WhatsApp Group Admin, WhatsApp Group Admin Lacense Fee, Zimbabwe WhatsApp Group Admin Fee: In what many are terming as a bizarre decision, the Zimbabwe government has implemented a new rule under which now all WhatsApp group admins will have to register with the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and get a license to run their group. (WhatsApp Admin Group Fee) They will also have to pay money for this license. The license costs at least $50. This announcement was made by Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services (ICTPCS) Tatenda Mawetera.
Why has the new WhatsApp rule been introduced?
This new WhatsApp rule has been made to crack down on fake news. Zimbabwe government has acknowledged the fact that due to fake news peace can be threatened in the country. This is according to the country's Data Protection Act. Under this act, any information that can be used to identify a person directly or indirectly is personal information. WhatsApp group admins have the phone numbers of the members, so according to the government, they come under the purview of the Data Protection Act.
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa reportedly said that licensing would help track the sources of false information. It comes alongside rules on data protection, which affect organisations from churches to businesses.
The licensing process will require group admins to provide personal information. The government justifies the move as a national security measure, but critics argue it could stifle online conversation and violate privacy rights. The regulation aligns with WhatsApp’s recent efforts to combat misinformation, such as the introduction of a “Search on Web” tool to verify images. However, the licensing requirement has sparked debate, with many questioning its practicality and potential impact on the online community.
WhatsApp License fee charges
- WhatsApp Admin license charge will vary depending on the number of members added. Below is a breakdown-
- Under the Tier 1 license fee, $50 will be charged, for WhatsApp groups with a minimum of 50 or a maximum of 1,000 people.
- Under the Tier 2 license fee, $300 and $30 application fees will be charged, for WhatsApp groups with a minimum of 1,001 or a maximum of 100,000 people.
- Under the Tier 3 license fee, $500 and $30 application fees will be charged, for WhatsApp groups with a minimum of 100,001 or a maximum of 500,000 people.
- Under the Tier 4 license fee, $2500 and $30 application fees will be charged, for WhatsApp groups with more than 500,000 people