The Zimbabwean government has this week announced a range of far-reaching new regulations regarding the use of WhatsApp groups, that appear to be a complete government over-reach.
The new regulations will require administrators of WhatsApp groups to obtain licences from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulation Authority. The minimum cost for a licence is set at $50, with fees increasing up to $2,500 depending on the type of WhatsApp group.
In a hit against civil liberty in the Southern African State, WhatsApp group admins will also need
need to appoint a government-certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) who has undergone specific training to monitor the group.
Government Claims Data Security control
The government claims that this is in line with the Data Protection Act, and since WhatsApp group admins have access to members’ phone numbers, the government asserts that these groups fall under data protection regulations.
They also claim that the move is part of an effort to curb misinformation and enhance accountability on social media platforms.
The Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, emphasised that the licensing would help in tracking the sources of false information that could incite violence or unrest.
Civil Liberties at Stake
This has however raised questions of the removal of freedom of expression and there are many who believe that this is nothing but thinly veiled government surveillance in the disguise of data safety and a complete infringement of personal liberty.
Several other African states such as Mozambique, Nigeria and Kenya, have seen protests growing, many of which have used social media and private messaging platforms to organise and plan protest action. Mozambique has closed down social media and internet services in the last week due to ongoing protests.
The new regulations in Zimbabwe appears to be focussed on supressing political opposition rather than being a tool for data safety and part of a cynical move to curb freedom of speech and freedom of association.
