Self‑harm and child sexual abuse content is being traded as “social currency” within an online network known as The Com.
The com, short for community, is a loose network involving online sadistic groups targeting vulnerable children.
Harm is being gamified – according to a new report shared exclusively with Sky News by intelligence risk firm Resolver.
The Molly Rose Foundation, who commissioned it, a self-harm and suicide prevention charity, says Ofcom’s response to the threat is “appalling” and the regulator has been “asleep at the wheel”.
If you’ve been affected by this story, and are feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal, you can contact the Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on 116 123, or by emailing jo@samaritans.uk, or jo@samaritans.ie.
In the US and Canada, you can call or text the Samaritans or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 – help is available 24/7.
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