Australia’s cyber safety watchdog took court action today against Telegram, alleging the global messaging platform had failed to remove terrorism material. Under Australia’s online safety law, Telegram faces a maximum penalty of up to AU$54.6 million ($38 million) for failing to take timely action after Australian users reported 10 items of pro-terror and violent material. Telegram, registered in the United Arab Emirates, is a major global platform visited by Australians 1.5 million times a month, the regulator said. Court documents lodged by the eSafety Commissioner said Australian users had flagged 12 instances of such material between September 27 and October 5, 2025. Ten items had not been removed at least 20 days later, showing Telegram had breached Australia’s online safety rules by failing to investigate and take “timely action”, the court statement said.