Net Neutrality report: Facebook defends Internet.org, calls it gateway to net access

VIDEO: Facebook’s take on Internet.org

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“As recognised in today’s report, we introduced the Internet.org platform to promote an Internet access model that is open and non-exclusive. Internet.org acts as a gateway, as opposed to a gatekeeper, to Internet access by breaking down the cost, infrastructure and social barriers that exist today.”

Martin said Facebook welcomes the DoT’s engagement and consultation process and are committed to working with all stakeholders to overcome the infrastructure, affordability and social barriers that exist today and to bring more people in India online.

Facebook reiterated that Internet.org is not exclusive to one operator. “Developers don’t pay the operator or Facebook to be a part of Internet.org. Equally, people who use Internet.org also have choice over the free basic services they can use and can search through a variety of services to add the ones they are most interested in to their homepage.”

A note from the social media platform said it firmly believes we need to give people access to some sites in order to show them how they can use the broader internet to improve their lives. “Infrastructure and affordability are two of the barriers to achieving connectivity at scale in India, but the third, and potentially greatest hurdle, is the social and educational challenge, whereby the majority of people aren’t sure what the internet is or what they can use it for.”

Net Neutrality report: Messages to voice-calling, all the key DoT recommendations