Australia’s online safety regulator has filed a lawsuit against messaging platform, Telegram, alleging the company failed to remove terrorist and violent extremist content reported by Australian users, exposing it to penalties of up to AU$54.6 million (US$38 million).
The filed lawsuit, filed by the country alleges Telegram breached Australia’s Online Safety Act by failing to investigate and take timely action on reports of pro-terrorism material despite being formally notified.
The development comes barely 24 hours after Russian authorities announced they were seeking the arrest of Telegram founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pavel Durov, accusing him of “complicity in terrorism” over the platform’s alleged failure to curb extremist content.
Announcing the legal action on Thursday, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Grant, said Telegram had failed to remove videos depicting terrorist executions, mass shootings and other violent extremist material, including footage linked to some of the most notorious attacks in recent history.
According to Grant, the content included material connected to the live-streamed 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand and the 2022 mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.
“When platforms are alerted to terrorist content, they must act,” Grant said during a press conference in Sydney.
She added that the enforcement action comes at a time when Australia continues to face an elevated security environment, citing the aftermath of the Bondi tragedy an antisemitic mass shooting at a Sydney beach that claimed 15 lives last year.
Telegram, which is registered in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the world’s largest messaging platforms and attracts about 1.5 million visits each month from Australian users, according to the eSafety Commissioner.
Court documents filed by the regulator show that Australian users reported 12 instances of alleged terrorist and violent extremist content on the platform between September 27 and October 5, 2025.
The regulator alleged that 10 of the reported items remained accessible for at least 20 days after they were flagged, indicating Telegram failed to investigate and remove the material within the timeframe required under Australia’s online safety laws.
The filing further stated that, as of Wednesday, none of the Australian users who submitted the reports had received any response from the platform regarding their complaints.
Responding to the allegations, Telegram denied any wrongdoing and vowed to contest the case.
“Telegram’s efforts in the fight against terrorism are well documented. We reject these accusations and will challenge them in court,” the company said in a statement.
Under Australia’s Online Safety Act, Telegram could face a maximum civil penalty of AU$54.6 million (approximately US$38 million) if the Federal Court determines that the company failed to take timely action against the reported terrorist and violent extremist content.