Telegram has filed a lawsuit against Australia’s eSafety Commissioner in the Federal Court, challenging the Online Safety Act 2021 after a A$957,780 fine.
The messaging platform disputes its classification as a “provider of social-media services” under Australian law, asserting it is not subject to the commissioner’s directives. Telegram claims the initial notice regarding harmful content was sent to an incorrect address and states it voluntarily provided information once aware of the request.
This legal action coincides with Australia’s upcoming age verification rules. Beginning December 10, 2025, platforms like Reddit, Kick, Facebook, and TikTok must prevent users under 16 from accessing their services, or face fines up to A$50 million. Privacy advocates express concern that this mandate could necessitate collecting sensitive biometric data or identity documents, potentially jeopardizing user data.
Similar debates are occurring globally. In the UK, the implementation of its Online Safety Act resulted in a 1,400% surge in VPN service sign-ups from one provider, as users sought to bypass age gates and maintain privacy. A virtual private network (VPN) can mask a user’s geographical location, facilitating access to geo-restricted content.
The case represents an ongoing conflict between regulators and platforms prioritizing privacy. Critics argue that legislation like Australia’s Online Safety Act provides government bodies with excessive authority to define “harmful” content, potentially suppressing lawful speech.
The outcome of Telegram’s lawsuit will have implications for the global debate on online regulation, either strengthening government control over digital platforms or reinforcing the limitations of jurisdictional oversight.
