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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

So we now have a WhatsApp Channel. It’s early days but we think it’s going to be one of the key ways you consume the Pindula content.
Here’s the Pindula Channel link:
<a href="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va84dngJP21B2nWeyM3v">https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va84dngJP21B2nWeyM3v </a>
Please open it from your phone.
<h2>What to expect from the Pindula Channel?</h2>
As always, the trustworthiness and usefulness of updates is very important to us here at Pindula.
We will post Zimbabwe news updates, regional (especially South Africa as we have so many of us there), and also some relevant international news.
From time to time, you will also get useful product updates from our <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/">Pindula Market</a>.

Join The Pindula WhatsApp Channel - Here's the link

ZANU PF secretary for security Lovemore Matuke this week denied reports that he directed party organs to disband WhatsApp groups which were allegedly being used by some members to cause divisions in the party.
ZANU PF provincial spokespersons recently ordered members to disband the WhatsApp groups with immediate effect while threatening those defying the order with unspecified action.
Provincial leaders insisted that the directive to close them had come “from above.”
Speaking to <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200012026/whatsapp-gag-order-divides-zanu-pf">The Zimbabwe Independent</a> this week, Matuke said he never issued the directives. He said:
<blockquote>
Those reports are false. We are not aware of such a directive or even a recommendation from my department.
</blockquote>
The publication reported sources within the party as saying ZANU PF top brass could not monitor the activities of members in other WhatsApp groups.
Nigel Murambiwa, who is the ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial secretary for information and publicity, is one of the provincial leaders who directed the disbandment of WhatsApp groups last weekend. He said:
<blockquote>
We did not just ban WhatsApp groups. There are rowdy groups that were formed prior to our internal primary elections and some of the losing candidates and disgruntled supporters of losing candidates are posting denigrating messages that seek to divide or put the name of the party into disrepute. Those are the ones we ordered our members to take down.
</blockquote>
Early this year, ZANU PF accused CCC supporters of hijacking constituency WhatsApp groups to campaign for their leader, Nelson Chamisa.
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s campaign teams have created WhatsApp groups and have been inviting voters to join the groups after clandestinely obtaining their mobile phone numbers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Top ZANU PF Official Denies Banning WhatsApp Groups

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called Chat Lock, allowing users to protect private messages with a password. The locked messages are stored in a separate folder and the sender’s name is hidden, even from people with access to the user’s phone.
This feature can be used to keep messages safe from unwanted attention, whether it’s for planning a surprise for a partner or organising a private job interview. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, aims to provide more privacy and security to its users with this new feature. WhatsApp said in a blog post:
<blockquote>
Our passion is to find new ways to help keep your messages private and secure. 
</blockquote>
To lock a chat in WhatsApp, users can tap on a one-to-one or group chat and select the lock option. This will prompt them to enter their device password or biometric, such as a fingerprint, to secure the chat. The locked chat will be stored in a separate folder, and its contents will be hidden in notifications. Users can access their locked chats by entering their phone password or biometrics. WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature aims to provide enhanced privacy and security for users in various settings. It explained:
<blockquote>
This feature will be great for people who have reason to share their phones from time to time with a family member or those moments where someone else is holding your phone at the exact moment an extra special chat arrives. 
</blockquote>
WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature is being rolled out today, with additional options to come in the next few months, according to the company’s blog post. The new options include custom passwords for chats and locking for companion devices.
WhatsApp recently announced that users can now link their account to up to four additional smartphones, allowing users to access their chats from multiple devices. Users can link their phones by scanning QR codes with their primary phone. This feature is beneficial for users who have different phones for work and personal use but want their chats in a single WhatsApp account.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

