Australia’s online safety regulator fined messaging platform Telegram about A$1 million ($640,000) on Monday for delaying its response to questions about preventing the spread of child abuse and violent extremist material.
In March 2024, the eSafety Commission sought information from several social media platforms — including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit — on their efforts to curb online extremism and child sexual abuse content. While others responded by May, Telegram only submitted its answers in October.
“Timely transparency is not a voluntary requirement in Australia, and this action reinforces the importance of all companies complying with Australian law,” said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
Grant emphasized that Telegram’s delay hindered the commission’s ability to enforce online safety measures effectively.
Telegram defended its actions, stating it had fully responded to all questions last year with no outstanding issues. “The unfair and disproportionate penalty concerns only the response time frame, and we intend to appeal,” the company said in an email.
The fine comes as concerns grow over the app’s use in extremist activities. Australia’s spy agency reported in December that one in five priority counter-terrorism cases involved youths. Telegram has faced global scrutiny since its founder, Pavel Durov, was placed under formal investigation in France last August for alleged illegal activity on the platform — allegations he has denied.
Grant stressed the need for greater transparency from tech companies, warning of the risks posed by online extremist content. “If we want accountability from the tech industry, we need much greater transparency. These powers give us a look under the hood at how platforms are dealing — or not dealing — with serious online harms,” she said.
Should Telegram ignore the penalty, eSafety will pursue a civil penalty in court, Grant added.
