Australia Fines Telegram Over Delayed Response to Child Safety and Extremism Concerns
Australia’s eSafety Commission has issued a fine of approximately A$1 million ($640,000) to messaging platform Telegram for failing to respond promptly to inquiries about its efforts to curb child exploitation and extremist content.
In March 2024, the eSafety Commission sought transparency from major digital platforms, including Telegram, Reddit, YouTube, X, and Facebook, regarding their measures to prevent the spread of harmful material. While all companies were expected to provide responses by May, Telegram did not comply until October, significantly delaying the investigation.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that regulatory transparency is not optional in Australia, stating that Telegram’s failure to provide timely answers obstructed the commission’s ability to safeguard online spaces. “If we want accountability from tech companies, we need greater transparency. These powers allow us to examine how platforms are handling—or failing to handle—serious online safety risks,” Grant said.
Telegram’s Response and Global Scrutiny
Telegram has disputed the fine, arguing that it had fully addressed all questions in 2023 and that there were no unresolved issues. The company described the penalty as “unfair and disproportionate,” attributing the dispute solely to the timeframe of its response. Telegram has confirmed its intent to appeal the decision.
The company has faced increasing global scrutiny in recent months. In France, Telegram founder Pavel Durov is under investigation over allegations that the platform has been used for illicit activities. Meanwhile, Australian authorities have raised concerns about the role of online platforms in extremist recruitment, with intelligence agencies reporting that one in five priority counter-terrorism cases involves minors.
Regulatory Pressure on Big Tech
The Australian government has taken a firm stance against tech companies that fail to comply with safety regulations. The eSafety Commission has consistently called for stricter oversight of social media and messaging platforms, arguing that digital services must implement robust policies to prevent their misuse for spreading harmful content.
If Telegram refuses to pay the fine, the regulator has stated that it will escalate the matter to court and seek legal action for a civil penalty. This case signals Australia’s commitment to holding digital platforms accountable and reinforces the growing global demand for greater corporate responsibility in the tech industry.
