Telegram Sues Australia Over Age Verification Law – Here’s What We Know
Published
- Legal Challenge: Telegram disputes eSafety Commissioner authority and nearly A$1 million fine over compliance.
- Age Verification: New Australian rules may require sensitive personal data for under-16 users.
- Global Debate: Case highlights tensions between online privacy, free speech, and government regulation.
Messaging platform Telegram is challenging Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021, disputing the authority of the eSafety Commissioner and a significant fine imposed on the company. The case raises broader questions about age verification, online privacy, and government control.
Telegram Challenges the eSafety Commissioner
Earlier this year, the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, sent notices to several major platforms, including Telegram. The notices asked for details on how the platforms were managing extremist material and child abuse content.
Telegram argues that it is not legally classified as a “provider of social-media services” under Australian law, and therefore, it should not be subject to the commissioner’s requirements. The company also claims it never properly received the initial notice because it was sent to the wrong address. Telegram says it provided answers voluntarily once it became aware of the request.
The lawsuit directly challenges the authority of the eSafety Commissioner and the fine imposed for missing the compliance deadline.
The Age Verification Debate
Australia plans to implement some of the world’s strictest age verification rules for social media. Starting December 10, 2025, platforms such as Reddit, Kick, Facebook, and TikTok will be required to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to A$50 million.
Privacy advocates have expressed concerns that robust age-assurance systems could require sensitive data such as identity documents or biometric information, putting user privacy at risk.
Similar debates are occurring globally. In the UK, the introduction of age verification laws led to a sharp increase in VPN usage, as users sought to protect their data while accessing online content. A single VPN provider reported a 1,400% increase in sign-ups following new age-restriction rules.
What’s at Stake
Telegram’s case highlights the tension between government regulation and online privacy. Critics argue that laws like the Online Safety Act, though intended to protect users, give authorities broad powers to define “harmful” content. This could risk limiting lawful speech and user freedoms.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set an important precedent. A ruling in favor of Telegram may reinforce limits on government authority over global platforms. Conversely, if the government prevails, it could encourage stricter online content regulations worldwide.
For now, the case remains a key test of the boundaries of digital regulation and the rights of both platforms and users.
Telegram is challenging Australia’s Online Safety Act and questioning the authority of the eSafety Commissioner, following a fine of nearly A$1 million that prompted the legal action. The case comes as Australia prepares to roll out strict age verification laws, which may require users to share sensitive personal data. This lawsuit is part of a broader global debate over balancing online privacy, free expression, and government regulation of digital platforms.
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