The emerging threat of violent, exploitative digital ‘com networks’: what do we need to know?

Kaptured by Kasia/Unsplash For many parents, keeping their children safe online is a top priority.

But now there’s an emerging threat: “com networks”.

Com networks (short for community networks) are online groups that mostly target vulnerable young people in the online spaces they use every day, including gaming platforms and social media.

Through threats, they convince young people to harm themselves and others .

Perpetrators are often motivated by status, fascination with violence, or sexual gratification.

What do we know about these networks? These groups are known by many names and promote different harms.

This makes them difficult to define and detect.

But we do know these groups are a growing threat to young people.

In June, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the threats are “confronting”.

She added: Right now, kids are hurting their siblings, killing their pets or injuring themselves because they are being blackmailed by other youth, teens or adults who enjoy watching the pain of others or are dominating and exploiting the vulnerable.

Europol recently removed more than 4,000 websites linked to “The Com” network in a joint operation with international authorities.

But the true number of com networks is unknown.

As more reports emerge , there are warning signs parents should look for.

How are young people targeted? A young person’s first encounter with a com network might not appear dangerous.