Zimbabwean government has announced a new rule under which now all WhatsApp group administrators will have to register with the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and obtain a license to run their groups.
WhatsApp New Rules: Anyone can create and run a group on WhatsApp whenever they want, but what if you have to pay money to become an admin? Actually, such a law has come in a country, under which you will have to pay to become a group admin. According to a report, the government of Zimbabwe has announced a new rule under which now all WhatsApp group administrators will have to register with the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and get a license to run their group. This announcement has been made by Zimbabwe’s Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister (ICTPCS) Tatenda Mawetera. The price of the license is at least 50 dollars (about 4200 rupees).
What is behind WhatsApp’s new regulation?
The Times of India reported that the new WhatsApp regulation aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and potential unrest. It also aims to align with the country’s Data Protection Act. According to the Act, personal information is information that can be used to identify a person directly or indirectly. WhatsApp group admins have access to the phone numbers of group members, which is why according to the government they fall under DPA.
The announcement instantly criminalises what many Zimbabweans do for their business marketing and customer communications.
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the licensing would help trace the source of false information. It comes alongside sweeping regulations on data protection, which affect organisations from churches to businesses.
The licensing process will require group admins to hand over personal information. The government justifies the move as a national security measure, but critics argue it could stifle online dialogue and violate privacy rights.
The regulation coincides with WhatsApp’s recent efforts to tackle misinformation, such as the introduction of a “Search on Web” tool to verify images. However, the licensing requirement has sparked debate, with many questioning its practicality and potential impact on the online community.
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