European police have warned that an online network known as “The Com” is grooming and coercing children into acts of violence, sexual exploitation and other serious offences, with Europol describing the threat as extremely serious for children and society.
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Authorities are alert to the network across areas dealing with sexual violence, cybercrime and national security. The network, whose name is understood to mean “community”, is described in the report as being mainly composed of children. It is encouraging juveniles to inflict extreme violence on themselves or others.
Europol Flags Serious Threat to Children
Ireland is one of 22 EU countries involved in a Europol project targeting the problem, alongside the US, Canada, Australia, the UK and other countries. The agency said The Com is engaged in child sexual exploitation, cyberattacks, extortion, assault, rape, murder and violent extremism.
According to the Europol report cited in the article, the network is “extremely dangerous” and combating it has become a national priority in several member states and third countries. The report said these networks are largely composed of children aged between eight and 17.
“At the core of their activities lays manipulation and violence, which are a constant feature,” Europol said. The agency added that the groups’ goals may include personal gain, the advancement of ideologies, or the destabilisation of society.
Vulnerable Children Targeted Online
Europol’s Project Compass targets these groups and has warned that they specifically seek out vulnerable members of society to carry out or take part in acts of violence. These include self-harm, harm to others, harm to animals, and the production of child sexual exploitation material.
Mick Moran, chief executive of Irish Internet Hotline, said the most frightening aspect was that the activity was “kid-on-kid”, meaning parents must understand that a child may be an offender as well as a victim.
Fiona Jennings, head of policy and public affairs at the ISPCC, described the emergence of so-called “com groups” as an ominous threat. She said the groups groom and manipulate children, recruiting them with the aim of causing real-world devastation. She added that some victims may not even realise they are victims, particularly where images of their abuse have been reused to generate more images using AI technologies.
Parents Urged to Speak With Children
Ms Jennings urged parents to talk to their children and reassure them that they can come forward with any problem and that abuse is not their fault.
Europol said offenders can target victims on gaming platforms popular among children and on channels used by young people to discuss mental health and physical difficulties.
