Rumbidzai Mhlanga
Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal, and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, has unveiled new regulations that will require WhatsApp group administrators to register for a license with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
Writing on social networking platform, LinkedIn after a POTRAZ breakfast meeting, Mavetera emphasized that this law aims to regulate the collection of personal data within WhatsApp groups that are meant for business.
“Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a license and appoint a Data Protection Officer,” Minister Mavetera stated, highlighting the expansive reach of the new regulation.
Under the new rules, group admins must also appoint a POTRAZ certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure compliance with the country’s Data Protection Act. The license fee varies between $50 and $2,500, depending on the type of group.
“Failure to comply with these regulations may attract penalties,” Mavetera warned, urging group admins to obtain the necessary licenses as soon as possible to avoid legal issues.
This announcement has sparked debate about the potential consequences for small businesses and informal groups, with critics expressing concerns about its impact on privacy and communication.
However, supporters argue that these measures are necessary for safeguarding personal data in the digital age.
The Minjster encouraged WhatsApp group admins to contact POTRAZ directly for assistance with compliance.
