Telegram is facing a potential penalty of up to $38 million in Australia over claims that it failed to remove terrorist-related material from its platform.

Australian authorities have launched legal proceedings against the messaging app, alleging that Telegram did not take down extremist content, including footage from the March 2019 Christchurch mosque attack in New Zealand, where 51 people were killed.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant said Telegram could face a maximum fine of $38 million for allegedly failing to meet requirements under the Online Safety Act, according to reports.

Inman-Grant said the case involves some of the most serious examples of extremist content in recent history, including material connected to the Christchurch and Buffalo attacks.

Telegram disputed the allegations and said it would defend itself in court. A company spokesperson told Reuters that the claims were rejected and highlighted the platform’s efforts to combat terrorism, saying thousands of extremist communities had been blocked in 2026.

The platform, which is widely used by cryptocurrency communities for project updates, trading discussions, bots, and blockchain-based applications, did not immediately provide further comment to CoinDesk.

The Australian case follows legal action announced by Russian authorities against Telegram founder Pavel Durov. Russia accused Durov of facilitating terrorism by allowing the app to be used for recruitment activities allegedly tied to Ukrainian intelligence services, with the Federal Security Service (FSB) reportedly adding him to a wanted list.

Durov was previously arrested in France in 2024 and investigated over allegations that Telegram failed to adequately moderate illegal activity on the platform. He was released months later, though the investigation has continued.

According to Telegram, Durov is based in Dubai and holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France.