Australia Sues Telegram Over Alleged Failure to Remove Terror Content: How Markets Will Respond

Australia’s online safety regulator, eSafety, has launched legal proceedings against Telegram, alleging the platform failed to remove terrorism-linked content. The Federal Court case follows a year-long investigation revealing Telegram failed to remove certain unlawful material after becoming aware of it, with some content remaining visible for up to three weeks. eSafety also claims Telegram failed to detect extremist content, including footage from the 2019 Christchurch and 2022 Buffalo shootings, before it was later removed. The regulator is seeking penalties of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars ($35.8 million). This case comes amid global scrutiny, including Russia’s FSB charges against CEO Pavel Durov and ongoing investigations in France. Telegram has not yet responded to the Australian proceedings, though its X account posted a video on 'freedom of expression.' > This legal action underscores the tension between decentralization and regulatory oversight in crypto. Markets will watch whether Telegram’s business model can withstand increasing legal pressures.