Free Basics App Download Details Released; Disputes Over Internet Service Surface!
Facebook has initiated to provide free internet services for people in developing countries via its Free Basics App that was available for download in India to enable them easy access to internet without using mobile data.
It has been two months since the nationwide launch of the app, including the smartphone app (formerly Internet.org) which offered free access to facebook-owned products such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger App, and a suite of other websites for which people did not have to pay for mobile data plans.
Now recent news claim that the app has already been suspended (at least for now) as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority considers new rules pertaining to network neutrality. Depending on which, the rules could consider Free Basics a violation of policies, Cited GlobalVoices.
Free Basics App, was earlier deployed in 30 developing nations worldwide, enabling users free download and free access to websites that meet Facebook's technical standards for the app. However, the application did not give people access to the Internet at large.
For open internet advocates, this undercuts consumer choice and violates the principle of network neutrality, under which the internet providers are to treat all internet traffic neutrally allowing people equal access to any website they prefer and giving website operators equal opportunities to gain visitors.
Facebook has responded to the pending regulation with an aggressive ad campaign. Over the last week, Indian users, upon logging into facebook have been greeted with notifications urging them to take action.The Free Basics Page on Facebook shows a pleading form asking people to contact the TRAI and raise their voices to support the availability of Free Basics App available for download in India.
However, the Indians have spoken out against facebook's actions protesting strongly on social media and newspapers.
"Free Basics is in danger in India," according to web activists. "A small, vocal group of critics are lobbying to have Free Basics banned on the basis of net neutrality. Instead of giving people access to some basic internet services for free, they demand that people pay equally to access all internet services - even if that means 1 billion people can't afford to access any services", Cited DNA.
While facebook is intensifying its campaign for Free Basics App, IIT faculty has issued a joint statement calling it 'misleading and flawed'. They Said "Free Basics is a lethal combination which will lead to total lack of freedom on how Indians can use their own public utility - the internet. The proposal is such a lethal combination, having several deep flaws, beneath the veil of altruism wrapped around it in TV and other media advertisements."
Thus, to sum up, Quoting IIT faculty, "Facebook's Free Basics is neither free nor basic", whether the strongly disputed Free Basics App to be available for download in India remains unanswered.
