Philemon Jambaya
Zim Now Editor
Zimbabwe's ICT Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, has sent ripples through the nation's digital landscape. Effective immediately, WhatsApp group administrators are now mandated to register with POTRAZ, the country's telecommunications regulatory body, and obtain a license to operate their groups.
This new regulation comes with a minimum fee of $50 and the additional requirement to appoint a government-trained and certified Data Protection Officer (DPO). The move has sparked widespread concern and debate, as it could significantly impact the way many Zimbabweans utilize WhatsApp groups for various purposes, including business marketing and customer communication.
Previously commonplace activities, such as sharing product information, discussing current events, or organizing social gatherings within WhatsApp groups, may now be considered criminal offenses if conducted without the necessary licenses and DPO oversight.
The implications of this new regulation are far-reaching. Small businesses that rely on WhatsApp groups to reach their customers may face increased costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
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