WhatsApp Introduces Chat Lock To Protect Private Messages

CCC supporters have allegedly infiltrated ZANU PF constituency WhatsApp groups to campaign for their leader Nelson Chamisa, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010384/ccc-hijacks-zanu-pf-campaign-platforms">NewsDay</a>.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly created scores of constituency-based WhatsApp groups after secretly obtaining voters’ mobile numbers and would post his campaign messages in the groups to lure voters.
But CCC members reportedly joined the same WhatsApp groups which were open to all registered voters and started campaigning for Chamisa and trolling ZANU PF.
The description of one of the ZANU PF WhatsApp groups was later changed to Chamisa Chete Chete (Chamisa only).
ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa accused CCC supporters of cyber-bullying, saying this will however not affect voting patterns. He was quoted by NewsDay as saying:
<blockquote>
We are being trolled. They are infiltrating our software. The WhatsApp groups were created by some ZANU PF members who wanted to interact with the people on behalf of the President. We have the support of people. Cyber war games against ZANU PF won’t work.
It will not affect the outcome of the poll. There are hardly a million on social media. The majority of Zimbabweans don’t have smartphones, especially in rural areas so social media won’t be effective to remove ZANU PF. Social media is not our main battlefront. It is just a sideshow.
</blockquote>
CCC CCC youth spokesperson Stephen “Sarkozy” Chuma told NewsDay that Mutsvangwa’s outbursts show that CCC has become the dominant party. Chuma said:
<blockquote>
It shows the dominance of our party. The social, political and economic crisis that is bedevilling the country has no political boundaries.
It is affecting everyone regardless of political affiliation. That is why everyone has become CCC. In the end, change is inevitable.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa has been sending unsolicited constituency-based campaign SMS messages to voters and asking them to join his WhatsApp groups.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) have been accused of leaking details of registered voters to ZANU PF.
ZEC officials categorially denied giving ZANU PF citizens personal data, including phone numbers.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Accuses CCC Of Infiltration

WhatsApp has introduced a feature that allows a person sharing a Status to choose who can see the Status. 
The company announced the new features along with several other features this week. 
Said the company in a blog:
<blockquote>
<h2>Private Audience Selector</h2>
Every status you share may not always be right for all of your contacts. We’re providing you with the flexibility to update your privacy settings per status so you can choose who views your status each time you update it.
Your most recent audience selection will be saved and used as the default for your next status.
</blockquote>
Sharing statuses on WhatsApp is one of the most popular features of the app. The status disappears after 24 hours. People can share videos, photos, text, links, and other formats.
In Zimbabwe, WhatsApp is the most popular mobile app by far. Other popular mobile apps include Opera, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, ShareIt, and Bible apps.
<h2>Other new WhatsApp features introduced</h2>
<blockquote>
<h4>Voice Status</h4>
We’re introducing the ability to record and share voice messages up to 30 seconds on WhatsApp status. Voice status can be used for sending more personal updates, especially if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself by talking rather than typing.
<h4>Status Reactions</h4>
We’re adding status reactions to provide a quick and easy way to respond to status updates from your friends and close contacts. This was the #1 feature users wanted, following the launch of Reactions last year. You can now quickly reply to any status by swiping up and tapping on one of eight emojis. You can of course still reply to a status with text, voice message, stickers and more.
<h4>Status Profile Rings for New Updates</h4>
With the new status profile ring you’ll never miss a status from a loved one. This ring will be present around your contact’s profile picture whenever they share a status update. It will be visible in the chat lists, group participant lists, and contact info.
<h4>Link Previews on Status</h4>
Now when you post a link on your status, you’ll automatically see a visual preview of the link content, just like when you send a message. Visual previews make your statuses look better, and also give your contacts a better idea of what the link is before they click.
</blockquote>

WhatsApp: You Can Now Choose Who Sees Your Status

WhatsApp made it possible for users of its app to message themselves. The feature is now available for people on Android, iPhones, KaiOS, and also on the web or the desktop app.
Messaging yourself can be important if you want to just make a note to yourself using WhatsApp. It’s also useful if you want to see how an important message will come out before you send it out.
You can also forward messages to yourself.
<h2>Here’s how to Message Yourself on WhatsApp:</h2>
Here are the steps you need to take to message yourself. If you find that you don’t have any of the features mentioned below, it means that you are using an old version of WhatsApp and that you need to update it.
You can see the <a href="https://faq.whatsapp.com/5481509731946576">steps for updating your WhatsApp here</a>.
<h3>Android (that is Samsung, Itel, Tecno, Gtel, Xiaomi, Infinix)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Open Chats.</li>
<li>Tap the new chat icon (it’s a circle green icon with a message bubble inside)</li>
<li>Search for or select your name or phone number to create your chat.</li>
</ul>
<h3>iPhones (iOS)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Open Chats.</li>
<li>Tap the new chat icon (it’s a box blue icon showing a pen)</li>
<li>Search for or select your name or phone number to create your chat.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Web and Desktop App</h3>
<ul>
<li>Open a New chat.</li>
<li>Search for or select your name or phone number to create your chat.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The things you can’t do to yourself on WhatsApp:</h2>
<ul>
<li>You can’t call yourself whether audio or video</li>
<li>You also can’t mute notifications</li>
<li>You can’t block yourself (or report yourself)</li>
<li>You can’t see your last seen and online state</li>
</ul>

