Australia Fines Telegram for Delayed Response on Online Safety
Australia fines Telegram A$1 million ($640,000) for failing to respond on time to inquiries about its measures to prevent child abuse and violent extremist content. The penalty underscores the country’s strict stance on tech companies’ responsibilities in tackling online harm.
Telegram’s Delay Leads to Penalty
In March 2024, the e-Safety Commission requested information from major social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit. The inquiry focused on their efforts to curb the spread of extremist content and child exploitation materials. While other companies responded within the deadline, Telegram did not submit its report until October—five months late.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasised that transparency is not optional under Australian law. “Timely transparency is not a voluntary requirement in Australia, and this action reinforces the importance of all companies complying with Australian law,” she stated.
Grant also highlighted that Telegram’s delay obstructed the commission’s ability to enforce online safety measures effectively.
Australia Fines Telegram As Concerns Over Online Extremism Rise
Australia’s security agencies have raised alarms over the increasing involvement of young people in extremist activities. The country’s spy agency reported in December that one in five priority counter-terrorism cases involved youth.
Telegram has faced global scrutiny over its handling of illegal content. Its founder, Pavel Durov, is under formal investigation in France over allegations that the app has been used for unlawful activities. Durov, who is currently out on bail, denies the accusations.
Grant stressed the need for tech giants to be accountable and implement safeguards against online extremism. “If we want accountability from the tech industry, we need much greater transparency,” she said.
Next Steps for Telegram
The e-Safety Commission has warned that if Telegram ignores the penalty, the regulator will pursue a civil case in court. This action signals Australia’s growing commitment to enforcing stricter digital safety regulations.
As scrutiny of online platforms intensifies worldwide, companies like Telegram may face increasing pressure to comply with government regulations and improve their content moderation practices.
With inputs from Reuters