Australia’s online safety watchdog has imposed a hefty fine of approximately A$1 million ($640,000) on messaging platform Telegram for its failure to provide timely responses regarding its efforts to combat child exploitation and extremist content.

The e-Safety Commission had issued formal inquiries in March 2024 to several social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit, seeking details on measures taken to prevent extremists from exploiting live-streaming, algorithms, and recommendation systems for recruitment.

While Telegram and Reddit were specifically asked to outline their strategies for tackling child sexual abuse material, they were given a deadline until May 2024 to respond.

However, Telegram did not submit its response until October, significantly past the stipulated timeline.

"Timely transparency is not a voluntary requirement in Australia and this action reinforces the importance of all companies complying with Australian law," the media reported quoting e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

Grant criticised Telegram's delayed cooperation, stating that it hindered the commission’s ability to enforce online safety measures effectively.

The urgency of addressing online extremism has been underscored by Australia’s spy agency, which revealed in December that one in five priority counter-terrorism cases involved young individuals.

Telegram has increasingly come under scrutiny worldwide, particularly after its founder, Pavel Durov, was formally investigated in France in August for alleged involvement in illegal activities facilitated through the platform.

Durov, who is currently out on bail, has denied all allegations.

Grant emphasised the necessity for greater transparency from technology companies, urging them to implement robust safeguards against the misuse of their platforms.

"If we want accountability from the tech industry, we need much greater transparency. These powers give us a look under the hood at just how these platforms are dealing, or not dealing, with a range of serious and egregious online harms which affect Australians," she said.

The e-Safety Commissioner warned that if Telegram fails to comply with the penalty notice, legal action would be pursued in court to enforce the fine.

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