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Despite facing flak, Facebook's 'Internet.org' aims to bring 4.5 billion users online

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 13 February 2017, 3:25 IST

Facebook is to scale up its service 'Internet.org' in order to provide free basic internet on mobile phones. The service is aimed at developing countries around the world and bringing those deprived online.

Rising numbers

Last year Internet.org brought 9 million people online and the platforms aim is to give access to the internet for the 4.5 billion people in developing countries.

As Chris Daniels told Reuters "This is really a customer acquisition tool for mobile operators where the benefit to them of offering a very light amount of free data is to bring on more paying subscribers to their networks".

He went on to say that "Facebook will not be paying for any of the data being used to access the service". Daniels believes that the service goes beyond just providing people with access to the internet but it is also successful in sharing with people the value of the internet. It will help with small business' through advertisements and connecting people who wouldn't have been able to connect.

What did Facebook say?

On its blog post Facebook said it would open a portal allowing any mobile phone provider to offer the service under the Internet.org platform. Along with the service people will have access to Facebook's own social network and messaging services.

Internet.org explained

Why Internet.org is facing flak?

However the service has faced backlash from a number of leading technology and internet firms. These firms have pulled out of the service after activists claimed it violated principals of neutral internet. This comes on the same day that Facebook unveiled plans to let users appoint an 'heir' to their account. It means that once a user dies their heir can manage their account. Many have branded this new edition as 'creepy'.

First published: 29 July 2015, 11:16 IST