Telegram Sued in Australia Over Terror Content, Faces Up to $38 Million Fine
Summary
- Australia’s eSafety Commissioner sued Telegram over alleged violations of the Online Safety Act, exposing the company to a possible $38 million fine.
- Authorities said the case centers on terrorism-related content that remained accessible for an extended period after Telegram became aware of it.
- Telegram denied the allegations and said it can fully demonstrate the effectiveness of its anti-terror systems.
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Australian authorities have launched legal action against Telegram, alleging the platform failed to remove terrorism-related content.
CoinDesk reported on July 30 that Australia’s eSafety Commissioner filed a lawsuit against Telegram in federal court.
Telegram is accused of failing to comply with obligations under Australia’s Online Safety Act. The law allows for fines of up to $38 million.
The material cited by authorities reportedly included videos related to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand, which killed 51 people. Regulators argue Telegram left terrorism-related content accessible for a long period after becoming aware of it.
Telegram denied the allegations. The company said it can fully demonstrate the effectiveness of its anti-terror systems and added that it has blocked more than 150,000 terrorism-related communities this year alone.
The lawsuit was filed just one day after the Russian government announced charges against Telegram founder Pavel Durov, including support for terrorism. On July 29, Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB, placed Durov on an international wanted list.
JOON HYOUNG LEE
gilson@bloomingbit.ioCrypto Journalist based in Seoul