Australia has imposed sanctions on an extreme right-wing online network called “Terrorgram” as part of its efforts to combat online extremism and antisemitism. The sanctions were announced on Monday, February 3, 2025, and follow similar actions taken by the United Kingdom and the United States.
Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking on the sanction, highlighted the government’s action would make it a criminal offense to engage with “Terrorgram” and help prevent children from becoming caught up in far-right extremism.
Wong said in a statement, and I quote: “Terrorgram is an online network that promotes white supremacy and racially-motivated violence.
“It is the first time any Australian Government has imposed counterterrorism financing sanctions on an entity based entirely online.”
“Offenders will face up to 10 years in jail and heavy fines”, she added.
The Australian government also renewed sanctions on four right-wing groups: the National Socialist Order, the Russian Imperial Movement, Sonnenkrieg Division, and The Base, Wong said.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden designated “Terrorgram,” which primarily operates on the Telegram social media site, accusing it of promoting violent white supremacy in January. Britain in April made it a criminal offense in the country to belong to or promote the group.
Telegram, responding to the activities of “Terrorgram” on its platform, said calls to violence have no place on its channel.
Telegram, in a statement, said, “Moderators removed several channels that used variations of the ‘Terrorgram’ name when they were discovered years ago. Similar content is banned whenever it appears.”
