Australia’s eSafety watchdog has acted against Telegram, a popular messaging platform, for its significant delay in responding to inquiries about its strategies for tackling extremist, terrorist, and child abuse content online. Last March, eSafety issued a legally binding notice to Telegram, alongside several other platforms including Google, WhatsApp, and Reddit, mandating them to outline their measures against such harmful materials.
While most platforms complied by the deadline of May 6, 2024, Telegram delayed its response until October, resulting in a hefty fine of AUD 957,780. This prolonged inaction hindered eSafety’s ability to fulfil its responsibilities under the Online Safety Act for nearly six months.
eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlighted the necessity for transparency to ensure accountability from tech companies. She asserted that these regulatory powers enable a closer examination of how platforms manage serious online threats that affect Australians.
Inman Grant also underscored the increasing danger posed by online terrorist and extremist content, particularly in light of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)’s recent warning that the nation’s terror threat level has reached “probable.” She expressed concern over the potential for such material to normalise and desensitise, particularly among youth, who may struggle to process what they view.
Telegram now has a 28-day window to either pay the fine, contest it, or request an extension. Should it opt not to pay, eSafety may pursue additional legal action, possibly leading to a civil penalty in the Federal Court of Australia.
The issues surrounding Telegram have gained public attention, particularly due to its founder, Pavel Durov, facing allegations related to the misuse of the platform, including facilitating child exploitation and drug trafficking. French authorities are currently investigating Durov in connection with these accusations.