Facebook opens Internet.org for developers to integrate services

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Facebook has announced details of the next step in its Internet.org plans  by opening the Internet.org to developers or third-parties. “Today, we are introducing the Internet.org Platform, an open program for developers to easily create services that integrate with Internet.org. We’re also giving people more choice over the free basic services they can use,” the social media giant announced in a blog post.

It further read, “Our goal with Internet.org is to work with as many developers and entrepreneurs as possible to extend the benefits of connectivity to diverse, local communities. To do this, we’re going to offer services through Internet.org in a way that’s more transparent and inclusive.”

At the core of efforts with Internet.org are non-exclusive partnerships with mobile operators to offer free basic internet services to people through Internet.org. This is a set of basic websites and services to introduce people to the value of the internet.

These websites are very simple and data efficient, so operators can offer these for free in an economically sustainable way. Websites do not pay to be included, and operators don’t charge developers for the data people use for their services.

Because these services have to be specially built to these specifications, we started by offering just a few. But giving people more choice over the services they use is incredibly important and going forward, people using Internet.org will be able to search for and use services that meet these guidelines. Participation will remain free for any developer or user.

In his post, Zuckerberg  also added that, “ I support net neutrality because, at its core, it's about preventing discrimination. Net neutrality means we can use the services we want, and innovators can build the services we need.Connecting everyone is about preventing discrimination too. More than 4 billion people don't have access to the internet and the opportunities it brings. If we connect them, we'll lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.”

He further added that Facebook is soon going to share an open technical spec, and any compatible service will be available through Internet.org across the whole world.