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

Australia's eSafety Commissioner has initiated legal proceedings against Telegram, alleging the platform failed to remove videos of terrorist executions and mass shootings, including material from the Christchurch and Buffalo attacks. Telegram denies the allegations and says its anti-terrorism efforts are well-documented.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner announced on Thursday it has launched legal action against Telegram, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove pro-terror content. The regulator alleges that Telegram did not take down videos of terrorist executions and mass shootings, including material linked to the Christchurch and Buffalo attacks, even after being notified. According to a court filing, Australian users reported 12 posts containing pro-terror content between July and October 2025, but Telegram removed only two and did not suspend the accounts. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that the content remained accessible long after Telegram was put on notice. Telegram denies the allegations, asserting that its anti-terrorism efforts are well-documented and that it has blocked thousands of extremist communities in 2026. Failure to comply with Australian codes could result in civil penalties of up to A$54.6 million ($38 million).