Australia Sues Telegram Over Alleged Failure to Remove Terror Content

Australia's internet safety regulator has launched legal proceedings against the popular messaging app Telegram, citing its alleged failure to remove extremist content. The eSafety Commissioner announced the action on Thursday, stating that Telegram did not take down videos depicting terrorist executions and mass shootings.

According to the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, the case involves content linked to some of the most notorious acts of extremist violence in recent history. This includes material associated with the Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks. The Commissioner asserted that this content remained available on the platform despite Telegram being put on notice about 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, which boasts over a billion monthly active users and is one of the world's most downloaded applications, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The legal action underscores the growing pressure on social media and messaging platforms to moderate and remove harmful content, particularly that which promotes or glorifies terrorism.

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