To become a WhatsApp group admin in Zimbabwe, you must pay a license fee to the postal department

According to a new rule released by the Zimbabwean government, all WhatsApp group administrators must now register with POTRAZ (the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe) and get a license in order to run their groups. Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services (ICTPCS) for Zimbabwe, made the announcement. At least $50 is required for the licenses.

Why the new WhatsApp rule was implemented

The goal of the new WhatsApp rule is to stop the spread of false information and possible unrest. Additionally, it aims to comply with the nation’s Data Protection Act. Any information that may be used to directly or indirectly identify an individual is considered personal information under the Act. WhatsApp group administrators are subject to DPA, according to the government, since they have access to member phone numbers.

The announcement instantly makes something that many Zimbabweans perform as part of their customer communications and company promotion illegal.

According to Monica Mutsvangwa, minister of information, licensing will make it easier to identify the origins of misleading information. This is in addition to more extensive data privacy laws that impact corporations and religious institutions alike.

As part of the licensing procedure, group administrators will have to provide personal data. The government defends the idea on the grounds of national security, but detractors claim it may restrict online speech and violate people’s right to privacy.

The rule is in line with WhatsApp’s previous initiatives to counteract false information, such launching a “Search on web” function to check photos. The license requirement has, however, sparked controversy, with many contesting its viability and its effects on virtual communities.