The tactics surrounding sextortion—the practice of manipulating victims through blackmail to obtain abusive, explicit images—have grown more sophisticated in recent years. In conversation with The Guardian, ISD Director of Policy & Research, Counter Extremism, Milo Comerford warned that the spread of detailed guides on targeting young users signals a growing threat from online networks. These rings not only generate explicit content but also drive victims to self-harm and, in some cases, acts of violence. Milo stressed the need for a “robust” multi-agency approach to establish safeguards and build awareness among young people, parents, guardians, teachers and others.

“These transnational networks are comprised of a constantly shifting landscape of groups that use social media platforms to identify, groom, and harm their victims, and in some cases engage in mass violence,” he said.

The full article is available on The Guardian.