The dangerous online network 764: what parents need to know
Written by Amanda Lee (Senior Program Manager - Tech for Good & TELUS Wise ®) A disturbing online network known as 764 has emerged, targeting young people through social media and gaming platforms. According to Marc-André Argentino, a senior researcher at Public Safety Canada specializing in extremism movements “The most horrendous part about it is it is minors doing this to minors,” As parents, it is crucial to understand this threat and know how to protect our kids. What exactly is 764? 764 is a sophisticated online extremist network that operates across multiple social media platforms and gaming communities. What sets 764 apart is its ability to blend seemingly innocent content with more sinister messaging, specifically designed to appeal to youth. The network leverages AI-generated content to appear credible and exploits current events to promote its ideology. 764 deliberately targets vulnerable youth, often starting on popular gaming sites like Minecraft and Roblox, or by posing as support groups on social media. Members then lure young users into private online chats on platforms such as Discord and Telegram. The ultimate goal of 764 is to exert psychological control over their victims, leading to increasingly harmful behaviours. This can escalate to severe physical and emotional abuse, with victims being coerced through threats of exposure and blackmail. How 764 lures its victims The recruitment tactics employed by 764 are both diverse and sophisticated: Gaming infiltration: They create custom game modifications and use in-game chat features for initial contact. Social media manipulation: The group uses trending hashtag manipulation, viral video challenges, and meme-based messaging to spread their content. Psychological tactics: 764 preys on young people's desire for belonging and exclusivity, offering "hidden knowledge" and using peer pressure and fear of missing out (FOMO) to draw them in. Gradual exposure: As they gain trust, the network slowly introduces more extreme content, gradually radicalizing its young targets. Grooming process: Experts note that the grooming includes lavishing victims with attention and exposing them to violent content to desensitize them. Victims are then coerced into sending sexually explicit images and engaging in self-harm. Blackmail and coercion: Members of 764 threaten to share compromising images with family and friends to force their victims into increasingly harmful actions, all in an effort to exert control for their own gratification. Warning signs to look out for Be alert to these potential indicators of 764 involvement: Content and communication: Use of the number 764 in usernames or bios Sharing specific symbols associated with the group Using distinctive slang or coded language Sudden interest in specific conspiracy theories Behavioural changes: Increased secrecy about online activities Extended time spent on new or unknown platforms Withdrawal from regular friend groups Creating new accounts with 764-related references Digital activities: Installing specific apps or games Joining particular Discord servers Following certain content creators Using new messaging platforms Major red flags: Sudden extreme secrecy about online activities Unexplained new online friends who demand secrecy Changes in sleep patterns due to online activities Expressing increasingly extreme viewpoints Isolation from family and friends Signs of self-harm or unusual injuries Drastic personality changes Online safety prevention tips Protecting your child from the influence of 764 requires a multi-faceted approach: Open communication: Maintain regular, open discussions about online experiences without judgment. Create an environment where your child feels comfortable sharing concerns. Digital literacy education: Teach critical thinking skills, discuss online manipulation tactics, and practice safe online habits together. Help your kids develop healthy skepticism and independent thought. Monitor online activity: Stay aware of your child's online presence, including gaming platforms and social media accounts. Use parental control tools when appropriate, but be transparent about their use. Set boundaries: Establish clear rules for online behaviour, including time limits and approved platforms. Create tech-free times and zones in your home. Encourage offline interests: Support activities and hobbies that don't involve screens. Foster strong family connections and positive peer relationships. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with new platform features, emerging online trends, and current youth interests. Use privacy settings: Ensure all your child's accounts have strong privacy settings enabled. Be wary of new contacts: Discuss the risks of interacting with strangers online and the importance of not sharing personal information. If you suspect your child has had contact with 764: Stay calm and supportive to maintain open communication. Document any suspicious content or interactions. Report concerning accounts or content to the relevant platforms. Seek support from school counselors or mental health professionals. In cases of explicit threats or exploitation, contact law enforcement immediately. Remember, the best defense against online threats like 764 is a strong family foundation, open communication, and well-developed digital literacy skills. By staying informed and maintaining dialogue with your kids, you can help them navigate the digital world safely and resist the influence of harmful networks. FR versionHelping seniors stay safe in our digital world
Written by Nimmi Kanji (Director - Social Purpose Programs, For Good & TELUS Wise) Whether it’s navigating online shopping, avoiding common scams or even remaining connected with loved ones through digital platforms, seniors may face challenges navigating the online world. With added issues like loneliness and isolation, as well as an increased sense of winter blues at this time of year, it’s important we all do our part to help them stay safely connected in our digital world. Census data shows almost one in four Canadians aged 65 and older live alone and about half over the age of 80 report feeling lonely, according to a report from the National Seniors Council. With this in mind, Linda Hoang, Influencer and TELUS Wise advocate, sat down with David Handelman, Board Member of BC 411 Seniors Centre Society and Stephanie Senecal, Senior Support Unit Coordinator at the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre to discuss how to best support seniors as we enter 2023. View the panel discussion Here are a few key takeaways: Address social isolation and loneliness: Numerous studies have linked loneliness to health issues including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, mental health struggles, and the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia. There’s no doubt about it—staying connected socially improves your overall physical health and mental health, regardless of age. Technology can play a critical role in helping connect seniors and ultimately, reduce feelings of isolation and the associated risks. Identify common scams - what are the warning signs and how can you protect yourself? Did you know that as of Oct 31, 2022, there have been over 75,000 reports of fraud, over 47,800 victims of fraud and $420.8M lost to fraud? Visit theCanadian Anti Fraud Centre to browse recent scams and fraud, learn more about how to protect yourself as well as what to do if you’re a victim of fraud. One common trend is spoofing, which is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity or trick you into thinking the caller is someone they aren’t. To protect yourself from unwanted robocalls enable call control on your home or mobile phone. Support seniors with digital literacy: Learn about everything from connecting to the Internet to video chatting in theTELUS Wise online basics video series or check out the TELUS Wise seniors guide to learn more. For more tips on how to help support the development of digital literacy skills amongst seniors click here. Check out the full conversation here. FR version
