Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, has announced that all WhatsApp group admins will soon need to register and obtain a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
License fees start at $50, varying by group type.
The new rules
Admins will also need to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO), certified by POTRAZ, to ensure groups comply with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act.
The law covers any data that could identify individuals, which the government says includes WhatsApp groups where admins have members’ phone numbers.
Why it matters
The move aims to strengthen data security and privacy, affecting businesses, community groups, churches, and any organization handling personal data.
“Even churches collecting personal data ought to have such a license and appoint a DPO,” Mavetera said.
The debate
- Critics worry this could stifle free communication and place unnecessary burdens on informal group admins.
- Supporters see it as a needed step to protect privacy as more interactions move online.
What’s next
Non-compliance could lead to penalties. POTRAZ is advising groups to reach out with questions on meeting these new requirements.
Source: Zim Eye
