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Information Communications Technology, Postal, and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has distanced herself from a statement posted on her LinkedIn page, which claimed that WhatsApp group administrators would be required to obtain government licenses.
The statement, which went viral last week, outlined that WhatsApp group administrators would need to secure licenses and appoint data protection officers. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The time is ticking for organisations that collect first-party data, as you are required by law to have a data protection licence and the licence fees range from US$50 to US$2500.
Furthermore, a data protection officer (DPO) who is trained and certified by POTRAZ should be appointed by such a licensee and the appointment should be communicated to POTRAZ.
Even churches that collect personal data ought to have such a licensee and appoint a DPO. WhatsApp group admins are not spared too, if your groups are meant for business, you should as well get a licence. Failure to comply attracts penalties.
</blockquote>
However, in a post on X on Saturday, Mavetera labelled the viral LinkedIn post as “malicious fake news,” saying this requirement is not applicable to players who do not collect and process Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use. Wrote Mavetera:
<blockquote>
False claim of USD 2500 penalties for WhatsApp Group Administrators
I would like distance myself from the malicious fake news of intentions by government to licence or penalise WhatsApp Groups or Administrators of any social media platform/s USD 2500.
This claim is not applicable especially to players who do not collect and process Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use.
Personally identifiable information (PII) is any type of data that can be used to identify someone, from their name and address to their phone number, passport information and I.D. number.
The public is encouraged to disregard this notice with the uttermost discontent it deserves as it is inconsistent with our legal provisions as espoused in Statutory Instrument (SI) 155 of the 2024 Cyber and Data Protection (Licencing of Data Controllers and Appointment of Data Protection Officers) Regulations.
On my LinkedIn post, I never expressed any intentions to licence or penalise WhatsApp groups or Administrators of any social media platform/s which do not collect and process (Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use.
I wish to assure the public of the government’s commitment through the Ministry of Information Communication Technology Postal and Courier Services to accelerate cyber and data democratisation and security to ensure that No One and No Place is Left Offline.
This is in line with our overarching mandate to the constitution to promote access to information for all in a safe and secure environment.
</blockquote>
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono then asked Mavetera whether she was implying that the LinkedIn account which posted the controversial statement did not belong to her. In response, Mavetera said:
<blockquote>
Read today’s post. Please read SI 155 of 2024. If you have any questions I will do a presser when I’m back in Zimbabwe. Just in case more clarity is sought.
</blockquote>
Chin’ono expressed dissatisfaction with the response, suggesting that Mavetera should have a professional communications officer to ensure that policy matters are communicated clearly and accurately. He wrote:
<blockquote>
So don’t say it was a false claim; you said it, but you are now coming back with clarification. 
When you say it was false, you insinuate that the media lied when, in fact, it was you who put out the wrong information.
My advice is to have a professional communications officer; they are trained for that kind of work.
You can’t be walking back on your statements when you are a cabinet minister. 
It embarrasses the government, the country, and the person who appointed you.
You should have said, “I am sorry, I got things wrong, this is the true position.”
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The Minister of ICT said WhatsApp group admins needed licenses, but then said it's fake. WhatsApp groups don't need licenses, only if they collect personal data for business. If an admin shares misinformation, they should clarify. The Minister should have clear communication.

Mavetera Backtracks On WhatsApp Group Licensing Policy, Calls Her Statement "Malicious Fake News"

