Australia's online safety regulator has launched Federal Court action against Telegram, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove terrorist and violent extremist content from its platform despite repeated reports from users and authorities.
The eSafety Commissioner alleged that Telegram failed to take down videos of the 2022 white supremacist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, and Islamic State group beheadings. The regulator said the content remained accessible on the platform even after it was formally reported.
The legal action marks a significant escalation in Australia's campaign to enforce content moderation obligations on global tech platforms. Australia has been among the most aggressive jurisdictions in pursuing platform accountability, having previously clashed with X (formerly Twitter) and other services over similar content removal demands.
Under Australian law, the eSafety Commissioner can seek court orders requiring platforms to remove specific categories of harmful content, with penalties for non-compliance. The action against Telegram is notable because the platform has historically been resistant to government takedown requests, particularly in the context of encrypted messaging.
The case raises broader questions about the enforceability of content moderation rules against platforms that operate with minimal local presence and strong encryption protections. It also reflects growing international frustration with the pace at which messaging platforms respond to reports of terrorist content.
Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The case is expected to proceed through the Federal Court in the coming months.
