Archive · 30 Jul 2026
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
- When
- Filed in 2024
- Where
- Australian Federal Court, Australia
- Why
- To enforce Australia’s online‑safety law requiring removal of illegal and pro‑terror material
- 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
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
