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Australia's eSafety Commissioner Sues Telegram Over Violent Content

Published July 30, 2026 at 6:02 AM UTC

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Australia's eSafety Commissioner has initiated legal action against the messaging app Telegram, alleging the platform failed to remove extremist content, including videos of mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as Islamic State beheadings. Telegram, which reports having 1 billion users worldwide, faces a potential fine of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars (approximately $38 million USD) if convicted in the Australian Federal Court for "alleged failure to detect and remove pro-terror material," according to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. The civil action tests Australia's 2021 law requiring tech platforms to work to keep illegal and pro-terrorism material off their services. Telegram has denied the allegations, stating it has blocked over 150,000 "terrorist-related communities" this year and is committed to fighting extremism while upholding privacy and human rights. The case underscores growing international tension over platforms hosting violent content and the responsibilities of tech companies in mitigating online radicalization.