Australia’s eSafety Commission has fined messaging platform Telegram approximately 1 million Australian dollars ($640,000) for failing to promptly respond to questions regarding its efforts to prevent the spread of child abuse material and violent extremist content on its platform.
In March 2024, the eSafety Commission reached out to major social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit, seeking information on their strategies to combat the misuse of livestreaming features, algorithms, and recommendation systems by extremists. The inquiry specifically targeted the spread of child sexual abuse material and the use of their services for recruitment by extremists.
Telegram and Reddit were expected to provide detailed responses by May 2024, but Telegram’s submission was delayed until October 2024, prompting the fine.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that transparency is not optional under Australian law, highlighting that the delay hindered the commission’s ability to enforce its online safety measures effectively. “Timely transparency is not a voluntary requirement in Australia, and this action reinforces the importance of all companies complying with Australian law,” she said.
Telegram, however, defended its actions, asserting that it had fully responded to the commission’s questions and dismissed the fine as “unfair and disproportionate.” The company stated its intention to appeal, claiming the penalty only concerns the delayed response time.
The messaging platform has been under increasing scrutiny globally. In August 2024, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was placed under formal investigation in France regarding alleged illegal activities on the app. Durov, who remains out on bail, has denied the allegations.
Grant underscored the need for greater transparency from tech companies to prevent online harm, particularly in light of the growing risks posed by 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 just how these platforms are dealing, or not dealing, with a range of serious and egregious online harms which affect Australians,” she said.
Should Telegram ignore the penalty? the eSafety Commission plans to pursue a civil penalty through the courts.
