Tag: Online Safety Act

  • Australia Files Federal Lawsuit Against Telegram Over Terror Content Removal Failures

    Australia Files Federal Lawsuit Against Telegram Over Terror Content Removal Failures

    Australia has filed a lawsuit against Telegram in the Federal Court, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove extremist content despite repeated user reports. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, announced the legal action on Thursday, alleging that Telegram left terrorist-related videos online after being notified by users. If the court rules against Telegram, the company could face fines of up to AUD 54.6 million under the country’s Online Safety Act.

    According to the regulator, Australian users reported 12 posts containing terror-related content between July and October 2025. The complaint states that Telegram failed to remove 10 of those posts and did not suspend the accounts that shared them. The alleged content included videos linked to the Christchurch mosque attack, the Buffalo supermarket shooting, and other terrorist executions.

    eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said: “This case concerns content linked to some of the most notorious acts of known extremist violence in recent history, including material associated with the Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks. We allege that this content remained accessible on the service long after Telegram had been put on notice.”

    Telegram denied the allegations and said it will fight the case in court. The company stated that it has strong systems to stop terrorist content and removed thousands of extremist communities during 2026.

    This case marks Australia’s first Federal Court action under the country’s unlawful online content rules. Officials say the legal move demonstrates that online platforms must act quickly when users report dangerous material. The outcome could also shape how global messaging apps handle extremist content in the future. Telegram has more than one billion monthly active users worldwide and has faced growing legal pressure in other countries, adding to the challenges surrounding content moderation and online safety.

  • UK Regulator Probes TikTok Over Child Safety and AI Shopping Video Concerns

    UK Regulator Probes TikTok Over Child Safety and AI Shopping Video Concerns

    Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into TikTok, questioning whether the platform’s age-checking systems adequately protect underage users. The regulator also faces pressure from brands and creators over AI-generated shopping videos that some say mislead consumers and erode trust.

    Ofcom Questions TikTok’s Child Age Checks

    Ofcom has expressed ‘serious doubts’ about TikTok’s ability to identify users under 18. The regulator believes the platform’s age inference system—which estimates age based on user activity—may fail to detect many children who provide false birth dates or bypass restrictions. Kate Davies, Ofcom’s group director for strategy and research, stated: “We have serious doubts about them, and so we have launched an investigation into TikTok.”

    The UK Online Safety Act requires platforms to use effective age checks when children may encounter harmful material. Ofcom will examine whether TikTok has taken suitable steps to identify young users and limit their access to restricted content. TikTok responded that it strictly enforces age-based experiences through platform rules and advanced technology, and remains confident it meets its duties under the act.

    TikTok Risks Major Financial Penalty

    If the investigation finds TikTok violated UK online safety rules, Ofcom can impose a fine of up to £18 million or 10% of TikTok’s qualifying worldwide revenue—whichever is higher. This follows broader regulatory action against platforms failing to protect children. Child safety groups, including the Molly Rose Foundation, have called for wider scrutiny of TikTok’s recommendation systems.

    AI Shopping Videos Raise Trust Concerns

    TikTok Shop faces separate criticism over AI-generated product videos using virtual models. Creators say these automated clips compete with genuine reviews from people who own and test products. Affiliate creator Rosemarie Soma described it as ‘very frustrating’ when AI videos receive advertising support and generate sales. SharkNinja has banned affiliates from using TikTok’s AI Video Maker to promote its products, warning that violators could lose commissions. Rare Beauty also distanced itself from AI-generated promotional content after an unauthorized affiliate posted such videos.

    TikTok Shop sales in the United States are expected to reach $23.41 billion this year, according to eMarketer, while its affiliate network has grown from 2.3 million creators in 2024 to 11.3 million in 2026, per Charm.io. This rapid expansion makes it harder for brands to control unauthorized AI product videos.