Australia's eSafety regulator has commenced civil penalty proceedings in Federal Court against Telegram. The online safety watchdog alleges that the messaging service failed to detect and remove pro-terrorist and extremist material from its platform.
The regulator claims that Telegram ignored takedown demands and hosted videos of terrorist executions and mass shootings. Specifically, the internet commissioner alleges that the content included material related to the Christchurch and Buffalo attacks, as well as Isis beheadings.
The legal action seeks penalties of up to A$54.6 million. This move comes a day after Russia charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity.
Telegram has stated that it will fight the proceedings.