Nihilistic online networks are targeting children through gaming platforms, where they coerce them into violence against themselves and others.

The Sydney Morning Herald covered this emerging threat, citing ISD’s report examining the 764 sextortion network, including the pathways to harm and the network’s tactics to recruit young people.

The outlet featured ISD’s finding that mainstream online platforms popular with children, including Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite, are some of the most prominent spaces to find future victims, serving as the first point of contact between children and offenders.

The outlet also highlighted ISD’s warning that 764 “sextortionists” seek “long-term victims,” whom they gradually coerce into more extreme acts and eventually extort or blackmail.

The full article is available on The Sydney Morning Herald.