Australia’s online safety regulator has imposed a hefty fine of nearly $1 million on the encrypted messaging platform Telegram for failing to provide timely responses to inquiries about the company’s efforts in combating terrorism and child exploitation content on its platform. The penalty underscores the increasing scrutiny on tech companies regarding their role in preventing harmful online activities.
In May 2023, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, issued legally binding transparency reporting notices to Telegram, WhatsApp, Google, Reddit, and X, demanding detailed information on their measures to curb the spread of extremist and terrorist content. Additionally, Telegram and Reddit were specifically asked to outline their efforts in tackling child sexual abuse material on their platforms. While all companies were required to submit their responses by May 2024, Telegram delayed its submission until October, missing the deadline by nearly 160 days.
As a result of this prolonged delay, eSafety imposed a fine of 957,780 Australian dollars on Telegram, citing the obstruction of regulatory oversight under the Online Safety Act. Commissioner Grant expressed concern over the lack of prompt transparency from tech platforms, emphasizing that these companies must be held accountable for ensuring user safety. She pointed out that Telegram’s delayed response hindered the regulator’s ability to enforce online safety measures for nearly half a year.
Australia’s Five Eyes security alliance, which includes the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police, previously identified Telegram as a platform frequently used by young individuals to access extremist propaganda. This further intensified concerns over the app’s moderation practices and its commitment to curbing harmful content.
In its defense, Telegram asserted that it had fully responded to all inquiries from eSafety last year and argued that the fine was “unfair and disproportionate,” as it was solely related to the timing of its response rather than the adequacy of the information provided. The company has announced its intention to appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, Australian authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to pressure technology companies into adopting more rigorous safety measures, particularly as youth involvement in extremist content continues to rise. According to Australia’s intelligence agency, one in five high-priority counter-terrorism cases in 2023 involved minors.
Telegram has also faced growing international scrutiny, especially following the formal investigation of its founder, Pavel Durov, in France. Authorities there have accused the platform of being exploited for illegal activities, further fueling the debate on the responsibilities of encrypted messaging services in preventing criminal use.
If Telegram fails to comply with the penalty, eSafety has indicated that it may escalate the matter to court to enforce compliance. The Australian government remains committed to ensuring that tech giants uphold their legal obligations, reinforcing the message that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable when it comes to online safety.
Zainab Y.
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