Online Terrorists: 764 Online Terrorist Group in New Brunswick Trial

Cover Photo Credit: Bruno Struys

In December 2025, the RCMP placed a youth allegedly involved in 764 Network attacks under a peace bond. 

Dr. David Hofmann, the director of criminology and criminal justice at the University of New Brunswick, explains that the 764 group is a community online of which individuals express they’re a part when they use violence and blackmail to harass and manipulate people online.

Ironically, although they express themselves as a community, nothing truly unites them except their actions of hurting others. Dr. Hofmann attributes it to human nature and our “need to be understood.”

According to the RCMP and Dr. David Hofmann, the attackers focused heavily on youth, manipulating victims into sharing intimate clips of themselves, committing self-harm, animal cruelty, and other acts of violence.

Hofmann described the 764 as a “nihilist group who only want to cause pain … [who] have no ideologies.” He also voiced how the crimes and violence the victims have faced has disturbed him, and how “no one should ever go through it.”

The youth the RCMP arrested remains in custody and unnamed due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, an act that provides procedures and protection for youths that have enacted offenses establishing custody order, sentences, and anonymity for the protection of the child.

The communications office at the Federal Police in the Eastern Region of Royal Mounted Police stated that although they are unable to speak much of the problem at hand, they share that:

 “[They take] the lead when individuals may be committing terrorism-related offences linked to 764 or advocating or using violence to promote or advance an ideology associated with this violent online network.”

They further communicate how to protect the youth, as they explain:

“Collaboration is key when it comes to combating violent online groups. Online activity transcends borders; no single organization can address it alone. Cooperation among police, schools, parents, tech companies, and community organizations is critical to protect youth and disrupt these networks.”

Dr. Hofmann also shared his views on how to protect the youth, stating:

“The government is doing everything they can do without being too involved … parents need to build that trust with their kids to teach them about online safety on social media.”

Although many still believe that the government could be doing more for regulation purposes, the debate on how much the government can do before it violates the freedom of internet users is ongoing.

Dr. Hofmann further explains how social media platforms should be held accountable and be more involved in safety for their younger users calling it a “moral duty,” but won’t do it as they’ll lose profits. Hofmann uses Google as an explanation, sharing how the rule “Don’t be evil” must have no longer been in their contracts. 

Learn more about internet safety and prevention of child exploitation at the NetSmartz online group, who provide proper resources and education on internet usage.