Australia's eSafety Commission fined messaging platform Telegram about A$1 million for its delay in providing information on measures to prevent child abuse and violent extremist content, the regulator announced on Monday.
Australia’s online safety regulator has imposed a fine of around A$1 million ($640,000) on messaging platform Telegram over delays in responding to questions about steps taken to prevent the spread of child abuse material and violent extremist content.
In March 2024, the eSafety Commission requested information from social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit, regarding efforts to curb extremism and child abuse content on their platforms. While other platforms complied by May, Telegram did not respond until October.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stressed the importance of timely transparency, stating, "Timely transparency is not a voluntary requirement in Australia." She noted that Telegram’s delay obstructed eSafety’s efforts to enforce online safety measures.
Telegram defended itself, stating it had fully responded to eSafety’s questions last year and that the penalty was “unfair and disproportionate,” focusing only on the timing of the response. The company intends to appeal.
The messaging platform faces increasing scrutiny worldwide, with its founder Pavel Durov under investigation in France over alleged illegal activities facilitated by the app. Durov, currently out on bail, has denied the allegations.
Grant emphasised that greater transparency is needed from Big Tech to prevent platforms from being misused for extremist or harmful purposes. If Telegram ignores the penalty notice, eSafety may pursue a civil penalty in court.
The Australian government continues to pressure technology companies to implement stronger safety measures, citing growing risks from online extremist content, particularly involving young people.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will meet senior European officials in Brussels on Monday to discuss Gaza reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and Israeli-Palestinian relations, marking the first high-level EU-Israel meeting since 2022.
Israel delayed releasing 620 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, citing Hamas' failure to meet conditions. Hamas responded by tying further ceasefire talks to the release.
President Donald Trump’s administration announced a decision to place the majority of USAID personnel on paid administrative leave, with plans to cut about 2,000 positions in the U.S., according to a notice reviewed by Reuters.
Britain’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Monday to restart trade talks between the two countries, aiming for a new economic deal.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised that Ukraine must shape its own future, ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. He called for continued solidarity with Ukraine, stating it’s in Britain's national interest.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will meet senior European officials in Brussels on Monday to discuss Gaza reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and Israeli-Palestinian relations, marking the first high-level EU-Israel meeting since 2022.
Israel delayed releasing 620 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, citing Hamas' failure to meet conditions. Hamas responded by tying further ceasefire talks to the release.
President Donald Trump’s administration announced a decision to place the majority of USAID personnel on paid administrative leave, with plans to cut about 2,000 positions in the U.S., according to a notice reviewed by Reuters.
Britain’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Monday to restart trade talks between the two countries, aiming for a new economic deal.
As Ukraine enters the fourth year of its war with Russia, uncertainty looms over its support from the United States, as President Trump pushes for a rapid peace deal while sidelining Kyiv.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
A dialogue between US and Russian delegations has begun in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the development in an official statement.
Polish startup Clone Robotics has unveiled Protoclone, the world’s first anatomically accurate humanoid robot, featuring artificial muscles, bones, and joints that enable lifelike movements.
Washington, D.C., February 17, 2025 – Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, has reduced the staffing of a key team at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) responsible for regulating autonomous vehicles, according to The Washington Post.
Russia has resumed wheat exports to Kazakhstan after lifting a ban that was in place until December 31, 2024.
The European Union will seek more gas from countries including the U.S. to replace Russian supplies, and expand renewable energy faster to cut its overall reliance on the fuel, the EU's energy commissioner has said.
BEIJING, Feb 20, 2025 – China is “doing its best” to push for talks with the European Union over tariffs imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles, a commerce ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
Berlin, February 20, 2025 – Mercedes-Benz has launched a fresh cost-cutting initiative aimed at reviving sales and margins, as the German carmaker forecasts a significant drop in earnings in 2025.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will meet senior European officials in Brussels on Monday to discuss Gaza reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and Israeli-Palestinian relations, marking the first high-level EU-Israel meeting since 2022.
Israel delayed releasing 620 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, citing Hamas' failure to meet conditions. Hamas responded by tying further ceasefire talks to the release.
President Donald Trump’s administration announced a decision to place the majority of USAID personnel on paid administrative leave, with plans to cut about 2,000 positions in the U.S., according to a notice reviewed by Reuters.
Britain’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Monday to restart trade talks between the two countries, aiming for a new economic deal.
As Ukraine enters the fourth year of its war with Russia, uncertainty looms over its support from the United States, as President Trump pushes for a rapid peace deal while sidelining Kyiv.
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