Telegram faces A$1m fine for delayed response in Australia

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.

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