WhatsApp Group Admins in Zimbabwe Now Face Annual Fees Up to $2,500 – Here’s What It Means

Zimbabwe’s Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) has introduced a licensing requirement for WhatsApp group admins who manage groups used for business purposes. According to Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024, these license fees apply to all “data controllers,” including WhatsApp admins handling business communications data. This regulation represents a significant shift in data management policy for digital platforms within Zimbabwe, aimed at safeguarding user data privacy. In an Indian context, if something similar were to be envisaged, this could help stop the fake narratives and spread of falsehoods harming communal harmony and hold the admins responsible and easily trackable.

The fee structure is tiered based on the number of members in a WhatsApp group, ranging from $50 to $2,500 annually:

Tier 1: 50 to 1,000 members – $50 annually, with no application fee.

Tier 2: 1,001 to 100,000 members – $300 annually, with a $30 application fee.

Tier 3: 100,001 to 500,000 members – $500 annually, plus a $30 application fee.

Tier 4: More than 500,000 members – $2,500 annually, plus a $30 application fee.

WhatsApp groups with fewer than 50 members and those created for personal, family, or household purposes are exempt from this regulation. However, groups operating commercially—even intermittently—fall under this requirement. This exemption also extends to law enforcement and journalistic or archival purposes, recognizing the significance of these functions.

The new rules have sparked concerns about the practicalities of enforcement. How authorities will monitor and identify WhatsApp groups that need to register remains unclear. Zimbabwean officials, however, emphasize that penalties are in place for non-compliance, with potential fines or imprisonment for those found evading these fees.

Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services (ICTPCS) in Zimbabwe Tatenda Mavetera

This development follows global trends where governments seek increased regulatory oversight over data controllers. For Zimbabwe, it addresses data privacy as part of the broader Cyber and Data Protection Act. The country is grappling with managing digital information securely, and authorities believe these new measures will enhance user data security. However, critics argue that it could limit online communication freedom and increase operational costs for small business owners.

The financial impact of these WhatsApp group admin fees has raised questions, especially among small business owners who rely on WhatsApp as a primary communication tool in a challenging economic environment. Some business owners argue that the additional costs could make operating harder, and industry experts worry that the fees may discourage digital engagement. The regulation has also raised international eyebrows, as it is one of the first instances of direct licensing fees tied to social media group administration.

The law came into effect on September 13, 2024, and businesses have been given six months to comply, with a final deadline of March 13, 2025. Zimbabweans are awaiting further guidance on enforcement and some hope for adjustments to ease the financial strain on smaller enterprises.

As this policy unfolds, it will likely set a precedent for other countries considering stricter regulations on data management across social media platforms.