Australia’s internet regulator has fined encrypted messaging app Telegram more than $600,000 for failing to disclose how it handles content related to terrorism and child sexual abuse.
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, announced the penalty on Monday, stating that Telegram had missed a May 6, 2024 deadline to demonstrate compliance with online safety regulations.
The platform responded more than five months late, significantly hindering the regulator’s ability to assess its safety measures.
In March 2023, Australian authorities asked Telegram and other platforms to clarify their efforts to detect and prevent terrorism, violent extremism, and child exploitation content.
However, Telegram did not reply until October 13, 2023, delaying the investigation by nearly six months.
The A$958,000 ($613,000) fine must be paid within 28 days, though Telegram can request an extension or appeal the decision.
If the company refuses to pay, the regulator may escalate the case to the Federal Court.
Telegram’s Russian-born CEO and founder, Pavel Durov, was arrested in Paris in August 2023 over similar concerns. French prosecutors accused Telegram of failing to curb extremist and child abuse content on its platform.
Released on a €5 million bail, Durov later pledged to implement stricter content moderation policies.
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