Australia's eSafety Commission has filed civil penalty proceedings in federal court against Telegram, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove pro-terror content. The legal action comes just one day after Russian authorities charged Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity.
The Australian case
The eSafety Commission, Australia's online safety regulator, alleges Telegram did not comply with takedown notices for material that promotes or incites terrorism. The commission is seeking civil penalties in the Federal Court of Australia. The exact amount of the penalties has not been disclosed, but the case marks a significant escalation in the regulator's enforcement against major tech platforms.
Telegram has not yet filed a response in court. The company has previously argued that it cooperates with lawful requests but has also resisted what it sees as overreach by governments.
Russia's charges against Durov
On the day before Australia's filing, Russian authorities charged Durov with facilitating terrorist activity. The charges stem from Telegram's alleged role in allowing extremist groups to use the platform for communication and recruitment. Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to hand over user data, now faces a criminal case in his home country.
The timing of the two actions — Russia's criminal charge and Australia's civil suit — is striking. Both target the same company and founder over similar concerns about terrorist content, though through different legal systems.
What the eSafety Commission wants
The commission is not seeking criminal sanctions against Telegram or Durov personally. Instead, it wants the court to impose civil penalties for each alleged violation of Australia's Online Safety Act. The law requires platforms to remove certain types of harmful content within 24 hours of receiving a notice from the eSafety Commissioner.
If the court finds Telegram in breach, the company could face fines running into millions of dollars. The case also puts other social media platforms on notice that Australia is willing to use its enforcement powers.
The Federal Court will set a timetable for the proceedings in the coming weeks. Durov's legal situation in Russia remains unresolved.
