HARARE – Zimbabwe’s government has introduced a controversial new regulation requiring administrators of WhatsApp groups to obtain a license from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ).
The licensing fee, which can range from $50 to $2,500, depending on the group’s size and nature, has sparked widespread criticism. The government justifies the move as a necessary measure to enhance data security and privacy.
Information Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, explained that the regulation aims to ensure compliance with the country’s Data Protection Act. WhatsApp group admins, who collect and store members’ phone numbers, are now considered data controllers under the law.
The new rules extend beyond businesses and organizations to include community groups, churches, and any other entities that collect personal data through WhatsApp. Failure to comply with the licensing requirements could result in penalties, including imprisonment.
Critics argue that the regulation is an attempt to stifle dissent and control online discourse, particularly as Zimbabwe prepares for upcoming elections. The move has drawn comparisons to other authoritarian regimes that have imposed similar restrictions on social media platforms.
Human rights activists and digital rights organizations have condemned the government’s actions, warning that the licensing requirement could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and association.
