Telegram Fined $640,000 in Australia Over Delayed Online Safety Report

Australia’s eSafety Commission has fined messaging app Telegram nearly 1 million Australian dollars ($640,000) for failing to provide timely information regarding its online safety measures, Reuters reported.

In March 2024, the eSafety Commission requested details from platforms including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit about their efforts to combat child exploitation and violent extremism. Companies were asked to respond by May, but Telegram only submitted its responses in October.

“Transparency in Australia is mandatory, not optional,” said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. She emphasized that Telegram’s delay hindered the commission’s ability to implement effective online safety measures.

Telegram, however, claimed it had already answered all the questions and plans to appeal the fine.

Australia’s intelligence agency revealed that in 2024, one in five of its terrorism-related investigations involved minors, highlighting growing concerns over youth radicalization online.

Globally, Telegram is under increased scrutiny. In France, founder Pavel Durov is under investigation over allegations of illegal activities on the platform, though he has denied any wrongdoing.

The eSafety Commission warned that if Telegram fails to pay the fine, legal action will be pursued.