WhatsApp Business Groups in Zimbabwe To Pay Data Protection License Fees

A recent announcement from Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT has left many citizens bewildered and concerned, as WhatsApp group administrators may now be required to pay for data protection licenses. The news, which broke following a POTRAZ-organized breakfast meeting, highlights new regulatory steps under the Cyber & Data Protection Act.

The LinkedIn post by the minister detailed that any organization or group collecting first-party data must secure a data protection license, with fees ranging from $50 to an eye-watering $2,500. But that’s not all—these entities are also expected to appoint a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) trained by POTRAZ, with official notification of this appointment required by the regulatory authority.

The inclusion of WhatsApp group admins in this mandate has been a particularly sore point. It will potentially disrupt the way small businesses and community organizations operate. The consequences of non-compliance? Penalties that are yet to be fully outlined but could prove costly.

WhatsApp is an integral part of Zimbabwe’s communication landscape, hosting thousands of groups that facilitate everything from local business marketing to grassroots initiatives. For many entrepreneurs, WhatsApp has served as a launchpad requiring minimal investment—often just a mobile phone and a network connection. The new regulations could pose significant barriers to these entrepreneurs, who may struggle with the added financial and bureaucratic burdens.

The logistical challenge of enforcing such rules has raised eyebrows as well. How will the government track and monitor thousands of WhatsApp groups, many of which are informal and operated by everyday citizens? The requirement to appoint a certified DPO seems particularly impractical for small-scale operators, prompting questions about the act’s feasibility.

This regulatory move is part of Zimbabwe’s Cyber & Data Protection Act, which aims to safeguard the privacy and security of user data. However, critics argue that applying these standards to WhatsApp group admins—especially in the absence of clear implementation guidelines, may be an overreach with unintended consequences.

As Zimbabweans grapple with this unexpected development, businesses and individuals are scrambling for more information. Will the government provide clearer guidance or soften the regulations for smaller operations? Only time will tell. For now, the tech community waits with bated breath to see how this will unfold.