CANBERRA—Australia's eSafety Commissioner filed Federal Court proceedings against Telegram, alleging the platform failed to remove violent extremist material. The legal action, filed this week, seeks to compel Telegram to comply with Australian online safety laws. The Commissioner previously issued a formal notice to Telegram in November 2025, requesting specific content removal.
The case centers on Telegram's alleged refusal to act on reports of violent extremist content, including material linked to the Islamic State group and other designated terrorist organizations. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said Telegram had not adequately responded to requests to remove specific channels and posts despite repeated warnings. Those channels reportedly promote terrorism, incite violence against the Australian public and disseminate propaganda.
The Commissioner's Federal Court application seeks an injunction requiring Telegram to remove the offending material immediately. It also demands the platform implement proactive measures—including content filtering and user reporting tools—to detect and remove similar content going forward. Failure to comply with a court order could result in substantial financial penalties under the Online Safety Act.
Telegram has historically resisted government demands for content moderation and user data, citing privacy concerns and free speech principles. That stance has produced similar disputes with regulators in Germany, Brazil and India, often resulting in temporary bans or service restrictions. The Australian legal action sets a precedent for how sovereign nations can enforce domestic laws on global encrypted messaging services, sharpening the tension between national security and platform autonomy.
The Federal Court will schedule initial hearings in the coming weeks to consider the Commissioner's application. Both parties will present arguments regarding Telegram's obligations under Australian law and its operational capabilities, with a decision expected later this year.
