Australia fines Telegram $640,000 for delayed response to questions about child abuse and extremist content, highlighting the need for transparency in combating online harm.
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| Australia fines Telegram $640,000 for failure to meet a deadline in addressing concerns over child abuse and extremist content, reinforcing the need for tech companies' accountability. Image: ChicHue |
Sydney, Australia — February 24, 2025:
Australia's eSafety Commission has fined messaging platform Telegram approximately $640,000 after the company failed to meet a deadline for responding to inquiries about its efforts to combat child sexual abuse material and extremist content. The fine, issued on Monday, is part of an ongoing effort by the Australian government to ensure tech companies are held accountable for their role in preventing the spread of harmful online content.
In March 2024, the eSafety Commission reached out to multiple social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit, seeking transparency on how they were tackling the misuse of their services by extremist groups. Telegram, along with Reddit, was specifically asked to provide details on actions taken to address child abuse content on their platforms. While the other companies met the deadline, Telegram submitted its response months later, in October, triggering the fine.
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, emphasized that "timely transparency is not a voluntary requirement in Australia," and that Telegram's delay obstructed critical safety measures intended to protect Australian users. The Commission's ability to implement effective interventions was hindered by the late submission, leading to the penalty.
In response, Telegram disputed the fine, asserting that it had fully addressed the Commission’s questions by the end of 2024, but was still penalized for the timing of its submission. The company has announced its intent to appeal the fine, questioning the fairness and proportionality of the penalty.
This development adds to the growing scrutiny of Telegram, which has faced increasing pressure globally due to its use by extremist groups and other illegal activities. Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, was placed under formal investigation in France in August 2024 for his company’s alleged role in facilitating unlawful activities. While Durov denies the accusations, the scrutiny of Telegram continues.
Inman Grant stressed that the increasing threat posed by extremist content requires tech companies to demonstrate greater responsibility and transparency in addressing online harm. "If we want accountability from the tech industry, we need much greater transparency," she asserted.
Should Telegram fail to comply with the fine or successfully appeal, the eSafety Commission has indicated it will seek further legal action, including pursuing a civil penalty in court.
This action underscores the growing importance of holding technology companies accountable for their role in ensuring online safety and transparency.