WhatsApp users in this country will need to pay licence fee to postal department to become WhatsApp Group admins – Times of India

Zimbabwe’s government has announced a new regulation that will require all WhatsApp group administrators will now need to register with the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and obtain a license to operate their groups. The announcement was made by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services (ICTPCS) Tatenda Mavetera. The licenses cost at least $50.

What’s behind the new WhatsApp regulation

The new WhatsApp regulation is aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and potential unrest. It is also intended to align with the country’s Data Protection Act. According to the Act, personal information is any information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person. WhatsApp group admins have access to member phone numbers which is why they, as per the government, come under DPA.
The announcement immediately criminalises something done by many Zimbabweans as part of their business marketing and customer communication.
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa stated that licensing would help track the sources of false information. This comes alongside broader regulations on data protection, affecting organizations from churches to businesses.
Group admins will need to provide personal information as part of the licensing process. While the government justifies the initiative for national security, critics argue it could stifle online discourse and infringe on privacy rights.
The regulation aligns 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 ignited debate, with many questioning its practicality and potential impact on online communities.