BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – Eswatini Communications Commission (ESSCOM) has warned parents of school children about a WhatsApp group which has actively exposed pupils to inappropriate content.
The national cyber security agency, through Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mvilawempi Dlamini, revealed that they had uncovered a WhatsApp group that was run by individuals who were using a UK-registered phone number.
The group, which has over 1 000 members, is said to be adding the children without their consent.
The agency revealed that the group was being used as a platform to exploit children through pornography, extortion, bullying, and pedophilia.
It is worth noting that the agency made the information public on their Facebook page.
Through the statement, Dlamini has advised parents to check their children’s phones and their social media platforms for any irregular activities. Parents have been advised that if they find their children in groups they do not approve, they must remove them.
Part of the statement reveals that children who attempt to leave the group are subjected to threatening messages. To further intimidate victims, the groups administrators are reportedly generating deep fake content using the children’s facial images.
“The activities not only endanger the mental and emotional well-being of the children involved but also represent serious violations of child protection laws and regulations.
All parents and guardians are urged to be vigilant and monitor their children’s online activity,” reads part of the statement.
Furthermore, the agency shared that together with Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), they were prioritising immediate action to raise awareness and investigate this activity to safeguard the affected individuals and prevent further harm.
“Please take immediate action to protect your children: Monitor their online activity closely. Talk to them about online safety. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Together, we can stop these predators and keep our children safe,” concludes the statement.
