Telegram faces $1 million fine in Australia for delayed action on child abuse reports

Encrypted messaging platform Telegram has been fined nearly $1 million (AUD 957,780) by Australia’s eSafety Commission for failing to respond in time to questions regarding its measures to combat terrorism and child abuse material on its platform. The Australian regulator had issued an information request in May 2024, requiring Telegram to report back by October 2024 on steps taken to tackle terrorist content and child exploitation material. However, Telegram took 160 days to respond, significantly obstructing the regulator’s ability to assess online safety risks.

The fine marks a significant move by Australia’s online safety regulator, which has been tightening its scrutiny of tech platforms to ensure compliance with the Online Safety Act. The penalty comes amid growing global concerns over the misuse of encrypted platforms for criminal activities, as well as increasing regulatory pressure on technology companies to cooperate with law enforcement.