Are Online Crime Gangs Targeting Australian Girls for Violence?

Recent reports reveal alarming trends regarding the online exploitation of young girls in Australia, where crime networks are coercing them into committing acts of violence against themselves, their siblings, or pets. This issue, termed a "twisted type of gamification," has prompted the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to establish a new taskforce aimed at combating this disturbing form of gender-based violence. The taskforce's formation highlights the urgent need to understand and address the tactics used by these networks, including the recruitment of vulnerable girls via popular gaming platforms and messaging apps.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In a significant escalation of online crime, Australian authorities have identified that pre-teen and teenage girls are being targeted by networks of older men and boys, dubbed "crimefluencers." These individuals are reportedly motivated by violent and extremist ideologies, using platforms like Roblox, Discord, and Telegram to groom and manipulate their victims. The AFP has already made three arrests in Australia and nine internationally, indicating the global reach of this issue. Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has urged for greater awareness and action to combat what she describes as a "new and disturbing front in traditional gender-based violence."

Key takeaways

• Online crime networks are coercing young girls into acts of violence.
• A new AFP taskforce has been established to combat this threat.
• Crimefluencers recruit victims through popular gaming and messaging platforms.

Timeline: how we got here

The disturbing trend of online exploitation of young girls has been building over recent years. Key dates include:

• November 2021: Reports start emerging about the rise of grooming on gaming platforms.
• March 2023: First arrests made in connection to the online abuse of minors.
• October 2023: AFP announces the formation of a dedicated taskforce to address the issue.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The establishment of the taskforce to tackle the issue of crimefluencers represents a proactive step by authorities. Commissioner Barrett's speech highlights the pressing need for collaborative efforts across nations to identify and apprehend offenders. The reports of arrests indicate that law enforcement is taking this issue seriously and beginning to make progress.

What was already established

Previous concerns regarding online safety for children, particularly on gaming platforms, have been acknowledged for years. Reports of grooming and exploitation in gaming communities have been part of wider discussions about digital safety, but the specific targeting of girls for coercion into violence marks a concerning escalation.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This issue raises significant alarms for UK parents and guardians as it reflects growing global trends in online exploitation. Awareness of these tactics is crucial for keeping children safe online.

Businesses and jobs

Gaming and tech companies may face increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure to ensure the safety of their platforms, particularly regarding how they manage user interactions and report abusive behaviours.

Policy and regulation

The Australian initiative to introduce a social media ban for children under 16 may influence similar discussions in the UK. However, with gaming and messaging platforms currently exempt, the effectiveness of such regulations remains in question.

Numbers that matter

• 60: The number of alleged offenders identified in Australia.
• 3: Arrests made in Australia related to these networks.
• 9: Individuals arrested globally in connection with similar crimes.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Crimefluencers: Individuals who promote harmful or criminal behaviour online, often targeting vulnerable populations.
• Gamification: The application of game-design elements in non-game contexts, which in this case, refers to the manipulation of individuals into violent acts for entertainment.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Parents and guardians should monitor their children's online activity more closely, including their interactions on gaming and messaging platforms. Increased dialogue about safe online practices is essential.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As law enforcement agencies ramp up their efforts, we may see more arrests and a clearer understanding of the networks involved. Public awareness campaigns by authorities can help educate families on the risks.

Signals to watch

• Increased arrests or investigations related to online grooming and exploitation.
• New policies from tech companies aimed at improving safety on their platforms.
• Public discussions and legislative initiatives surrounding online safety regulations.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage open conversations about online experiences and safety with children.
• Monitor the platforms your children are using and understand their functionalities.
• Report any suspicious or harmful behaviour encountered online.

Don’t

• Don’t dismiss your child’s concerns about online interactions.
• Don’t allow unrestricted access to online platforms without supervision.
• Don’t ignore the signs of potential grooming or exploitation.

Checklist

• Have you talked to your child about online safety recently?
• Do you know the games and apps they are using?
• Are you aware of the potential risks associated with those platforms?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

This situation is fluid, and the extent of the networks and their operations is still being uncovered. The motivations behind the behaviours of these crimefluencers may evolve, requiring ongoing vigilance from parents, guardians, and authorities. The effectiveness of new regulations and taskforces remains to be seen, and the potential for further developments in these online crime strategies poses a continuous threat.

Bottom line

As the online landscape continues to evolve, the targeting of young girls by crime networks highlights a significant and urgent issue. Awareness, education, and proactive measures are key to protecting vulnerable populations from these disturbing trends. Ongoing collaboration between authorities, tech companies, and families is essential to combat this threat effectively.

FAQs

What should I do if I suspect my child is being targeted online?

If you suspect that your child is being targeted, it is important to have an open conversation with them about their online interactions and to report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.

Are gaming platforms doing enough to protect children?

While many gaming platforms have implemented safety measures, the effectiveness of these measures can vary. Ongoing scrutiny and pressure from authorities may lead to improved safety protocols.

What are crimefluencers?

Crimefluencers are individuals who engage in or promote harmful behaviours online, often targeting vulnerable individuals for manipulation or coercion, usually for their own amusement.