A new and rapidly evolving form of online harm is attracting growing international attention. Characterized by violence, coercion, exploitation, self-harm and criminality, the so-called “Com Network” challenges traditional policy, security and safeguarding frameworks and defy easy categorization as terrorism, violent extremism or crime. This emerging phenomenon will be at the centre of a side event during the 2026 United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, bringing together Member States, practitioners and researchers to examine its implications and explore appropriate responses.
A Growing Challenge in the Digital Environment
On 2 July 2026, UNICRI together with the Permanent Missions of Indonesia and Romania to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the VOX-Pol Institute and the Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence (CPRLV) will host a side event entitled “Nihilistic Violent Extremism? Understanding the ‘Com Network’ and Emerging Violent and Coercive Online Networks.” The event will explore the rise of these loosely structured online communities linked to a range of harmful and criminal activities, including online exploitation, cybercrime, extortion and acts of violence. Operating across multiple platforms and jurisdictions, these networks challenge traditional approaches and highlight the need for more integrated and multidisciplinary responses to terrorism, violent extremism and criminality.
From Online Harm to Real-World Violence
Discussions will focus on how the Com Network, as well as adjacent ecosystems, including the True Crime Community, recruit, radicalize and encourage harmful behaviours, as well as the implications for prevention, safeguarding, law enforcement and criminal justice efforts. Participants will examine the evolving relationship with terrorism and violent extremism in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.
New Research on a Global Phenomenon
The side event will also mark the launch of a new study by UNICRI and the VOX-Pol Institute examining violent and coercive online networks in Brazil, Indonesia, Iraq and Romania. The research highlights the global nature of these threats and seeks to strengthen understanding of how they manifest across different linguistic, cultural and regional contexts.
Advancing Prevention and Response
Participants will also be introduced to innovative prevention approaches and practical tools designed to support interdisciplinary responses to emerging forms of online violence and radicalization. By fostering dialogue among Member States, researchers and practitioners, the event aims to strengthen awareness of emerging online threats and contribute to the development of more effective prevention and response strategies.
Event Details
2 July 2026
13:30–15:00 EDT
Conference Room 12, UNHQ New York (in-person only)
Side event of the 2026 United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week
Participants are kindly requested to register in advance: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/TJ7kaG5EwU
By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the event seeks to contribute to a more informed and coordinated approach to addressing emerging forms of violence, coercion and exploitation in online environments.