A local Information Technology (IT) expert has criticised Zimbabwe’s new policy requiring WhatsApp group administrators to obtain licenses and appoint data protection officers, describing it as misguided and overly broad.
The licensing scheme, introduced by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), was presented during a recent breakfast meeting hosted by the authority.
Under the new policy, WhatsApp group administrators will be required to pay fees ranging from US$50 to US$2,500, depending on the type of group they manage.
The government has justified the policy, stating that its primary goal is to enhance data security and privacy for all citizens.
However, critics argue that the policy could create unnecessary hurdles for group administrators and hinder free communication on the platform.
Information Communications Technology, Postal, and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, defended the initiative in a recent LinkedIn post, saying:
<blockquote>
The time is ticking for organisations that collect first-party data, as you are required by law to have a data protection licence and the licence fees range from US$50 to US$2500.
Furthermore, a data protection officer (DPO) who is trained and certified by POTRAZ should be appointed by such a licensee and the appointment should be communicated to POTRAZ.
Even churches that collect personal data ought to have such a licensee and appoint a DPO. WhatsApp group admins are not spared too, if your groups are meant for business, you should as well get a licence. Failure to comply attracts penalties.
</blockquote>
The policy is based on Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act, which defines personal data as any information that can directly or indirectly identify an individual.
Given that WhatsApp group administrators have access to members’ phone numbers, the government argues that these groups should fall under the scope of data protection regulations.
However, IT expert Christopher Musodza contends that the government’s approach is misguided and lacks clarity. Said Musodza (via <a href="https://cite.org.zw/tech-expert-calls-out-misguided-whatsapp-licensing-policy/">CITE</a>):
<blockquote>
If we go by what she said, then it is very sad for Zimbabwe to treat WhatsApp group administrators, or WhatsApp group platforms and churches broadly like that.
You can’t put everyone in the same bracket. You can’t say a telecommunication provider that has all the data that they store.
And also talk in the same vein even the hospitals that have sensitive information like people’s health records and including churches in that category it would not make sense. So we need to have those regulations in place first.
</blockquote>
Musodza argued that the definitions within the Cyber and Data Protection Act are too broad, which he believes creates significant ambiguity and poses practical challenges. He said:
<blockquote>
The definitions in our Cyber and Data Protection Act are broad when it comes to data processors and data controllers.
The definition can indeed stretch to anyone who collects data. Be it for a workshop, data attendance register, be it a church, be it any organisation can fit into that definition.
I had hoped that POTRAZ as the data protection authority as a statutory designated data protection authority would set out guidelines or standards in terms of who fits into that category.
This is in terms of numbers, capacity or type of business. It is not practical for you to have a law that includes everyone.
In other countries or jurisdictions, they would have guidelines to say such and such organisation or such many records and so forth is required to have data protection officer and also required to be licenced by the data protection authority who is POTRAZ in our case.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A tech expert in Zimbabwe thinks the new law for WhatsApp group admins is not a good idea. The law requires admins to get licenses and appoint data protection officers. The fees for licenses can be from $50 to $2,500. People argue that this law could make it harder for admins to run their groups freely. The government says the law is to protect people's data. But the expert says the law is too broad and doesn't make sense. He thinks the rules should be clearer and not affect everyone the same way.

