Zimbabwe has taken the lead in controlling misinformation spread through WhatsApp, with the African nation gearing up to ask group admins to acquire a licence.
Group admins will now have to register with the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), which will then issue a licence to administer the group.
The Zimbabwean Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, said that the licensing would assist in tracking sources of false information which incite violence and unrest.
Group admins will be required to provide personal information for the licensing process, which will cost at least 50 dollars.
The government has defended the move, which could raise privacy issues, by saying that it is necessary for maintaining law and order in the country.
The Zimbabwean government argued that the imposition of licensing for group admins will help authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for disseminating misleading information that may lead to social unrest.
This requirement aligns with WhatsApp’s encryption policy and efforts to enhance user experience and security. However, it is intended to align with the country’s Data Protection Act (DPA) as well, which allows the authorities to have access to personal information that can be used to identify a person directly or indirectly. WhatsApp group admins will then come under DPA.
In October 2024, WhatsApp introduced new features, including a ‘Search on Web’ tool for users to verify shared images, an improved chat widget for iPhone users, expanded chat themes, and a new call link feature for easier video and voice calls.
Critics of the new regulation have reservations on privacy concerns, data breaches, curbing freedom of speech and government surveillance.
Notably, the new rules came amid a growing global concern about the role of social media apps in spreading misinformation and disinformation. Recently, Canada asked TikTok to pack up its operation in the country.
