UK Crime Agency Warns of Alarming Growth in 'Com Networks' Sharing Extreme Content

Reports of these online groups, which normalize violence and abuse among young people, have surged six-fold since 2022, prompting calls for urgent action from parents, educators, and social media platforms.

The National Crime Agency's latest report highlights a six-fold increase in reports of 'com networks' in the UK between 2022 and 2024.
These online groups, often involving young men, share violent, misogynistic, and abusive content, desensitizing participants to extreme behaviors.
'Com networks' manipulate victims, including children, into self-harm, abuse, and other harmful acts, with young girls being particularly vulnerable to grooming and coercion.
Authorities have urged parents, educators, and social media platforms to take immediate action to address the growing threat posed by these networks.
The Molly Rose Foundation criticized Ofcom and the government for failing to implement targeted measures to combat these groups, calling for stronger regulatory action.