India Internet Ruling Blocks Facebook 'Free Basics' Program

- 

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. It’s a victory for critics who argued that Facebook’s “Free Basics” program gave an unfair advantage to some Internet services over others.

Facebook has introduced “Free Basics” in partnership with wireless carriers in dozens of emerging nations, where the company hopes to get more people online. The service provides free access to a stripped-down version of Facebook and certain other Internet sites - including some that provide essential information like weather forecasts, health education and job listings.