In a recent address, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, stressed the pressing need for all organizations that collect first-party data to adhere to Zimbabwe’s data protection laws.
During a breakfast meeting hosted by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Minister Mavetera reiterated the legal obligation for such organizations to secure a data collection license, with costs ranging from $50 to $2,500, depending on their operational size.
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The Minister also emphasized the necessity of appointing a qualified and certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), a requirement that must be communicated to POTRAZ.
Even organizations like churches that handle personal data are required to comply by obtaining a license and designating a DPO.
Furthermore, administrators of WhatsApp groups used for commercial purposes are also subject to these regulations.
Noncompliance with these data protection mandates could result in penalties and data breaches with serious repercussions. “Better safe than sorry,” advised Minister Mavetera, urging organizations to contact POTRAZ for guidance to ensure compliance with the new data protection framework.
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