TIP: You Can Now Message Yourself On WhatsApp

WhatsApp, the popular instant communication app owned by Meta that is used by many for quick texting is down. 
WhatsApp users in some parts of the world, including Zimbabwe, are currently unable to send and receive messages.
It currently seems impossible to send a message on WhatsApp groups, but personal chats also seem to be largely affected.
Outage detection website DownDetector confirms that WhatsApp is not working for thousands of users. 
WhatsApp Web also appears to be affected by the outage, and we can confirm that the app’s web client is simply not connecting anymore. 
WhatsApp Web is also not working, as people continue to wait for a fix for the outage.
WhatsApp is yet to share an official statement on the matter. 
<h2>Pindula News</h2>

WhatsApp Is Down For Thousands Of Users

WhatsApp is no longer officially supported on some phones and users have already started experiencing issues. WhatsApp installation might even be still working but it will soon stop. This is because Facebook, the makers of WhatsApp, has decided to stop supporting these older phones. This is a blow to many Zimbabweans considering that WhatsApp is the beginning and end of all communications. According to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), WhatsApp is the internet for most people and a lot of informal and formal businesses rely on it for their communications and even making sales. Below is a list of phones that are no longer supported.
<h2>For iPhones, the following are no longer supported and can no longer run WhatsApp:</h2>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>iPhone 6</li>
<li>iPhone 6S plus</li>
<li>iPhone SE</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>For Samsung phones, the following are no longer supported and can no longer support WhatsApp:</h2>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Galaxy Trend Lite</li>
<li>Galaxy Trend II</li>
<li>Galaxy SII</li>
<li>Galaxy S3 mini</li>
<li>Galaxy Xcover 2</li>
<li>Galaxy Core</li>
<li>Galaxy Ace 2</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>For LG the following phones are no longer supported and can no longer run WhatsApp:</h2>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Lucid 2</li>
<li>Optimus F7</li>
<li>Optimus F5</li>
<li>Optimus L3 II Dual</li>
<li>Optimus F5</li>
<li>Optimus L5</li>
<li>Best L5 II</li>
<li>Optimus L5 Dual</li>
<li>Best L3 II</li>
<li>Optimus L7</li>
<li>Optimus L7 II Dual</li>
<li>Best L7 II</li>
<li>Optimus F6, Enact</li>
<li>Optimus L4 II Dual</li>
<li>Optimus F3</li>
<li>Best L4 II</li>
<li>Best L2 II</li>
<li>Optimus Nitro HD</li>
<li>Optimus 4X HD</li>
<li>Optimus F3Q</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>Support for the following ZTE phones is no longer available and can no longer run WhatsApp:</h2>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>ZTE V956</li>
<li>Grand X Quad V987</li>
<li>Grand Memo</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>For Sony, the following phones are no longer supported and can no longer run WhatsApp:</h2>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Xperia Miro</li>
<li>Xperia Neo L</li>
<li>Xperia Arc S</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>The following Huawei phones can no longer run WhatsApp:</h2>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Ascend G740</li>
<li>Ascend Mate</li>
<li>Ascend D Quad XL</li>
<li>Ascend D1 Quad XL</li>
<li>Ascend P1 S</li>
<li>Ascend D2</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>Here are other phones that can no longer run WhatsApp:</h2>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Alcate</li>
<li>Archos 53 Platinum</li>
<li>HTC Desire 500</li>
<li>Caterpillar Cat B15</li>
<li>Wiko Cink Five</li>
<li>Wiko Darknight</li>
<li>Lenovo A820</li>
<li>UMi X2</li>
<li>Run F1</li>
<li>THL W8</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>How can you fix this?</h2>
Some are settling for either budget brands like the Xiaomi, iTel and Techno or they end up buying refurbished secondhand yesteryear flagships. The problem with the latter is one ends up with a phone that’s closer to its end of life support.
Some are buying new phones while some who have unsupported Android phones buy some time by installing WhatsApp versions such as GBWhatsApp. Reports suggest that these versions will eventually stop working too as they are based on the official WhatsApp installation file. 
More: <a href="https://zimpricecheck.com/news/whatsapp-no-longer-works-on-samsung-galaxy-sii-and-52-other-phones-here-is-what-you-can-do/">ZIMPRICECHECK</a>

