Australia Declares Terrorgram a Terrorist Organisation, Strengthens Fight Against Online Extremism.jpg)
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Listing aligns with UK and US sanctions; empowers law enforcement to target online radicalisation
In a landmark move aimed at curbing the rise of far-right extremism, the Australian government has officially designated the nationalist extremist network "Terrorgram" as a terrorist organisation, under the Criminal Code Act 1995. The listing, announced on Friday, June 27, follows a comprehensive review by Australia’s national security and intelligence agencies and brings the country in line with similar measures previously adopted by the United Kingdom and the United States.
What Is Terrorgram?
Terrorgram is a loosely connected but influential network of violent extremist users operating primarily through decentralised and encrypted platforms, especially Telegram. The network is known for producing and disseminating racist, nationalist, and hate-driven propaganda, often advocating for or instructing how to carry out terrorist acts.
According to the Australian government’s assessment:
- Terrorgram promotes an ideology based on racial hatred and white nationalism.
- It has inspired real-world attacks in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
- The group targets minorities, infrastructure, and individuals, often glorifying violence.
Official Statement: "Extremist Hatred Has No Place in Australia"
Speaking on the announcement, Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Tony Burke stated:
“This group fosters and promotes an ideology that would seek to make some Australians feel unwelcome in their home. It is this extremist hatred which is not welcome and has no place in Australia.”
Burke further emphasised that the designation would significantly boost the powers of police, intelligence, and security agencies to act against such threats:
“Online radicalisation is a growing threat, but the government has tools at its disposal, and we will use every one of them to keep Australians safe.”
Legal and Enforcement Implications of the Listing
Under Division 102 of the Criminal Code, the consequences of supporting or associating with a designated terrorist organisation are severe. It is now a criminal offence in Australia to:
- Be a member of Terrorgram
- Recruit for or train with the group
- Provide or receive funding related to the organisation
- Offer any form of material support
These offences carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison, making this listing one of the strongest legal tools against violent extremist networks operating online.
International Cooperation and Previous Sanctions
This new listing under the Criminal Code Act builds upon earlier actions taken against Terrorgram. In February 2025, the group was subjected to counter-terrorism financing sanctions by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs under Section 15 of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945.
Australia’s move also aligns with:
- The United Kingdom’s classification of Terrorgram as a terrorist entity
- Similar steps taken by the United States Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to curb the network’s influence within American borders
This international alignment reflects a growing recognition among Western governments of the cross-border nature of digital radicalisation, particularly on encrypted and hard-to-monitor platforms like Telegram.
Growing Concern Over Online Radicalisation
Australia’s decision comes amid rising concern over the weaponisation of social media by extremist actors, especially in the post-pandemic digital era where fringe ideologies can proliferate unchecked in online echo chambers.
Security experts warn that young, isolated individuals are often targeted by networks like Terrorgram that glamorise violence and push conspiracy-driven narratives.
The Office of the Australian eSafety Commissioner has also flagged the spread of extremist content as a growing threat, urging platforms and governments to take stronger moderation and regulatory actions.
Government Urges Public Vigilance
The government reiterated the role of the Australian public in supporting counter-terrorism efforts. Citizens are being urged to:
- Report suspicious activities or extremist content
- Cooperate with law enforcement and intelligence agencies
- Refrain from engaging with or sharing propaganda, even unintentionally
“We rely on the public’s vigilance. The sooner we are alerted to threats, the sooner we can act to prevent harm,” the statement said.
What This Means for Australians
This move sends a clear message: Australia will not tolerate violent ideologies, even if they originate or operate entirely in online spaces. By equipping law enforcement with more legal tools, the government is attempting to pre-empt attacks, disrupt radicalisation pathways, and protect vulnerable groups from hate-based violence.
It also underscores the evolving nature of modern terrorism — not as a distant battlefield threat but one that lurks in digital communities, camouflaged within memes, videos, manifestos, and anonymous groups.
Final Takeaway
Australia’s listing of Terrorgram as a terrorist organisation is a significant step in combatting domestic and transnational violent extremism. By recognising the dangers posed by decentralised online extremist networks, the government is positioning itself to better protect citizens from hate-fueled violence, both on the streets and in the digital realm.
The fight against online radicalisation is far from over, but with this listing, Australia has signaled that extremist networks—no matter how hidden or tech-savvy—will not find safe harbor within its borders.