Australia Sues Telegram Over Terror Content as Durov Faces Global Legal Storm

Woofun AI reports that the messaging platform Telegram is confronting a significant legal challenge in Australia, where regulators allege the service failed to curb the spread of terrorism-linked material. This action occurs amid intensifying global scrutiny of the company’s moderation practices, particularly as CEO Pavel Durov faces concurrent legal pressures in Russia and France. The Australian case represents a critical escalation in government efforts to hold major online platforms accountable for harmful content dissemination.

The eSafety Commissioner launched civil penalty proceedings against Telegram in the Federal Court on Thursday, citing breaches of the Online Safety Act. The regulator alleged that the platform failed to address "pro-terror" content despite receiving multiple user complaints. A year-long investigation revealed that Telegram did not remove unlawful material after becoming aware of it, with some reported content remaining visible for up to three weeks. The authority further claimed that Telegram did not take sufficient steps to prevent repeated violations, including the removal of accounts, channels, and groups used to distribute pro-terror material.

Woofun AI data shows, specific instances of failed content moderation include the platform’s inability to detect known extremist content before its eventual removal. This includes footage from the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting. The regulator is seeking financial penalties for these violations, which carry potential fines of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars ($35.8 million). These figures underscore the severe financial risks associated with non-compliance with Australia’s online safety rules.

Telegram has not issued an official statement regarding the Australian proceedings.

However, its official X account posted a video captioned "freedom of expression," signaling its stance on the issue. The company did not immediately respond to Cointelegraph’s request for comment on the story. This lack of direct communication contrasts with the regulator’s detailed allegations, leaving the public to interpret the platform’s position through its social media activity.

In Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) charged Durov with facilitating terrorist activity and initiated procedures to place him on an international wanted list. Russian authorities alleged that Telegram failed to remove channels, chats, and bots used by Ukrainian intelligence services, terrorist groups, and extremist organizations. These entities reportedly used the platform to coordinate attacks, recruit operatives, and carry out cyber fraud. Telegram did not issue an official statement on the Russian developments but posted an image of Durov making a profane hand gesture.

Durov also remains under investigation in France following his August 2024 arrest at Le Bourget Airport. French prosecutors charged him with offenses including complicity in the distribution of illegal content, including material related to organized crime, through Telegram. Durov has previously criticized growing threats to online privacy, warning that governments were rolling back protections for the free internet. In an October 2025 post on X, he stated that the promise of free information exchange was being turned into a tool of control. This marks a pivotal moment in the global debate over platform liability and digital rights.