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Privacy is one of the biggest concerns when sharing personal information online. Whether it’s an ID card, a one-time code, a location detail, or private photos and videos, leaving such media permanently in a chat can expose you to risks.
WhatsApp’s View Once feature solves this problem by allowing you to send sensitive media that disappears after being viewed once. This ensures that the recipient can access the information only temporarily, reducing the chances of it being misused or stored indefinitely.
What to Do
Instead of sending sensitive files as regular messages, use View Once for temporary information. This is particularly useful for:
- Sharing IDs or documents for verification
- Sending one-time codes or passwords
- Sharing private photos or videos
- Communicating location details or directions that don’t need to stay in the chat
Steps
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to send the media.
- Attach the photo, video, or voice message you want to share.
- Tap the View Once icon (a small “1” inside a circle) before sending.
- Send the message only after checking the recipient to ensure it’s the right person.
- Repeat the process each time you want the same protection, as View Once applies per message.
Careful
While View Once adds an extra layer of privacy, it’s not foolproof. The recipient may still screenshot, photograph, or record the sensitive information before it disappears. Think of it as reducing persistence, not eliminating risk. Always double-check who you’re sending to and avoid sharing highly sensitive data unless absolutely necessary.
About the Author: The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.
