Australia begins legal action against Telegram over alleged pro-terror material, extremist violence

Australia's eSafety Commissioner has launched legal proceedings against the messaging platform Telegram, alleging a failure to adequately address pro-terrorist material on its service. The action stems from Telegram's alleged non-compliance in removing videos depicting terrorist executions and mass shootings.

Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that the case involves content linked to significant acts of extremist violence, specifically mentioning material associated with the Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks. She asserted that this content remained accessible on Telegram long after the platform had been alerted to its presence.

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This case concerns content linked to some of the most notorious acts of known extremist violence in recent history, including material associated with the Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks.

Telegram, a widely used app with over a billion monthly active users, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The legal action underscores growing international pressure on social media and messaging platforms to enhance their content moderation efforts and combat the spread of extremist and violent material online.

The eSafety Commissioner's office is responsible for regulating online safety in Australia and has the authority to take such enforcement actions against platforms that fail to meet their legal obligations regarding harmful content.

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We allege that this content remained accessible on the service long after Telegram had been put on notice.