1 month ago
Australia Sues Telegram Over Alleged Failure to Remove Terror Content
Australia’s internet safety regulator has sued the messaging app Telegram because it says the app didn’t take down videos of terrorist attacks.
The regulator says the videos from the Christchurch mosque shootings, the Buffalo supermarket shooting, and Islamic State propaganda stayed on Telegram after it was warned.
Telegram says it will fight the lawsuit and points to its own anti‑terror measures.
If the court finds Telegram guilty, it could have to pay up to 54.6 million Australian dollars.
The case is a test of Australia’s law that forces online platforms to remove illegal and extremist content from large groups and channels.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has filed civil action against Telegram for failing to remove pro‑terror content.
The lawsuit cites videos of the Christchurch mosque shootings, the Buffalo supermarket shooting, and Islamic State propaganda that remained on the platform after notice.
Telegram denies the allegations, says it will contest the case, and points to its anti‑terrorism measures, including blocking over 150,000 extremist communities.
If found liable, Telegram could face up to A$54.6 million (≈US$38 million) in civil penalties under Australia’s 2021 online‑safety law.
The case tests Australia’s requirement that tech platforms remove illegal and pro‑terror material from large channels and group chats.
- Who
- Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and Telegram
- What
- Legal action alleging failure to remove pro‑terror content
- Where
- Australian Federal Court, Australia
- When
- Filed in 2024
- Why
- To enforce Australia’s online‑safety law requiring removal of illegal and pro‑terror material
Key facts
- Regulator
- eSafety Commissioner
- Platform
- Telegram
- Potential Penalty
- A$54.6 million
- Content Alleged
- Christchurch, Buffalo, IS propaganda
- Case Law
- Australia's 2021 online safety law
Quotes
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner
Senior official at Australia’s eSafety Commissioner office
“"This case concerns content linked to some of the most notorious acts of known extremist violence in recent history, including material associated with the Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks,"”
deccanchronicle.com
republicworld.com
“"We allege that this content remained accessible on the service long after Telegram had been put on notice."”
telegraphindia.com
Telegram spokesperson
Representative of Telegram’s public communications team
“"We reject these allegations and will contest them in court,"”
deccanchronicle.com
republicworld.com
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Australia Begins Legal Action Against Telegram Over Alleged Pro-Terror Material
Australia Begins Legal Action Against Telegram Over Alleged Pro-Terror Material
Australia sues Telegram over failure to remove terror content - Telegraph India
Australia sues Telegram over alleged failure to remove extremist content; platform could face $38 million penalty
Related news
Pavel Durov Says AI Content Tricked Apple Into Removing Telegram
Brazil Sues Discord for $97 Million Over Child Safety Failures
Pavel Durov Says Governments Seek Telegram Political Favours
Meta removes 756,000 Australian teen accounts as ban enforcement looms
India Replaces Sri Lanka as 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy Host
Mitsubishi Revives Pajero With 201PS Fifth-Generation SUV
IIM-Born CEO Says Australia’s Everyday Life Runs on Trust
UN Report Says 1.5°C Overshoot, Return Remains Possible
Uday Kotak Warns Global Bond Markets Face Roller-Coaster Volatility
