Feb 25, 2025, Australia: Australia’s online safety watchdog has imposed a hefty fine of AUD 958,000 (approximately USD 613,000) on the encrypted messaging platform Telegram for failing to meet a deadline to disclose how it tackles terrorist and child sexual abuse content. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, announced the penalty on Monday, citing Telegram’s delayed response to a legal notice issued in March 2023.
The eSafety Commission had requested detailed information from Telegram and other platforms about their efforts to detect and remove terrorist, violent extremist, and child sexual exploitation content. While other platforms complied by the May 6, 2024 deadline, Telegram did not respond until October 13, 2024—more than five months late. This delay significantly hindered the commission’s ability to assess and address online safety risks, according to Inman Grant.
“Understanding how and where platforms may be failing—or succeeding—in tackling this abhorrent content is critical to protecting the community and raising safety standards across the industry,” Inman Grant stated. She emphasized that transparency from tech companies is essential to combating harmful content and ensuring user safety.
Telegram now has 28 days to pay the fine, request additional time to pay, or attempt to have the penalty withdrawn. If the platform refuses to comply, the eSafety Commission can pursue enforcement through Australia’s federal court system.
This fine is part of Australia’s broader efforts to hold tech companies accountable for harmful content on their platforms. The eSafety Commission, established under Australia’s Online Safety Act, has been increasingly assertive in regulating online spaces, particularly concerning child exploitation and extremist material.
The penalty comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Telegram’s content moderation practices. In August 2023, Telegram’s Russian-born founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested at a Paris airport and charged with failing to curb extremist and terrorist content on the platform. French prosecutors also accused the Dubai-based company of inadequately addressing child sexual abuse imagery. Durov, who was released on a €5 million (USD 5.3 million) bail, later pledged to crack down on illegal content.
Despite these promises, Telegram has faced criticism for its perceived lack of transparency and accountability. The platform’s encrypted nature makes it a popular choice for private communication but also poses challenges for law enforcement and regulators seeking to combat illegal activities.
The Australian fine underscores the growing global pressure on tech companies to take responsibility for harmful content on their platforms. Inman Grant reiterated that the eSafety Commission’s actions are not about stifling innovation but about ensuring that platforms prioritize user safety and comply with legal obligations.
As Telegram considers its next steps, the case highlights the increasing regulatory scrutiny facing tech giants and the importance of proactive measures to address online harms. For Australia, the fine represents a significant step in its mission to create a safer digital environment for all users.
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