Hidden in plain sight: inside “The Com” network targeting youth online

Why do today’s online dangers seem so different and so much more worrisome? Because typically they start off as simple interactions kids have gotten used to in their everyday digital lives -- a comment, a flattering message, shared hype or a funny joke.

Recently though, it’s come to light that some of those “innocent” interactions can be a front for something coordinated and quite disturbing. Known as “The Com,” it’s an organized network of online predators who target kids where they congregate and build trust before exploiting it.

How do you protect your kids from emerging online dangers like The Com? Understand the nature of the threat, know how to spot the warning signs and keep calm lines of communication open. With your guidance, example and trust, you can help your kids stay safe in the online world they’re growing up in.

“The Com” explained

Short for The Community, The Com is a network of online predators targeting youth from the ages of eight to 17. They make initial contact with kids on the popular platforms they’re using every day including Roblox, Minecraft, Snapchat, Discord, Telegram and Twitch.

According to the RCMP, The Com is known for extreme ideological views. They victimize youth by desensitizing them and radicalizing them to violence (mostly to animals) and self-harm. The Com typically tries to recruit kids they consider vulnerable, and the network has a global footprint.

How The Com recruits and exploits

After The Com predators make initial contact, they groom victims by building trust or “romantic” relationships with them. Once they’ve established a certain level of trust, they then use that power to coerce victims into doing things that are either shameful or incriminating. The more vulnerable a victim becomes, the more they exploit them.

In a March 2025 news story, CTV documented some of the activities that have been reported to police:

• Taking sexually explicit photos of themselves or of siblings
• Committing sexual acts or sexually exploiting others
• Harming or killing animals (often family pets)
• Self-harm or harming others

Predators collect photographic evidence of these victimizations and share them to gain status and cred across The Com network.

Is it happening in Canada?

Sadly, yes. Recent news stories from Global and CBC (February 2026) have recounted The Com activity in both Ontario and New Brunswick.

Police are conducting an ongoing investigation at a public school in Pickering, Ontario linked to an online threat by The Com. There have been four incidents at the school since the start of the year.

In New Brunswick, authorities issued peace bonds to two different youths for alleged terrorist activity. Both youth have ties to 764, which is a recognized terrorist entity and operates as part of The Com network.

Authorities issue peace bonds when they feel someone poses a threat to public safety. In both cases, the two youths were extorting victims to self-harm, making threats to schools in New Brunswick and the U.S. and producing/distributing online material to promote the 764 network.

Signs to look for

How would you know if your child has been targeted? Typically, this type of victimization is shrouded in secrecy. But there are some red flags that could indicate something serious is going on. Pay attention if your child:

• Uses encrypted apps like Discord or Telegram to text
• Takes a new interest in extreme messaging online (conspiracy theories, anti-government rhetoric, propaganda)
• Has new online friends that they are either obsessed with or scared of
• Becomes unusually quiet or withdrawn
• Begins to do poorly in school
• Spends more time on the internet alone
• Receives anonymous gifts or is spending money online uncharacteristically

One or two of these warning signs are concerning. But if you’re seeing two or more in your child, it may be time to investigate their online activity further.

Keeping kids safe

While the existence of The Com is disturbing, it doesn’t mean that every kid playing Roblox or Minecraft is in danger. Like any emerging online threat, education and awareness are the best lines of defense.

• Emphasize what a healthy online relationship looks like: healthy online relationships usually have a shared interest or fun as the foundation. If they do get more personal, that happens at a reasonable pace and always with safe boundaries. Explain to kids that real online “friends” do not ask you to do things that would hurt you or others. If kids have those types of encounters at any time, it is important they share with a trusted adult who can help.
• Familiarize yourself with the technology they’re using: Spend some time with your kids and by yourself on the platforms they love and use often. Get curious about what they’re passionate about and why. Know how messaging works and implement all the parental controls available to you. Insist that your kids can only communicate with trusted contacts.
• Lead with support and understanding: judgement and anger are the surest paths to secrecy and shame. They are trying to figure out these online worlds just like you are. And it’s inevitable they’ll make mistakes. Keep the lines of communication open and stress that your support, love and compassion are unconditional.

Online risks are evolving in ways that are harder to spot, but possible to protect against with good communication and awareness. If we build knowledge and have proactive strategies in place, our kids can participate in their online worlds without fear. Digital literacy, open communication and trusted adults are still the best protections kids have, so they can continue to thrive in the online world safely.