Australia's online safety watchdog, the eSafety Commission, imposed a fine of AU$957,780 on the messaging platform Telegram on Monday, due to its delayed response to questions regarding measures to combat child abuse material and terrorism on its platform.

If Telegram fails to comply with the fine, the eSafety Commissioner may pursue additional legal actions, including seeking civil penalties in federal court, The Guardian reported.

Telegram has 28 days to either appeal the infringement notice, pay the fine, or request an extension.

A Telegram spokesperson called the penalty "unfair and disproportionate" and confirmed the company will challenge the fine. In a statement, Telegram asserted that it had fully responded to all of the eSafety Commission's questions in 2024, emphasizing that no issues remained unresolved,

© International Business Times