The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has begun strict enforcement of data protection laws, mandating all organizations that collect personal data to obtain licenses. At a recent breakfast meeting, Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, highlighted the urgency of compliance for both public and private entities, including churches and business-oriented WhatsApp groups.
Organizations are required to appoint a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) and communicate this appointment to POTRAZ. License fees range from $50 to $2,500, with non-compliance risking penalties and potential breaches of data.
Hon. Mavetera underscored the importance of regulatory adherence, noting that protecting citizen data is essential for public safety and organizational accountability. POTRAZ officials Dr. B Chirume and Dr. GK Machengete provided detailed insights on the regulations and compliance steps at the event.
For further information, organizations are encouraged to contact POTRAZ to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.