram was used by Ukrainian intelligence operatives to coordinate attacks inside Russian territory. The accusations have further intensified global attention on the platform’s approach to monitoring illegal and extremist activities.
The latest developments highlight the growing pressure on major technology companies to strengthen content moderation systems while balancing user privacy and freedom of expression.
As governments worldwide introduce stricter digital safety rules, platforms such as Telegram are facing increasing demands to prevent the spread of terrorist propaganda, violent imagery and other harmful content across their networks.