Australia's eSafety Commissioner has filed a lawsuit against Telegram, seeking up to $38 million in penalties. The regulator alleges the messaging platform failed to remove pro-terrorism videos after receiving formal takedown notices under the country's Online Safety Act.
The Allegations
The eSafety Commissioner claims Telegram did not comply with legally binding removal requests for content that promoted terrorist acts. The notices were issued under Australia's Online Safety Act, which requires platforms to take down such material within a specified timeframe. The lawsuit argues Telegram's inaction allowed the videos to remain accessible to Australian users, potentially inciting violence.
What the $38 Million Penalty Covers
The maximum penalty of $38 million reflects the seriousness of the alleged breaches. Under Australian law, platforms can face fines of up to $555,000 per day for failing to remove prohibited content. The total figure represents the cumulative penalty for the period during which the videos stayed online after the notices were served.
Telegram's Response
Telegram has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. The company, founded by Pavel Durov, has previously resisted government censorship demands, arguing that its platform is designed to protect user privacy and free expression. However, Australian authorities maintain that the law applies equally to all services operating in the country.
What Happens Next
The case will be heard in the Federal Court of Australia. A date for the first hearing has not been set. The outcome could set a precedent for how Australia enforces its online content laws against foreign-based platforms.
