Australia’s online safety regulator has fined messaging app Telegram about A$1 million ($640,000) for not responding in a timely manner to questions regarding its attempts to limit child abuse material and violent extremist content.
The eSafety Commission had sent requests for a response from mainstream social media providers such as YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit, back in March 2024. The regulator complained that those sites were doing nothing to block extremists from harnessing tools like live streaming and algorithmic suggestions in order to recruit members from the sites’ platforms. The question was pointed at Telegram and Reddit regarding taking actions against child sexual abuse material. Though the responses were to be made by May, Telegram made its report in October, resulting in major delays.
“Transparency on time is not a choice in Australia, and this move highlights the need for all companies to respect national legislation,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. She added that Telegram’s delay in providing information hampered efforts to enforce online safety laws.
Telegram defended itself, stating that it had fully addressed all of eSafety’s inquiries last year and that no outstanding issues remained. The company called the penalty “unfair and disproportionate,” attributing it solely to a delayed response time and announced plans to appeal the fine.
The pressure on Telegram has mounted across the world, especially after its founder, Pavel Durov, was put under formal investigation in France in August on charges of illegal operations carried out through the app. Durov, who is currently out on bail, has rejected all claims.
Grant threatened that if Telegram does not abide by the penalty, eSafety will pursue a civil case in court. She also emphasized the importance of tech companies being more transparent and accountable to avoid the risks from extremist content online.