IT Expert Slams Zimbabwe’s New WhatsApp Group Licensing Policy

Zimbabwe’s Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) now mandates that administrators of WhatsApp groups within the country must secure a license to operate.
The licensing fees vary from $50 to US$2,500, depending on the nature of the WhatsApp group, as part of a new regulatory framework introduced by POTRAZ.
The government has justified this move as necessary for strengthening data security and privacy protections for Zimbabwean citizens.
Information Communications Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera confirmed that all WhatsApp group administrators will soon be required to register with POTRAZ and obtain an official license.
In addition to the licensing requirement, administrators must also appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO), who must be trained and certified by POTRAZ to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act.
Mavetera said the move is aimed at enforcing the Data Protection Act, which governs the handling of personal data, including phone numbers shared within WhatsApp groups.
The new requirements will impact not just businesses, but also community organizations, churches, and any other groups that collect and manage personal data through WhatsApp. Said Mavetera:
<blockquote>
The time is ticking for organisations that collect first-party data, as you are required by law to have a data protection licence and the license fees range from $50 to $2500.
Furthermore, a data protection officer(DPO) who is trained and certified by POTRAZ should be appointed by such a licensee and the appointment should be communicated to POTRAZ.
Even churches that collect personal data ought to have such a licence and appoint a DPO.
Whatsapp group admins are not spared too, if your groups are meant for business, you should as well obtain a licence. Failure to comply attracts penalties.
</blockquote>
The fees are structured in four tiers:
Tier 1: For groups with a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 1,000 people, the annual fee is $50, with no application fee.
Tier 2: For groups with 1,001 to 100,000 people, the annual fee is $300, and an application fee of $30 applies.
Tier 3: For groups with 100,001 to 500,000 people, the annual fee is $500, with a $30 application fee.
Tier 4: For groups with more than 500,000 people, the annual fee is $2,500, with a $30 application fee.
The law right now says “personal, family or household affairs” are exempt from licensing. 
Also exempt are law enforcement and journalistic, historical or archival purposes.
Responding to Mavetera, Chipo Sibongile Mapungwana, said the regulations will further impoverish Zimbabweans. She wrote:
<blockquote>
Good day, Minister. Zimbabwe people are getting more and more impoverished. How does your Ministry justify licensing WhatsApp groups that are meant to keep family members in the loop and business people, staff members etc communicating with each other or clubs and churches sending messages to their members?
We are the worst-taxed nation in the region, and your Ministry and POTRAZ want to add Whatsapp group fees to overburdened citizens.
In what other country are WhatsApp group made to pay a license?
This is not a Citizen friendly regulation and it will just anger people against your Ministry and POTRAZ…
It seems that the ICT Ministry and POTRAZ want to make billions of dollars yearly from poor Zimbabweans.
We are taxed by the Ministry of Finance for every transaction we make, we are taxed by shops, we pay exorbitant data fees, and Vehicle and ZBC licences and taxed by ZIMRA.
Now your Ministry wants to make us pay for WhatsApp Groups?
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

WhatsApp group admins in Zimbabwe now need a license to operate. The government says it will help protect people's data and privacy. The fees for the license depend on the size of the group, ranging from $50 to $2,500. Administrators also need to appoint a Data Protection Officer who is trained by POTRAZ. Businesses, community organizations, and churches must comply with these new rules. The fees are structured in tiers based on the number of people in the group. Some activities like personal or family affairs are exempt. However, some people believe these regulations will make life harder for Zimbabweans.

WhatsApp Group Admins Now Require Data Protection Licence In Zimbabwe

The Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, said that Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe will promote economic development in marginalised communities by providing access to high-speed internet.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has licensed several firms, including state-owned TelOne, Frampol, Dandemutande, and Paratus, as resellers of Starlink services in the country.
Currently, Aura Group and TelOne are the only local companies approved by POTRAZ to resell Starlink devices.
Speaking at the at the launch of Aura Group’s Starlink reseller partnership in Harare on Wednesday, 25 September, Mavetera said:
<blockquote>
Today marks a very important step in our telecommunications journey as a country, as we gather here to see the launch of a partnership between Starlink and Aura Group, a local company.
The introduction of low-orbit satellite technology, such as that which is being deployed by Starlink, represents a transformative opportunity for Zimbabwe’s underserved and marginalised communities.
This will foster economic development in areas that would previously be hindered by inadequate connectivity.
We realise that there is quite minimal connectivity in the rural areas. As government, we are there to make sure that we progress by us making sure that we avail connectivity, especially in the rural areas.
</blockquote>
Speaking at the same event, Aura Group CEO Samuelle Dimairho said that their partnership with Starlink will serve as a catalyst for empowering underserved communities.
He said this collaboration aims to improve healthcare services, enhance food security, expand access to information, and support value addition and beneficiation across various technologies—all made possible through affordable, high-speed internet. Added Dimairho:
<blockquote>
We can have mobile applications where we monitor our fields and actually monitor the amount of water that is being pumped.
We can also do this by having smart, mobile applications where we can monitor how much water is being pumped.
</blockquote>
Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, offers high-speed internet including in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is limited.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, is coming to Zimbabwe. The Minister of ICT says it will help marginalized communities by providing fast internet. The government has licensed some companies to sell Starlink devices. This will improve connectivity in rural areas and boost economic development. Aura Group is partnering with Starlink to empower underserved communities. They plan to use high-speed internet for healthcare, agriculture, and information access. This technology will help monitor fields, water usage, and support various technologies. Starlink's arrival is seen as a game-changer for Zimbabwe's internet access.

