The Zimbabwe government has implemented a new rule under which WhatsApp group admins will now have to register their identity and obtain a license to run the group. This rule has been announced by Tatenda Mwetera, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services. The cost of the license will start from $50, which will be mandatory for admins.

The government says that the purpose of this new rule is to stop the spread of misinformation on social media platforms and maintain peace in the country. This move is in line with Zimbabwe's Data Protection Act, which provides that any information that can reveal the identity of a person should be protected as personal data. WhatsApp group admins have access to the phone numbers of members, so they also come under this law.

Effort to stop misinformation
Giving information on this subject, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said that through this licensing process, the sources of misinformation will be easily traced. He said that this rule will not be limited to WhatsApp but will apply to all social media activities including religious institutions and business organizations under the comprehensive rules of data protection.

Questions are being raised on the violation of privacy.

Although the government is calling it a necessary step given national security, critics are considering this rule as a violation of freedom of expression and the right to privacy. Under this rule, group admins will have to share their personal information during registration, which may affect the privacy of people.

This rule is being considered in line with WhatsApp's recent steps to prevent misinformation, such as the 'Search on Web' feature, but the requirement of licensing has given rise to debate in online communities. Many people are raising questions about the practicality of this step and its impact on online discussion.