Telegram faces Australia court action over terror content

Australia's cyber safety regulator has taken Telegram to court, alleging the messaging platform failed to remove terrorism-related and violent material after Australian users reported it.

The eSafety Commissioner said Telegram could face a maximum penalty of up to AU$54.6 million, or $38 million, under Australia's online safety law if the case succeeds.

Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the watchdog would allege Telegram failed to remove material including videos of terrorist executions and mass shootings after being put on notice. She said the material included content linked to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and a 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.

Court documents lodged by the commissioner said Australian users flagged 12 instances of such material between September 27 and October 5, 2025. The documents said 10 items had not been removed at least 20 days later and that the users had received no response from Telegram as of Wednesday.

Telegram, which is registered in the United Arab Emirates, rejected the allegations.

"Telegram's efforts in the fight against terrorism are well documented. We reject these accusations and will challenge them in court," the company said.