Zimbabwe’s WhatsApp Group licensing policy sparks outrage: ‘This is absurd!’

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Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera’s announcement that WhatsApp group admins should register and obtain a license from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), costing from US$50 to US$2500, have sparked outrage.

“I would like to thank all those who attended the crucial breakfast meeting organised by POTRAZ yesterday.

“The time is ticking for organisations that collect first-party data, as you are required by law to have a data protection licence and the licence fees range from $50 to $2,500,” said Mavetera.

“Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a licence and appoint a data protection officer (DPO). WhatsApp group admins are not spared either. If your groups are meant for business, you should also obtain a licence,” Mavetera said.

“Furthermore, a DPO who is trained and certified by POTRAZ should be appointed by such a licensee and the appointment should be communicated to POTRAZ,” Mavetera added.

This move has been met with criticism from analysts, who argue it will stifle digital growth, discourages communication and collaboration, and penalises small business networking.

The requirement for a Data Protection Officer and licenses ranging from US$50 to US$2500 has raised concerns about the economic and social impact on Zimbabweans.

With many using WhatsApp groups for business marketing and customer communication, this policy may criminalise everyday activities.

Hopewell Chin’ono, a prominent investigative journalist, expressed dismay, calling the policy “absurd” and highlighting the regime’s history of looting billions of dollars while now charging citizens for WhatsApp groups.

“I don’t know what to say about this statement by Zimbabwe’s Information Tatenda Mavetera and Communication Technology (ICT) ministry, suggesting that WhatsApp groups for business should require licensing, the charge is US$50,” Chin’ono said.

“It doesn’t end there. These WhatsApp groups should appoint a government trained and certified Data Protection Officer.

“Zimbabwe has been a banana republic for a while, but I never thought it would sink to this level of absurdity!

“Mnangagwa’s regime has stolen billions of dollars, with Mnangagwa himself being the central character in the looting, and now they are charging people for WhatsApp groups.

“This is as ridiculous as it is sad, showing us that when we thought the bar was on the floor, in Zimbabwe it is in the basement!”

Norton legislator Richard Tsvangirai deemed the policy “misguided,” targeting everyday citizens managing community chats.

“Taxing WhatsApp group admins is a misguided policy that targets everyday citizens simply managing community chats.

“Instead of helping digital growth, this policy will discourage communication, collaboration, and small business networking. Let’s promote connectivity, not penalize it,” he said.

Business Consultant Prechard Chad Mhako warned that overregulation will harm Zimbabwe’s digital economy, deterring tech investment and innovation.

“Building a credible digital economy will be difficult if we overregulate. Licenses for WhatsApp groups will damage perception, deter tech investment and stifle digital innovation. I hope we don’t miss the forest because we are too focused on the trees.

“The question is, will we achieve more with this, or we being penny wise pound foolish? We haven’t even begun to capture the essence of Industry 4.0, and we are already increasing the cost of doing business, however little. That appears counterproductive to our 2030 vision,” Mhako said.

According to Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act, personal information includes any data that can identify a person directly or indirectly. As WhatsApp group admins have access to member phone numbers, the government argues that licensing is necessary.