India Internet Ruling Blocks Facebook 'Free Basics' Program
- 8 years ago
India's government has essentially banned a Facebook program that sought to connect with low-income residents by offering free access to a limited version of the social network and other Internet services.
The ruling is a major setback for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg , who had lobbied hard for the program as part of a campaign to expand Internet access in developing countries.
Facebook has introduced "Free Basics" in partnership with wireless carriers in dozens of emerging nations, where the company hopes to get more people online.
But the program has sparked debate in some countries, particularly India, where critics contend that "Free Basics" effectively steers users toward Facebook and its partners, while making it harder for other Internet services - including homegrown startups - to build their own audiences.
The ruling is a major setback for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg , who had lobbied hard for the program as part of a campaign to expand Internet access in developing countries.
Facebook has introduced "Free Basics" in partnership with wireless carriers in dozens of emerging nations, where the company hopes to get more people online.
But the program has sparked debate in some countries, particularly India, where critics contend that "Free Basics" effectively steers users toward Facebook and its partners, while making it harder for other Internet services - including homegrown startups - to build their own audiences.