Now to become a WhatsApp group administrator, you will have to take a license, the fee will be Rs 4200

WhatsApp New Rules: Anyone can create and run a group on WhatsApp whenever they want, but what if you have to pay to become an administrator? Actually, there is a law in one country under which you will have to pay money to become a group administrator. According to a report, the Zimbabwean government has announced a new rule under which now all WhatsApp group administrators will have to register with the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and obtain a license to run their group. The announcement was made by Tatenda Mwetera, Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services (ICTPCS). The cost of the license is at least 50 dollars (about Rs 4200).

What is behind the new regulation of WhatsApp?

The Times of India reported that the new WhatsApp regulation aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and potential unrest. It also aims to be in sync with the data protection act of the country. According to the Act, personal information is information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify an individual. WhatsApp group admins have access to the phone numbers of group members, which is why they fall under the DPA, according to the government.

This announcement immediately criminalized the actions many Zimbabweans undertake in their business marketing and customer communications.

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said licensing would help trace the source of false information. It comes with extensive regulations on data security, affecting organizations ranging from churches to businesses.

As part of the licensing process, personal information will have to be handed over to the group administrator. The government justifies the move as a national security measure, but critics argue it could disrupt online communications and violate privacy rights.

This regulation matches WhatsApp's recent efforts to combat misinformation, such as the introduction of a “Search the Web” tool to verify images. However, the licensing requirement has sparked debate, with many questioning its practicality and potential impact on the online community.