Zimbabwe's New WhatsApp License Fee Regulation for Group Admins
New Regulation for WhatsApp Group Admins
Zimbabwe has unveiled a new regulation requiring all WhatsApp group administrators to pay a license fee with the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. The cost to obtain this license is 50 Dollars.
Purpose of the License Fee
This requirement is part of an effort to curb misinformation circulating within groups. Minister of Information and Technology, Tatendra Mavetera, emphasized the importance of this regulatory measure to align with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act. Under this Act, personal information that identifies individuals must be securely managed, significantly affecting WhatsApp group admins who have access to members' phone numbers.
- Licensing will help track sources of misinformation.
- Group admins are required to provide personal details during licensing.
- Organizations must comply with updated regulations focused on data protection.
Community Reactions
While the new regulation is aimed at increasing accountability, it has sparked debate regarding its potential effects on online communities. Some are questioning whether it might hinder communication within virtual spaces.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.