ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera Denies Claims of New Licensing Requirements for WhatsApp Group Administrators in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Tatenda Mavetera, has refuted claims suggesting that WhatsApp group administrators in the country will need to acquire licenses or face penalties.

Minister Mavetera addressed the issue after widespread reports alleged that the government planned to implement regulatory measures for WhatsApp group administrators through the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).

Also Read: Here’s How Much POTRAZ Will Charge for WhatsApp Group Licenses in Zimbabwe

Technology tamfitronics Rumours of Licensing Fees Stir Public Concern

According to circulating reports, POTRAZ was said to be introducing licensing requirements for administrators of WhatsApp groups, with fees purportedly ranging from $50 to $2,500, depending on the group’s nature and function.

These claims sparked concern across social media, suggesting that administrators would have to register with POTRAZ under a newly proposed regulatory framework.

In a Facebook post, Minister Mavetera dismissed these allegations as unfounded, emphasizing that no such regulation or licensing requirement exists.

She also clarified that the purported penalties of up to $2,500 for WhatsApp group administrators are unsubstantiated and inconsistent with Zimbabwe’s current laws.

“False claim of USD 2500 penalties for WhatsApp Group Administrators

I would like distance myself from the malicious fake news of intentions by government to licence or penalise WhatsApp Groups or Administrators of any social media platform/s USD 2500.”

She assured Zimbabweans that the government has no intention of imposing restrictions on social media groups that do not collect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business purposes.

“This claim is not applicable especially to players who do not collect and process Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use.

Personally identifiable information (PII) is any type of data that can be used to identify someone, from their name ,address, to their phone number, passport information and I.d number.”

Technology tamfitronics The Legal Context: Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024

In her post, Minister Mavetera encouraged the public to dismiss the rumours, reiterating that these claims contradict the current legal framework under the Cyber and Data Protection Regulations.

She clarified that her LinkedIn post never suggested any plans to license or penalize WhatsApp groups or administrators that do not collect or process Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

“The public is encouraged to disregard this notice with the uttermost discontent it deserves as it is inconsistent with our legal provisions as espoused in
Statutory Instrument (SI) 155 of the 2024 Cyber and Data Protection (Licencing of Data Controllers and Appointment of Data Protection Officers) Regulations.

On my LinkedIn post I never expressed any intentions to licence or penalise WhatsApp groups or Administrators of any social media platform/s which do not collect and process (Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use.”

Technology tamfitronics Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Cyber and Data Security

Minister Mavetera ended the post by emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing cyber and data security and increasing access to information for all Zimbabweans.

“I wish to assure the public of government’s commitment through the Ministry of Information Communication Technology Postal and Courier Services to accelerate cyber and data democratisation and security to ensure that No One and No Place is Left Offline.

This is in line with our overarching mandate to the constitution to promote access to information for all in a safe and secure environment,” she wrote.

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