Australia launches court action over extremist content while Russia accuses Telegram's founder of aiding terrorism, putting the messaging giant under growing legal and political pressure.
Telegram is facing major legal challenges from two governments simultaneously. Australia has taken the platform to court over alleged failures to remove terrorist content. At the same time, Russia has charged founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity linked to the war in Ukraine.
Key Details
Australia's eSafety Commissioner says Telegram failed to remove videos linked to terrorist executions, mass shootings, and extremist attacks, including content connected to the Christchurch and Buffalo shootings. Authorities claim Australian users reported 12 posts between July and October 2025, yet 10 remained online, and the accounts behind them were left active.
If the court finds Telegram breached Australia's online safety rules, the company could face civil penalties of up to A$54.6 million ($38 million).
Telegram rejected the allegations and said it would fight the case in court, adding that it blocked thousands of extremist communities during 2026.
Meanwhile, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity. Russian authorities allege Ukrainian intelligence used Telegram, including the popular Daivinchik/Leo chatbot, to recruit young Russians for sabotage and attacks. The FSB says 46 people aged 12 to 22 were arrested over the past year in connection with those claims.
Durov, who denies wrongdoing, has previously said Telegram meets its obligations to moderate harmful content and cooperate with law enforcement.
Why It Matters
For traders, growing regulation of large digital platforms remains a key theme that can influence technology stocks, investor sentiment, and broader market volatility.
The Australian court case and Russia's criminal charges are likely to keep Telegram under intense scrutiny in the months ahead, with investors watching for legal rulings, regulatory responses, and any further action involving Pavel Durov.
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Source: Reuters
Time: 9:30 AM EEST
