The Australian Federal Police is set to create an AI tool designed to understand Gen Z and Alpha slang and emojis as part of its efforts to combat sadistic online exploiters and “criminal influencers”.

During a speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday, AFP Commissioner Chrissy Barrett highlighted the increasing presence of online criminal networks predominantly led by boys and men who target vulnerable teenage and pre-teen girls.

The police chief detailed how these individuals, mainly from English-speaking nations, groom their victims, coercing them into “engaging in severe acts of violence against themselves, their siblings, other individuals, and even their pets”.

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“They act as criminal influencers, driven by chaos and the desire to inflict harm, with most of their victims being teenagers, specifically teenage girls,” she remarked, addressing parents and guardians.

“The motivations behind these networks are not financial or sexual in nature; they are purely for entertainment, fun, or gaining online popularity, often without an understanding of the repercussions.”

“This perverse form of gamification encourages the production of increasingly extreme and depraved content, allowing offenders to elevate their status within the group.

“In some instances, these perpetrators will swap victims much like in online gaming scenarios.”

The Federal Police confirmed they have identified 59 suspects involved in these networks, taking action against an undisclosed number of them, all aged between 17 and 20.

Barrett mentioned that AFP is collaborating with Microsoft to create artificial intelligence tools capable of “interpreting emojis and Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang in encrypted communications and chat groups to detect sadistic online exploitation.”

“This prototype is intended to assist our teams in swiftly removing children from dangerous situations,” she stated in a pre-released version of her speech.

“While it may feel like an endless struggle to safeguard children, I urge parents and caregivers to understand they are not alone and that there are straightforward steps they can take.”

Barrett also addressed the radicalization of youth, noting that four young individuals faced terrorism-related charges this year due to 10 investigations.

Since 2020, a total of 48 youths aged between 12 and 17 have been investigated for suspected terrorist activities, resulting in 25 charges.

She pointed out that 54% had a religious motivation, 22% had an ideological motivation, 11% had a mixed or unclear ideology, and 13% had undetermined motives.

In one notable case from 2022, a 14-year-old was investigated after posting on Snapchat about violent extremism, Barrett revealed.

This 14-year-old boy had access to firearms and explosives, with a tip-off suggesting he was plotting a school shooting in Australia.

During his arrest, police discovered a tactical vest, a bulletproof helmet, and “extremist-style” drawings.

Barrett’s address also referred to the AFP’s ongoing investigation into the arson at the Adas Israel synagogue, asserting that the suspect is linked to several incendiary bombings targeting tobacco shops.

“This individual represents a national security threat to our nation,” she stated.

“Among all the criminals who pose a threat to Australia, he is my primary concern, and I have directed my most seasoned investigators to focus on him.”

Barrett’s recent appointment as AFP’s chief, succeeding the retiring Reece Kershaw, suggests a shift in the police’s mission.

The AFP is now mandated to “protect Australia and its future from both domestic and global security threats,” implying increased international actions and operations.

Barrett mentioned the AFP’s collaboration with Colombian law enforcement, highlighting that AFP personnel were dispatched to a remote area of the Colombian jungle to “deliberately dismantle a cocaine manufacturing facility.”

“The AFP is determined to prevent criminal organizations from targeting Australia and will persist in collaborating with local law enforcement to confront criminals in our own vicinity when legally feasible,” she said.

“In recent years, AFP and Colombian cooperation has led to the seizure of over eight tonnes of cocaine.”

In partnership with Colombian authorities, a cache of arms and explosives from narco-terrorist groups, employed in assaults on police and military personnel, was also confiscated.

Barrett stated that AFP assisted in the seizure of 295 military grenades, 200 detonators, firearms, and ammunition.