Telegram Fined Nearly $1 Million by Australian Regulator for Reporting Delays

The messaging platform failed to meet a deadline to disclose measures against terrorist and child abuse content, obstructing regulatory efforts for nearly six months.

Australia's eSafety Commission fined Telegram A$957,780 for delaying its response to a legally enforceable notice requiring transparency about handling extremist and child abuse material.
Telegram submitted its response 160 days past the May 2024 deadline, significantly hindering eSafety's ability to enforce the Online Safety Act.
The platform has 28 days to pay the fine, appeal the decision, or request an extension, with further legal action possible if it does not comply.
The eSafety Commissioner emphasized the growing threat of online extremist content, which can radicalize young users and requires greater tech industry accountability.
Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, is under investigation in France for alleged failure to curb illegal activities on the app, including child exploitation and extremist content.