Australia Takes Legal Action Against Telegram
Australian regulators are pursuing legal action against Telegram for allegedly failing to remove extremist content, which could result in a $38 million penalty under the Online Safety Act. According to Australia’s Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant, the case centers on material connected to some of the most well-known acts of extremist violence, including the March 2019 Christchurch mosque attack in New Zealand, where 51 people lost their lives. The allegations also include content related to the Buffalo terror attack. Regulators argue that Telegram did not meet its obligations under the law to ensure the platform is not used to spread harmful or illegal content.
Telegram Disputes Allegations
Telegram has denied the accusations and has vowed to contest the claims in court, as stated by a company spokesperson. The platform described its anti-terrorism initiatives as extensive and well-documented, including the blocking of thousands of extremist communities on the platform in 2026 alone. A representative for the company further noted that Telegram is widely used for crypto-related discussions, including trading groups, project communities, and blockchain-based mini apps. When approached for additional comments, the company did not respond to inquiries from CoinDesk.
Founder Faces Charges in Russia and France
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is facing terrorism-related charges in Russia, where he is accused of allowing the app to be used by Ukrainian intelligence services for recruitment efforts. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has placed him on a wanted list, according to recent reports. Additionally, Durov was arrested in France in 2024 for allegedly failing to moderate the platform effectively to reduce criminal activity. Although he was released after a few months, the investigation continues. Durov currently resides in Dubai and holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France.
The ongoing legal actions in both Russia and Australia come at a time when Telegram is defending its content moderation strategies in multiple jurisdictions. The company must now navigate a complex legal landscape, balancing the need to comply with regulations while maintaining its reputation as a secure platform for open communication.
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