Starlink A Game Changer In Zimbabwe's Marginalised Communities - Minister Mavetera

The Zimbabwean government has said Starlink will not receive any special treatment and will be taxed like local internet service providers and mobile network operators.
During a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said:
<blockquote>
When it comes to taxes, they are all the same. Whatever is going to apply to local ISPs is also going to apply to Starlink. That is why you see us penalising them if they are not providing efficient connectivity.
</blockquote>
Earlier this month, Mavetera announced that the government would impose fines ranging from $200 to $5,000 for telecommunications companies and internet providers that fail to deliver reliable service.
Willard Shoko, an independent high-speed internet consultant, <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabwe-rolls-out-hefty-fines-for-poor-telecommunication-services/7778769.html">said that these new fines could lead to a stronger telecommunications industry</a> capable of competing across the southern African region. Said Shoko:
<blockquote>
The motive behind that is to improve internet for the end user. But I think they should also consider improving the infrastructure sharing and also collaboration to improve internet, not only for the region but also for Zimbabwe, because this is the foundation of the digital economy.
Meanwhile, Starlink which went live in the country early this month, is expected to improve connectivity in the country as the nation is grappling with inconsistent internet access, particularly in rural areas, where traditional internet infrastructure has been lacking.
</blockquote>
So far, several local companies, including TelOne, Aura, Dandemutande, and Frampol, have been approved by Starlink as kit resellers.
However, despite Dandemutande and Frampol achieving Starlink Authorized Reseller status, <a href="https://www.techzim.co.zw/2024/09/potraz-bans-authorised-starlink-resellers-frampol-dandemutande-from-advertising-and-selling-starlink/">the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has not granted them the necessary clearance</a> to sell Starlink services.
As a result, these authorised resellers are unable to operate in Zimbabwe. The only companies currently permitted to sell Starlink services are Aura, TelOne, and Starlink Zimbabwe itself.
When POTRAZ announced the approval of the Starlink license earlier this month, it also banned the sale of Starlink services in Zimbabwe without its clearance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government in Zimbabwe says Starlink will be taxed like other internet providers. They will be fined if they don't provide good service. This might make the telecom industry stronger. Starlink is a new service that will help improve internet access in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas. Some local companies can sell Starlink, but others are still waiting for permission. The government wants to make sure Starlink services are good before they are sold in the country.

"No Special Treatment For Starlink In Zimbabwe"

The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera says they are waiting for the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to complete assessing Starlink’s application to operate in the country, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026881/potraz-assessing-starlinks-application-mavetera">NewsDay</a>.
Responding to legislators during a question and answer session in Parliament recently, Mavetera said the government welcomes new technologies as they are critical for development. She said:
<blockquote>
We are very much welcome to any other technologies to make sure that we enhance our digital footprint as a country.
For the one that we spoke about, of course, it is a specific question but it is quite an issue that everyone would want to hear about.
Starlink has applied and we are waiting for POTRAZ to finalise the licensing after that we can be able to see it coming through.
Some individuals have been using Starlink besides it not being licenced and several arrests have since been made and offenders have been charged with contravening provisions of the Postal and Telecommunications Act.
</blockquote>
In March, a Victoria Falls-based company, Zambezi Boutique Private Limited was ordered to pay a US$500 fine by a Victoria Falls Magistrate for using Starlink internet services.
The company was charged with contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act Chapter 12:05 i.e. “possession, control or operate a radio station without a radio station license.”
In February, a Chinese mining company operating in Mashonaland Central Province was fined US$700 for using Starlink.
San He Mining company in Guruve was ordered to pay a US$700 fine by a Bindura Magistrate for contravening the Postal and Telecommunication Act.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

