Telegram has been fined nearly $1 million by Australian watchdog in a probe related to online safety, according to an official statement.
The encrypted messaging platform has been penalised for delaying answering the questions on containment measures for child exploitation and extremist material, according to Australia’s eSafety commissioner.
The authority had issued notice to Telegram in May 2023, with October being the deadline to report back. Telegram did not submit its response for 160 days, however, which has led to the fine.
“If we want accountability from the tech industry we need much greater transparency,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant says. “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.”
According to the commissioner, the delay in providing the requested information “obstructed” the implementation of safety measures.
“Telegram took 160 days to provide information that was asked in the reporting notice and providing this information so late has obstructed eSafety from delivering its functions under the Online Safety Act for almost half a year.”
Telegram, on the other hand, has termed the fine “unfair and disproportionate”. The company is planning to appeal against it. It has 28 days to take action.
The authority had sent notices to other companies, too, including Meta and Google. All responses will be released next month.
