Zimbabwe has introduced a new regulation mandating all WhatsApp group administrators to register with the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and obtain a license to operate, TOI reported on Saturday.
Announced by Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services, the licenses are priced at a minimum fee of $50.
The regulation is aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and preventing potential unrest. It also seeks to align with the country’s Data Protection Act (DPA). Under this Act, personal information includes any data that can directly or indirectly identify a person.
Since WhatsApp group administrators have access to member phone numbers, the government argues that they fall under the DPA.
Impact of the new WhatsApp regulation
The move effectively criminalizes an activity commonly practiced by Zimbabweans for business marketing and customer communication. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa noted that “licensing would help track the sources of false information.” The new rule is part of broader regulations on data protection, impacting organizations from churches to businesses.
As part of the licensing process, group admins will need to provide personal information. While the government justifies the regulation as essential for national security, critics argue that it could limit online discourse and infringe on privacy rights.
The regulation coincides with WhatsApp’s recent efforts to combat misinformation, such as the introduction of a “Search on web” tool to verify images. However, the licensing requirement has sparked debate, with many questioning its practicality and potential effects on online communities.
(With inputs from TOI)
Announced by Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services, the licenses are priced at a minimum fee of $50.
The regulation is aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and preventing potential unrest. It also seeks to align with the country’s Data Protection Act (DPA). Under this Act, personal information includes any data that can directly or indirectly identify a person.
Since WhatsApp group administrators have access to member phone numbers, the government argues that they fall under the DPA.
Impact of the new WhatsApp regulation
The move effectively criminalizes an activity commonly practiced by Zimbabweans for business marketing and customer communication. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa noted that “licensing would help track the sources of false information.” The new rule is part of broader regulations on data protection, impacting organizations from churches to businesses.
As part of the licensing process, group admins will need to provide personal information. While the government justifies the regulation as essential for national security, critics argue that it could limit online discourse and infringe on privacy rights.
The regulation coincides with WhatsApp’s recent efforts to combat misinformation, such as the introduction of a “Search on web” tool to verify images. However, the licensing requirement has sparked debate, with many questioning its practicality and potential effects on online communities.
(With inputs from TOI)
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