Phones That Are Being Disconnected From WhatsApp

WhatsApp has blocked about two (2) million accounts users breaking a little-known rule on the app intended to stop the spread of hoaxes.
These accounts were blocked in just one month for sending a “high and abnormal rate of messages”.
The company said over 95% of the bans were “due to the unauthorized use of automated or bulk messaging”, not regular texting.
Almost all the banned accounts are in India, WhatsApp’s biggest market with over 400 million users.
Bans were triggered when users forwarded messages too many times, blasting past the app’s strict new limit on how many times a message can be forwarded to other people or groups.
The limit, which was announced in April 2020, is in place to combat spam and the spread of viral rumours, photos and hoaxes. This is a huge problem in India, where many people rely on the app for news.
Messages containing “fake news” have been blamed for outbreaks of violence and murder across India.
WhatsApp said in a statement:
<blockquote>We are particularly focused on prevention because we believe it is much better to stop harmful activity from happening in the first place than to detect it after harm has occurred. The abuse detection operates at three stages of an account’s lifestyle: at registration; during messaging; and in response to negative feedback, which we receive in the form of user reports and blocks.</blockquote>
It added that it had not read any of the spam messages sent on the app because of <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/01/12/whatsapp-privacy-policy-changes-some-are-worried/">its end-to-end encryption.</a>
More: <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1464070/WhatsApp-iPhone-Android-ban-block-warning">Express</a>

Over 2 Million WhatsApp Accounts Blocked For Breaking New Rules

WhatsApp is rolling out support for voice and video calling to its desktop app, the messaging service said Thursday, TechCrunch reports.
However, the app will only support one-to-one calls, unlike Zoom and Google Meet which allows group voice and video calling.
Support for voice and video calls is not being extended to WhatsApp Web, the browser version of the service, at the moment, a spokesperson told TechCrunch.
WhatsApp said it will be expanding this feature to include group voice and video calls “in the future.”
The company also said video call for both portrait and landscape orientation, and the desktop client is “set to be always on top so you never lose your video chats in a browser tab or stack of open windows”.
Like the 100 billion messages that WhatsApp processes on its platform each day, voice and video calls are also end-to-end encrypted, it said.
More: <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/04/whatsapp-rolls-out-voice-and-video-call-support-to-desktop-app/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a>

WhatsApp Adds Voice & Video Calling To Desktop App

Facebook’s popular messaging app WhatsApp Messenger’s last seen checker is down and users have reportedly flooded Down Detector with reports that they cannot change the online status settings in the privacy settings.
According to Express, WhatsApp down reports are all over social media and users are affected differently as some are having connectivity issues while some cant view their contacts’ last seen or online status:
<blockquote>WhatsApp down reports are on the rise, with users of the hit chat app reporting issues accessing the last seen online status bar.
Independent outage monitor Down Detector has seen a huge spike in WhatsApp down reports today.
At the time of writing, Down Detector has registered a peak of almost 4,000 WhatsApp down reports.
<div class="OUTBRAIN" data-browser="chrome" data-dynload="" data-idx="1" data-ob-mark="true" data-ob-template="Express" data-os="win32" data-src="https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1298388/WhatsApp-down-last-seen-not-working-privacy-settings" data-widget-id="AR_2" id="outbrain_widget_1">
<div class="ob-widget ob-one-column-layout CR_11" data-dynamic-truncate="true">Out of those affected, 73 per cent are having problems with the WhatsApp last seen feature while 24 per cent are having connection issues.</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div data-dynamic-truncate="true">WhatsApp has not yet commented on the development.</div>
<div data-dynamic-truncate="true"></div>
<div data-dynamic-truncate="true">More: <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1298388/WhatsApp-down-last-seen-not-working-privacy-settings">Express</a></div>