POTRAZ Assessing Starlink's Application - Minister Mavetera

The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Tatenda_Mavetera">Tatenda Mavetera</a> recently opened a pilot telehealth centre in Chikomba West Constituency, Mashonaland East Province.
The Ministry of Health and Childcare, in conjunction with the ICT Ministry, is set to launch the programme countrywide soon. Mavetera posted on X this Saturday:
<blockquote>
We opened a pilot of a telehealth centre in Chikomba West Constituency. This is a programme that the Ministry of Health and Childcare will launch soon together with the Ministry of ICT. Telehealth and telemedicine will see us receiving medical services in the comfort of our homes.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFY2q19WEAAivgj?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFY2r1qXgAA-siK?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFY2tFVW0AEkWEc?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
</blockquote>
<a href="https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/understanding-telehealth#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20telehealth-,What%20does%20telehealth%20mean%3F,computer%2C%20tablet%2C%20or%20smartphone.">Telehealth or telemedicine</a> allows healthcare providers to care for patients without an in-person office visit. It is done primarily online with internet access on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Patients can talk to their health care provider live over the phone or video chat, send and receive messages from health care providers using secure messaging, email, and secure file exchange, or use remote monitoring so the health care provider can check on the patient at home.
The patient might use a device to gather vital signs to help his/her healthcare provider stay informed on their progress.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minister Mavetera Opens Pilot Telehealth Centre In Chikomba

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Postal_and_Telecommunications_Regulatory_Authority_of_Zimbabwe/">Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)</a> has prohibited mobile service providers from hiking their tariffs in United States dollars (US$). The regulator recently <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/27/potraz-allows-telecoms-companies-to-double-tariffs-in-zimbabwe-dollar/">approved new tariff thresholds in the local currency</a> due to the depreciation of the Zim dollar, but stated that the US dollar remained stable.
Any service providers who violate this directive will be fined, said POTRAZ director-general Gift Machengete in a statement. Read the statement in part: 
<blockquote>
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe recently approved new tariff thresholds for telecommunication services.
The new tariff thresholds are applicable to services denominated in Zimdollar, which is the currency to which all tariffs for telecommunication services are pegged.
</blockquote>
Dr Machengete announced that service packages priced in United States dollars (US$) would not be adjusted because the foreign currency has remained relatively stable. Machengete warned that any service providers who increase their US$ prices would be charging unapproved tariffs and could face fines.
The recent tariff hike sparked complaints from Zimbabweans who found the data charges unaffordable. However, Machengete claimed that Zimbabwe has the cheapest data tariffs in the region. He refuted reports that Zimbabwe has the most expensive data tariff in the world, stating that the country actually has the lowest data tariff in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. He said:
<blockquote>
Finally, we continue to come across posts purporting to draw evidence from a UK [United Kingdom] website, that Zimbabwe has the most expensive data tariff in the world at US$43,75 per gigabyte (GB).
We reiterate that this is not only false, but misleading and malicious. As a matter of fact, and contrary to that report, Zimbabwe has the lowest data tariff in the Sadc region, with an out-of-bundle tariff of ZWL$14 930, which translates to US$3,21 per GB at the September 2023 official exchange rate, while the Sadc average is US$4,60.
</blockquote>
After receiving public complaints about the tariff increase, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tatenda_Mavetera/">Tatenda Mavetera</a>, stated that <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/27/ict-minister-says-ministry-and-potraz-addressing-recent-increase-in-data-charges/">her ministry is collaborating with POTRAZ</a> to address the issue.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

POTRAZ Prohibits USD Tariff Hike, Adds That Zimbabwe Has The Lowest Data Tariff In SADC

Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tatenda_Mavetera/">Tatenda Mavetera</a>, has said the ministry is working in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Postal_and_Telecommunications_Regulatory_Authority_of_Zimbabwe/">Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)</a> to address the recent increase in data charges.
Companies doubled their tariffs recently after <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/27/potraz-allows-telecoms-companies-to-double-tariffs-in-zimbabwe-dollar/">POTRAZ gave approval for telecommunications companies</a> in the country to double their tariffs in the local currency (ZWL) creating a public outroar. However, the tariffs in US dollars remain the same.
Economic factors such as currency stability, electricity prices, and fuel costs have fluctuated significantly, leading to the need for a review of the local currency tariffs for telecommunications companies industry experts said. The move by POTRAZ is meant to support the struggling telecommunications sector.
This is the third increase this year due to the local currency losing value against the US dollar. The latest adjustment was made because the currency depreciated by 444% since April. Telecommunications providers raised prices to ensure their services remain valuable.
<div class="in_article">
<div>
According to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gift_Machengete/">Gift Machengete</a>, the Director-General of Potraz, the tariff changes were determined based on the Telecommunications Price Index. However, in an X post seen by Pindula News, the minister suggested the government was working with the regulator to address the public outcry. She said:
</div>
</div>
<blockquote>
 I have noted the concerns and outcry on the recent increase of data charges and I would like to assure you Zimbabweans that we are working on it together with POTRAZ expeditiously.
</blockquote>
Voice tariffs have doubled to US$0.40 per minute, and data tariffs now stand at US$0.63 per megabyte. However, these rates still fall below the regional average. 
These tariff adjustments may help providers, but they pose challenges for consumers who earn salaries in the local currency. High internet charges have long been a concern, raising the need for pricing limits to protect economically disadvantaged individuals. The sector’s dominance by monopolies and weak regulatory oversight contribute to the problem.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ICT Minister Says Ministry And POTRAZ Addressing Recent Increase In Data Charges

The Minister of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Tatenda_Mavetera">Tatenda Mavetera</a> said that Starlink, a satellite internet provider, should adhere to Zimbabwe’s existing laws to be allowed to operate in the country, <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/adhere-to-zim-laws-minister-tells-starlink/">reported Business Times</a>.
Starlink is operated by American aerospace company SpaceX owned by billionaire Elon Musk.
Mavetera made the comments while responding to questions in the National Assembly last week.
She revealed that the Postal and Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) was considering a proposal by Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe.
Former ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira who is also Nyanga South MP (ZANU PF), asked Mavetera how the Government was to deal with fake news and negativity on X, formerly Twitter, against the country’s leadership and the ZANU PF party.
On 10 October 2023, the European Union (EU) issued a warning to Musk over the alleged disinformation about the Hamas attack on Israel, including fake news and “repurposed old images”, on X.
Mandiwanzira asked whether the government will consider the complaint to Musk by the EU on misinformation peddled by X in licensing Starlink, or not. He said:
This concerns public statements made by the Ministry and POTRAZ, particularly with regards to the licensing of a service by Mr Elon Musk of Starlink.
<blockquote>
Given what the EU did yesterday, that it wrote to Mr Musk expressing its disappointment with regards to one of Mr Musk’s channel which is X, previously known as Twitter where the EU complained about misinformation being peddled by Twitter.
…given the concerns raised by the EU regarding one of Mr Musk’s channels, if there is consideration by the Minister to equally express concern to Mr Musk, particularly with regards to the content disparaging of our leadership, our President, and sometimes our political party on X in Zimbabwe and whether actions by EU will be considered when deciding licensing of Starlink.
</blockquote>
In response, Mavetera affirmed that Starlink, like any other company intending to operate in Zimbabwe, should follow the country’s laws. She said:
<blockquote>
As Zimbabwe, we have a policy that is clear that we want to engage as a country and allow any people that would want to trade with us to do it quite openly.
Indeed, looking at Starlink, it is a company that has shown interest but for us as a ministry, we are waiting upon POTRAZ for them to also be guided by the regulation which guides us.
There is a need to follow all procedures and protocols and that is what we are waiting for. As for now, they have not paid the application fees for them to be able to say they are willing.
They have shown interest but they have not been able to adhere to our rules and regulations as a country.
Indeed, for us, we have policies like the Patriotic Bill that guide us. Any country that needs to deal with us needs to adhere to that and Starlink, the moment it will have to agree to our rules and regulations, it will be able to come and trade with us and go along with our laws as well.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Starlink Should Adhere To Zimbabwe's Laws, Says ICT Minister

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