"Common Methods of Child Exploitation on Discord: Phishing"

İSTANBUL (AA) - ENES TAHA ERSEN - Digital content creator Sertaç Güngör highlights that messaging platform Discord has become a showcase for influencers but is frequently misused by malicious individuals for phishing tactics. He discussed the threats posed by these platforms to children and the necessary preventive measures families should take.

Known as "Sertaç Abi," Güngör stated that he had previously tried to keep his students away from platforms like YouTube from 2014 to 2018. When this proved unsuccessful, he decided to produce beneficial and harmless content that aligns with their interests.

Since 2018, he has created content aimed at both supporting young people’s national and spiritual values and educating them about potential threats on social media. Güngör emphasized that platforms like Discord and Telegram can be dangerous for children, though digital creators lure them in with promises of instant communication.

He also noted that some platforms, although used innocently by content creators, are exploited by malicious actors. "These open channels act as a marketplace for bad actors," he said. Güngör explained how predators initially build rapport with young users, gathering personal information to exploit them later.

Importantly, he stressed the need for digital literacy education, asserting that knowledge is the best defense against digital threats. He contended that simple restrictions at home won't solve the underlying issues and stressed that children must be educated to recognize and resist dangers online.