Whatsapp group administrators in Zimbabwe will soon be required to register and obtain a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to operate their groups.
The license will cost a minimum of $50, with fees varying depending on the nature of the group.
WhatsApp group admins will also be required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) trained and certified by POTRAZ. This move is intended to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act, which governs the handling of personal information.
Under the Act, personal data is defined as any information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person. Since WhatsApp group admins have access to members’ phone numbers, the government argues that these groups fall under data protection regulations.
Failure to comply with these regulations, including both licensing and data protection measures, may attract penalties.