The FBI has launched over 250 investigations into a shadowy online network known as "7," which authorities describe as one of the most disturbing threats facing children and teens today But what exactly is 7?
764 is a decentralized, transnational group that originated in Stephenville, Texas-its name taken from the local ZIP code Founded in 2021 by Bradley Cadenhead, the network operates mainly on platforms like Discord and Telegram, targeting vulnerable children as young as nine Members befriend minors online, then coerce them into producing sexually explicit and violent content, which is used for extortion or shared within the group
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have labeled 764 a “tier one” terrorism threat, citing its links to extremist ideologies, including neo-Nazism and Satanism Victims are often manipulated into acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, or even suicide, with some cases involving livestreamed abuse
Authorities urge parents to be vigilant, as 764’s tactics are constantly evolving and the group’s reach is global Investigations are ongoing, with recent arrests highlighting the severity and urgency of the threat
