Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera has declined issuing a statement on a new regulation requiring WhatsApp group administrators to register and obtain a license from POTRAZ. Such a regulation would mark a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s approach to digital communication and data protection. If such a policy was implemented it would have serious implications, particularly for informal social and community groups where members commonly share information freely and interact without regulatory oversight.The internet was awash with news that Mavetera had issued the statement.
The fake news claimed the regulation was said to imposing a $50 – $2,500 fee, appointing a Data Protection Officer, and complying with stringent data protection laws creates considerable barriers for average citizens running groups for non-commercial purposes, such as family chats, community initiatives, or social clubs. This will discourage the creation of such groups, stifling informal networks that play a vital role in Zimbabwean social life.
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