Australia Seeks $38M Fine From Telegram Amid Founder's Russian Terrorism Charges

Woofun AI reports that Telegram and its founder Pavel Durov are simultaneously navigating severe legal challenges in Australia and Russia, marking a critical juncture for the messaging platform's global compliance standing.

The Australian legal action centers on allegations that the platform failed to remove terror-related content, specifically citing the March 2019 Christchurch, New Zealand mosque shooting where 51 people were killed. Julie Inman-Grant, Australia’s Safety Commissioner, indicated that Telegram faces a fine of up to $38 million for violating the Online Safety Act. The complaint also references material associated with the Buffalo terror attacks.

Woofun AI data shows the regulator explicitly linked these incidents to the platform's alleged moderation failures, framing the case around notorious acts of extremist violence.

Telegram has firmly rejected these allegations, stating it will contest the charges in court. A spokesperson highlighted that the platform blocked thousands of extremist communities in 2026 alone, emphasizing its documented anti-terrorism efforts.

Structurally, the platform hosts a diverse ecosystem including crypto-related discussion groups, project communities, trading groups, bots, and blockchain-based mini apps. Despite this complex infrastructure, the company did not immediately respond to further inquiries regarding the specific legal strategy.

This Australian lawsuit follows Russia’s announcement on Wednesday that Durov is charged with aiding terrorism by allegedly allowing the app to be used for recruitment by Ukrainian secret services. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) subsequently placed Durov on a wanted list. Durov was previously arrested and investigated in France in 2024 for similar moderation failures but was released months later while the probe continues. He currently resides in Dubai and holds dual citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France.