WhatsApp Last Seen Checker Down, Users Report Private Settings Issue

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/WhatsApp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WhatsApp</a> will no longer be available on older versions of iPhones and Android smartphones with effect from February 1, 2020.
Users of phones running on Android versions 2.3.7 and older, and iPhones on iOS 8 or older will not be able to create new accounts or reverify existing accounts.
According to Techunzipped, one can find out which operating system their iPhone or Android uses:
<blockquote>To find out which operating system your iPhone uses, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update – your current version will be displayed there.
And if you use Android, you need to go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘About Phone’ and then ‘Software Info’.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the development comes after WhatsApp discontinued supporting several devices on 31 December 2019.
<h4>More: <a href="http://techunzipped.com/2020/01/whatsapp-to-stop-working-on-these-smartphones-this-february/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Techunzipped</a></h4>

WhatsApp Will No Longer Be Supported On These Phones On February 1

A few days ago, Bloomberg wrote an article that spoke about hacks that could actually alter chats after altering the identity of the sender. According to Bloomberg:
<blockquote>One uses the “quote” feature in a group conversation to change the appearance of the identity of a sender. Another lets a hacker change the text of someone else’s reply.</blockquote>
This is just one of the hacks that can actually alter your chats and that could be detrimental on all levels. A Nigerian blog has claimed that another hack which allows a person to send a private message to another group participant disguised as a public message to all, so when the targeted individual responded, it was visible to everyone in the conversation hit Nigeria a few weeks ago. According to Tech Point Africa:
<blockquote>Ayodele (not his real name), one of the affected WhatsApp users, confirmed that his phone number was changed and he was automatically removed from a WhatsApp group he belongs to. The supposed hacker then sent messages to the group about an investment that guarantees the investor receiving double of the amount invested within 30 minutes.
Several people the called to ask if Ayodele was responsible for sending messages about investing in a scheme on a WhatsApp group. This has been the experience of some Nigerian WhatsApp users in the past few weeks.</blockquote>
Its a possibility your app may be hacked. These few tips will help secure your app once and for all, you never have to worry about hackers any day of the week.
<h4>1. Enable 2 Step Verification</h4>
Enabling 2 step verification will ensure that no hacker will be able to gain unauthorised entry into your app:
<ol>
<li>In your app click on settings</li>
<li>Select account,</li>
<li>Choose two-step verification</li>
<li>Enter a 6-digit PIN.</li>
</ol>
<h4>2. If Your group is hacked, remove and readd the number of the member whose identity is being used by the hacker.</h4>
<h4>3. Do not use any unauthorised version of Whatsup as you will be subjecting yourself <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/07/6-risks-you-are-subjecting-yourself-to-by-using-modified-versions-of-whatsapp/">to these 6 risks</a>.</h4>
More: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-08/whatsapp-flaws-could-allow-hackers-to-alter-messages-cyber-firm">Bloomberg</a>

WhatsApp Hacks: Here Is How To Protect Yourself

The popular messaging app, WhatsApp is currently experiencing problems worldwide with some users unable to download photos, videos and voice messages.
Where users attempt to download a video or photo, they see a message reading “download failed” and the content will not arrive.
The error message tells the user to ask for the picture to be sent over again but it fails to download again.
Reports indicate that other popular social media sites, Facebook and Instagram are down as well for some users.
Users in Europe, the US, South America Japan and India are said to be the most affected.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/whatsapp-down-not-working-picture-voice-messages-photo-video-download-failed-a8986406.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Independent</a>, <a href="https://in.mashable.com/tech/4574/facebook-instagram-and-whatsapp-down-apps-crash-for-users-worldwide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mashable</a></h4>

BREAKING: WhatsApp Down, Pictures & Videos Can't Download

A teacher at Pakame High School in Shurugwi Midlands, David Muchineri Tahuwona, mistakenly shared nude photographs of himself on the school’s Whatsapp group. The photos had the caption “Missing you dear.”  After realizing his folly, Tahuwona immediately exited the group and did not report for duty the next day.
When asked for a comment by BMetro, he denied the allegations saying:
<blockquote>How did you get those pictures? I don’t have any comment because they are not mine,</blockquote>
A Limpopo pastor at Christ Embassy in South Africa recently committed suicide after he allegedly shared nude photos of himself with his church WhatsApp group.
More: <a href="http://iharare.com/whatsapp-blunder/">BMetro</a>

Teacher mistakenly sends nude photos to school Whatsapp group

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