The messaging platform could face fines reaching $38 million for not removing extremist material.
By Olivier Acuna|Edited by Sheldon Reback Jul 30, 2026, 12:09 p.m. 2 min readMake preferred on ShareShare this articleCopy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmailMake preferred on Telegram is accused of not removing various terror-related materials, including footage from the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting. (Michal Klajban/Wikimedia Commons) SummaryShow- Legal proceedings have been initiated against Telegram in Australia for allegedly not removing terrorist content, which could lead to fines of up to $38 million under the Online Safety Act.
- The Safety Commissioner of Australia stated that the case involves material related to extremist violence, while Telegram claims its counter-terrorism measures are comprehensive and plans to fight the allegations in court.
- Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is facing terrorism-related charges in Russia due to the platform's use by Ukraine and scrutiny from French authorities for its moderation practices.
The Australian government has launched legal action against Telegram, citing its failure to eliminate terror-related content, including footage of the horrific mass shooting at a Christchurch mosque in March 2019 that resulted in 51 fatalities, according to multiple reports.
Julie Inman-Grant, the Safety Commissioner of Australia, indicated that the messaging platform, created by Pavel Durov, is at risk of incurring fines of up to $38 million for not adhering to the Online Safety Act, as reported by the BBC.
Inman-Grant stated, "This case concerns content linked to some of the most notorious acts of known extremist violence in recent history, including material associated with the Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks," as noted by Reuters.
In response, a Telegram representative stated, "We reject these allegations and will contest them in court," emphasizing that the platform has documented robust anti-terrorism efforts, having blocked thousands of extremist communities in 2026 alone.
Telegram, which serves as a hub for numerous crypto discussions, project communities, trading groups, bots, and blockchain applications, did not provide immediate further comments to CoinDesk.
This development follows recent charges announced by Russia against Durov, accusing him of facilitating terrorism by permitting the app's use in recruitment by Ukrainian intelligence services. The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) has placed Durov on a wanted list.
Durov was arrested and subjected to investigation in France in 2024 for not adequately moderating the app to curb criminal activities. Although released months later, the investigation is ongoing. Durov currently resides in Dubai and holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France, as per Telegram's statement.