Australia's eSafety Commissioner has filed a lawsuit against Telegram, seeking $38 million in penalties over the messaging app's alleged failure to detect and remove pro-terror videos linked to the Christchurch and Buffalo attacks. The case, lodged in the Federal Court, accuses Telegram of systemic shortcomings in its content moderation systems.
The Allegations
The commissioner claims Telegram did not adequately screen for extremist material related to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and the 2022 Buffalo supermarket massacre. Both attacks were livestreamed by the perpetrators, and copies of the videos have continued to circulate online. The lawsuit argues that Telegram's failure to proactively identify such content violates Australian laws designed to prevent the spread of violent extremist material.
Why the Lawsuit Targets Telegram
Telegram, which has over 900 million active users globally, has long positioned itself as a privacy-first platform with minimal content moderation. The eSafety Commissioner's action focuses on the company's alleged inability to detect known terrorist propaganda, even after being flagged by authorities. The $38 million figure represents the maximum penalty under Australian law for repeated breaches of the Online Safety Act.
What the Commissioner Is Seeking
Beyond the financial penalty, the commissioner is pushing for a court order requiring Telegram to implement robust detection tools. The lawsuit demands that the platform take down the specific videos and prevent their re-upload. It also calls for greater transparency in how Telegram handles reports of extremist content.
What Happens Next
Telegram has not yet filed a response in court. The case is expected to set a precedent for how Australian regulators enforce online safety rules against foreign tech companies. A hearing date has not been set, but the commissioner has indicated she will push for an expedited timeline given the public safety concerns.
