WhatsApp group admins must now pay to operate in this African country
WhatsApp group administrators to register with the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and obtain a license to operate, TOI reported on Saturday.
US Election Result Live Updates
Swing state results deciding who'll be new POTUS
Trump vs Harris: Who’s winning which state? Full list
Announced by Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services, the licenses are priced at a minimum fee of $50.
The regulation is aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and preventing potential unrest. It also seeks to align with the country’s Data Protection Act (DPA). Under this Act, personal information includes any data that can directly or indirectly identify a person.
Since WhatsApp group administrators have access to member phone numbers, the government argues that they fall under the DPA.
Impact of the new WhatsApp regulation
The move effectively criminalizes an activity commonly practiced by Zimbabweans for business marketing and customer communication. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa noted that “licensing would help track the sources of false information.” The new rule is part of broader regulations on data protection, impacting organizations from churches to businesses.
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT
By — Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer
Office Productivity
Advanced Excel Course — Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy
By — Anirudh Saraf,
