India Internet ruling blocks Facebook ‘Free Basics’ program

In partnership with Reliance Telecom, the scheme, which piloted in a few states, allowed users to access – at no charge- to Facebook’s own social network and messaging services, along with the content of its partners. A Save The Internet movement lashed out at the program for violating Net neutrality and has accused Facebook of dishonesty in response to opposition to Free Basics.

The rule doesn’t prevent mobile operators from offering free data, as long as it can be used to access any content. “For instance, providing limited free data that enables a user to access the entire Internet is not prohibited”, TRAI wrote.

Citing net neutrality principles that promote equal Internet access, Indian regulators said Free Basics fell short as it offered access only to Facebook and a small, handpicked collection of sites.

Connecting India is an important goal we won’t give up on, because more than a billion people in India don’t have access to the Internet. According to Mark Zuckerberg, with internet connectivity, poverty will be reduced; millions of jobs created, and increase education opportunities.

Facebook said in a statement that it’s disappointed with the ruling but will continue its efforts to increase Internet access. “Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet”, he added. The controversial Free Basics program, one of Mark Zuckerberg’s signature projects, has been effectively blocked by the regulations.

A vocal campaign has been run by Facebook in the run up to the decision by the regulator, prompting some 11 million people to send an automatic email asking the regulator to support Facebook’s position.

In a somewhat bitter-sounding post on Facebook, Zuckerberg reiterated his belief that “everyone in the world should have access to the internet“. As a effect, Free Basics of Facebook is no more an option, and the same goes for any zero-rated internet service.

“We must connect everyone to the full potential of the open Web. That mission continues, and so does our commitment to India” he concluded.

A debate on Net neutrality started across the country after Airtel chose to charge separately for Internet-based calls in December 2014, but withdrew it later after protests.