Australia has initiated a lawsuit against the messaging platform Telegram, accusing it of neglecting to remove terrorist-related content despite multiple warnings. The case was announced by the country's online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner.
Allegations and Content Involved
The eSafety Commissioner highlighted that videos depicting terrorist executions, mass shootings, and extremist material connected to attacks such as the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting remained accessible on Telegram. These materials persisted on the platform between July and October 2025, even after users reported them.
"We allege that this content remained accessible on the service long after Telegram had been put on notice," said Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. The regulator further noted that Telegram failed to suspend accounts responsible for sharing the content.
Grant also referenced the heightened security environment in Australia following the Bondi antisemitic mass shooting in 2025, which claimed 15 lives.
Telegram's Response and Legal Proceedings
Telegram has denied the allegations, stating it intends to contest the lawsuit. The platform claims to have blocked thousands of extremist groups in 2026 as part of its efforts to combat such content.
Connection to International Developments
The lawsuit follows closely after Russia issued terrorism-related charges against Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov. Russia's Federal Security Service accused Durov of facilitating terrorist activities, claiming Telegram was used by Ukrainian operatives for attacks within Russia. An international arrest warrant was subsequently issued.
Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur now residing in Dubai, co-founded Telegram in 2013. The app has grown to over one billion monthly active users globally.
