BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – That WhatsApp photo or video you thought would disappear forever might not be gone after all.
As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has issued a strong warning to the public about the hidden privacy and security risks associated with WhatsApp’s “View Once” feature and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT.
Speaking in an interview with Eswatini Positive News on October 10, 2025, Mxolisi Dlamini, a Cybersecurity Officer at ESCCOM, said that many users misunderstand how the “View Once” function works, wrongly believing it guarantees total privacy.
“People often assume that once a message disappears, it’s gone for good,” Dlamini explained. “But in reality, recipients can still capture or save it using other devices, screen recording apps, or modified versions of WhatsApp.”
He cautioned that even disappearing photos or videos can be misused, shared, or weaponized, especially when the content is private or sensitive.
“Always assume that anything you send can be saved or shared without your consent,” Dlamini added. “Think carefully before you share — once it’s out there, it’s out of your control.”
Real-Life Consequences
Several young people in Eswatini have learned this lesson the hard way.
A tertiary student, who asked to remain anonymous, told this publication how a photo she sent to her boyfriend using the “View Once” feature was later found circulating in a Facebook group called Varsity Confessions.
Another student shared how he used the feature to send screenshots while gossiping about a friend, only to have the recipient later threaten to expose him unless he complied with certain demands. “I thought it was private because it was View Once,” he said regretfully.
Staying Safe Online
In response to growing digital threats, ESCCOM has urged citizens to adopt safer online practices. The commission advises users to:
- Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
- Keep apps and devices updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Avoid sending sensitive information such as ID numbers, bank details, or intimate photos.
- Never click suspicious links, which can be used to steal personal data.
ESCCOM also reminded the public to use AI tools like ChatGPT responsibly — avoiding the sharing of personal details and verifying any information provided.
“Cybersecurity begins with you,” Dlamini emphasised. “Stay alert, stay informed, and remember that what you share online could last forever.”
National Cybersecurity Drive
As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, ESCCOM has partnered with the Eswatini Information and Media Professionals Association (EIMPA) and the Government of Eswatini to roll out a nationwide campaign under the theme “Secure Eswatini, Be Safe Online.”
The campaign includes public roadshows, school visits, and free online training courses aimed at promoting digital literacy and responsible technology use among emaSwati of all ages.
Dlamini said ESCCOM’s goal is to build “a culture of vigilance and responsibility in Eswatini’s digital space,” adding that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that begins with individual awareness and smart online behavior.
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Courtesy Pic)
