Australia’s eSafety Commission fined messaging platform Telegram A$1 million (S$850,300) on February 24 for failing to respond to questions about its efforts to combat child abuse and violent extremist content. The penalty comes as regulators increase pressure on social media platforms to take stronger action against harmful online material.
The eSafety Commission had asked Telegram to provide details on how it prevents the spread of child sexual abuse material and extremist content. Telegram failed to meet the deadline, prompting the regulator to issue the fine.
“This is about protecting Australians, especially children, from harmful online content,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. “Platforms must be held accountable when they fail to take responsibility.”
The commission launched an inquiry in March 2024 targeting multiple social media companies, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit. Regulators accused these platforms of not doing enough to prevent extremists from using live-streaming, algorithms, and recommendation systems to recruit users.
Telegram and Reddit were specifically questioned about their efforts to combat child sexual abuse material on their services. Telegram did not provide sufficient answers, leading to the fine.
Australia’s online safety laws require tech companies to cooperate with regulators and take proactive steps to remove illegal content. The government has the power to impose financial penalties on companies that fail to comply.
The fine against Telegram is one of the largest issued under Australia’s online safety laws. It signals a tougher approach to enforcing regulations on digital platforms.
Telegram has faced criticism for its lack of transparency in content moderation. The platform is known for its strong encryption and minimal oversight, which has made it popular among users seeking privacy but also raised concerns about misuse by criminals and extremists.
Authorities have warned that encrypted messaging services can be exploited by individuals sharing harmful content. Telegram has said in the past that it removes illegal material when reported but has not disclosed detailed enforcement policies.
The eSafety Commission’s investigation is part of a broader global effort to regulate digital platforms. Governments worldwide are pushing tech companies to improve content moderation and prevent online harms.
Australia has introduced strict online safety laws, requiring platforms to respond to regulator requests and remove harmful content quickly. Companies that fail to comply face fines and possible legal action.
Regulators argue that social media and messaging apps play a major role in the spread of harmful content. They say stronger oversight is needed to prevent exploitation, radicalization, and the distribution of illegal material.
Critics of the fine argue that Telegram’s encryption policies make it difficult to monitor content without violating user privacy. Some digital rights groups warn that increased government pressure could lead to excessive surveillance.
Despite these concerns, the Australian government remains firm on enforcing online safety regulations. Officials say they will continue to hold platforms accountable for their role in preventing online harm.
Telegram has not yet commented on whether it will pay the fine or challenge the decision. The company could face further action if it continues to resist cooperation with regulators.
The case highlights the growing tension between online privacy and safety enforcement. As governments push for stricter rules, tech companies must find ways to balance user security with compliance.
Australia’s eSafety Commission is expected to continue its crackdown on non-compliant platforms. More fines and enforcement actions could follow if companies fail to meet regulatory demands.
The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how governments handle digital platform accountability. It could also influence global discussions on regulating encrypted messaging services.
For now, Telegram faces increased scrutiny as regulators demand more transparency in its approach to preventing online harm. The company’s next steps could determine how other tech giants respond to similar regulatory challenges.
