Zimbabwe has implemented a new regulation that requires WhatsApp group administrators to register with the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and obtain a license to operate. The move was announced by Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services, and will involve a minimum fee of $50 for the license.
The government says the regulation aims to control the spread of misinformation and prevent potential unrest. It also aligns with the country’s Data Protection Act (DPA), which includes personal information such as phone numbers, a data type WhatsApp group admins have access to.
The new rule significantly impacts Zimbabweans who use WhatsApp groups for business marketing and customer communication. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa explained that the licensing process would help track the sources of false information. The regulation is part of broader data protection measures that affect various sectors, from businesses to religious organizations.
As part of the licensing process, group admins will need to provide personal information. While the government defends the regulation as crucial for national security, critics argue it may restrict online communication and violate privacy rights.
This new licensing requirement comes amid WhatsApp's efforts to tackle misinformation, including the addition of a "Search on web" tool to verify images. However, the regulation has sparked debate, with many questioning its effectiveness and impact on online communities.
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