Australia sues Telegram in Federal Court over terrorist videos
The eSafety Commission has taken Telegram to the Federal Court, accusing the messaging service of keeping terror-related videos online despite warnings.
The eSafety Commission has filed Federal Court proceedings against Telegram, claiming the platform ignored repeated alerts about terrorist and extremist videos. Reported material ranges from the Christchurch mosque massacre to a U.S. supermarket shooting, as well as ISIS beheadings used for radicalisation. Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said Telegram left the content online for as long as three months after being informed.
The lawsuit follows a year-long investigation and a period of “very difficult” non-responsiveness from the company. If the court rules against Telegram, penalties could top $54.6 million, and the regulator may seek a ban. Communications Minister Anika Wells stressed the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward platforms that fail to remove pro-terror content.
Why it matters
The case could set a precedent for how tech platforms are held accountable for extremist material in Australia.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps report the eSafety Commissioner's lawsuit against Telegram over extremist videos, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes the alleged failure to delete the content, center coverage highlights the regulator’s complaint, potential penalties and possible ban, while right-leaning coverage stresses the allegation of pro-terror material and Telegram’s rejection of the claims.
LEFT
Frames the story as an alleged failure by Telegram to delete extremist videos, focusing on the regulator’s accusations.
CENTER
Frames the story as a legal action by the eSafety regulator against Telegram, stressing the complaint, possible fine and the government’s zero-tolerance stance.
RIGHT
Frames the story as a legal case over alleged pro-terror material, underscoring the allegations and Telegram’s intent to fight the suit.
The left emphasises
- alleged failure to delete extremist videos
- specific incidents cited (Buffalo, Christchurch, ISIS beheadings)
- potential penalty of up to AU$54.6 million
The right emphasises
- alleged pro-terror material
- Telegram rejects the allegations
- potential civil penalties up to AU$54.6 million
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