Australian regulators have launched a major legal battle against Telegram, accusing the messaging app of hosting terrorist videos for months despite warnings to remove them. The case, filed in Federal Court by the eSafety Commission, targets violations of the Online Safety Act that could cost Telegram up to A$54.6 million.
The investigation uncovered that graphic footage related to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting and the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting remained accessible on Telegram's platform well after authorities alerted the company. The Commission also claims that Telegram failed to take down extremist-linked accounts and neglected to inform users who reported such content about the results of their complaints.
Dispute Over Platform Responsibility
Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, described the five months of Telegram's unresponsiveness during the probe as a major hurdle. Telegram has dismissed the allegations, emphasizing its “extensive” and “well documented” anti-terrorism measures and pledging to contest the lawsuit vigorously.
This lawsuit follows recent global pressure on Telegram and its founder Pavel Durov, who was charged by Russian authorities and arrested in France over similar allegations.
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