Alarming: Digital network forces children to take nude photos and blackmail!

Alarming: Digital network forces children to take nude photos and blackmail!

There have been worrying developments in the digital world in recent weeks. The “764” group uses the wide reach of social media and gaming platforms to force minors to take nude photos. These acts not only fall within the scope of sexual violence, but can also be classified as part of a larger network that coerces victims into committing further crimes. MyDistrict reports on the blackmail and psychological manipulation methods that members of this group use to put pressure on their victims.

Behind this is an international network that is classified as a terrorist threat, particularly in Great Britain, the USA and Canada. The managing director of the Federal Office for Sect Issues, Ulrike Schiesser, emphasizes the urgency of taking preventative measures, especially in schools, to protect children and young people from the dangers of the Internet. The first indications of “764” activities in Austria have already emerged, but specific cases are still unclear.

Manipulation through supposed friendship

The method the perpetrators use is usually perfidious: they pretend to be romantically interested in order to gain the trust of young people. How Dortmund Police explains, in many cases so-called psychological manipulation occurs in order to get children and young people to the point where they willingly share intimate content. The term **sexting** describes the exchange of pleasant messages or pictures; But it is not uncommon for this exchange to end in sexual blackmail, also known as **sextortion**.

This type of violence has far-reaching consequences. Those affected are often faced with enormous pressure as they are threatened with publishing the resulting content if they do not continue to pay or create more images. This is particularly devastating for children and young people, who are often still immature and cannot assess the dangers. It is crucial that parents and the social environment support and communicate openly about such risks.

Legal framework and prevention

The legal aspects under which these behaviors fall are clearly defined. The legislature has issued numerous regulations to protect children and young people. According to the information from the Abuse Officer Abuse and sexual harassment are strictly punishable, even if the child originally consents to the exchange. Once online, intimate images can be spread quickly, which has serious emotional and psychological consequences for those affected.

The police advise taking various safety precautions, such as deactivating the automatic download function in messengers and communicating directly with trusted people in the event of suspicion. It is also important not to pay blackmail or communicate with perpetrators.

In summary, it shows that despite digital networking, there are also dangers that need to be taken seriously. Raising awareness among teachers and specialists as well as preventive workshops in schools are essential to ensure the protection of children and young people online. Only together can we ensure that our youth are protected from these dangerous structures.