Telegram is fined $640,000 by Australia for failing to respond promptly to online safety measures

Telegram promises to challenge the $640,000 punishment imposed by Australia for its tardy reaction to internet safety measures.

The messaging service Telegram has been penalized over A$1 million ($640,000) by Australia’s internet safety watchdog for its tardiness in answering questions about its attempts to stop the spread of violent extremist and child abuse content.

In March 2024, the eSafety Commission first requested comments from prominent social media sites, including as Facebook, Telegram, Reddit, YouTube, and X. The investigation centered on how these platforms were responding to extremists and child exploitation using their services improperly. Although Reddit and Telegram were particularly questioned on their efforts to prevent child sexual abuse content, Telegram did not provide a response by the deadline, submitting it in October rather than May.

Transparency in Australia is mandated by law, not a choice, according to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. She said that the regulator’s capacity to successfully enforce internet safety standards was hampered by Telegram’s delay.

However, Telegram defended itself by claiming that there were no unresolved concerns and that it had thoroughly addressed all questions last year.

The business blamed the punishment only on the response time delay, arguing that it was unjust and excessive. Telegram has said that it would contest the penalty.

Global monitoring of the messaging platform has grown. Its creator, Pavel Durov, was formally under investigation in France in August for allegedly permitting unlawful activity via the network. Durov has denied any wrongdoing and is still free on bail.

Grant underlined that digital businesses must be more open, especially when it comes to combating online extremism. She threatened that eSafety would seek a civil penalty in court if Telegram disregarded the penalty notice.

One in five priority counter-terrorism cases includes young people, according to Australia’s intelligence agency, which has previously drawn attention to the rising threat presented by online extremist propaganda. Grant reaffirmed the need for digital companies to accept accountability and put policies in place to stop malicious activity on their platforms.