Australia’s online safety regulator fined messaging platform Telegram about A$1 million ($640,000) on Monday for delaying its response to questions about preventing the spread of child abuse and violent extremist material.
In March 2024, the eSafety Commission sought information from several social media platforms — including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit — on their efforts to curb online extremism and child sexual abuse content. While others responded by May, Telegram only submitted its answers in October.
“Timely transparency is not a voluntary requirement in Australia, and this action reinforces the importance of all companies complying with Australian law,” said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.