Australia: eSafety Commissioner fined Telegram AUD 1 million over failure to comply with transparency reporting requirement under Online Safety Act

On 24 February 2025, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner issued a ruling against Telegram with a fine of approximately AUD 1 million for failing to meet transparency reporting requirements under the Online Safety Act. In March 2024, the Commissioner issued notices to several technology platforms, including Telegram, requiring them to report on their measures to combat terrorist and extremist content, as well as child sexual abuse material. Telegram was required to provide information on what steps were taken to identify terrorist and extremist content, address child sexual exploitation material, and prevent the live streaming of such content. The ruling highlighted that Telegram delayed the 6 May 2024 deadline set by the Commissioner by over five months, obstructing the Commissioner's efforts to monitor compliance. It was also highlighted that Telegram has 28 days to request the withdrawal of the infringement notice, pay the fine, or request an extension for payment. If Telegram chooses not to pay the fine, the Commissioner may take further action, including pursuing a civil penalty in the Federal Court of Australia.