Terror Content, Huge Fines, and Arrest Warrant: Telegram at the Center of International Storm

Australia has launched legal proceedings against Telegram, alleging it failed to remove pro-terrorist content despite warnings. The eSafety Commissioner cited videos of executions and mass shootings linked to the Christchurch and Buffalo attacks. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars. Meanwhile, Russia issued an arrest warrant for founder Pavel Durov, claiming the app is used by Ukrainian spies to organize attacks. Telegram denies the allegations and says it has blocked thousands of extremist communities in 2026. The platform has over one billion monthly active users.

Australia has initiated legal action against the messaging platform Telegram, accusing it of failing to remove pro-terrorist content even after being warned. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that the content includes execution videos and mass shooting incidents related to the terrorist attacks in Christchurch and Buffalo. Failure to comply with standards could lead to fines of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars. Concurrently, Russia has issued an arrest warrant for founder Pavel Durov, alleging that the app is used by Ukrainian spies to organize attacks. Telegram rejects the claims and notes that it has blocked thousands of extremist communities in 2026. The platform boasts over one billion monthly active users.