Facebook introduced the Internet.org Platform, an open program for developers to easily create services that integrate with Internet.org.
Facebook said in its blog post on May 4, “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.”
Developers will need to follow three principles that we’ve followed in building versions of Facebook and Messenger for Internet.org. These are designed to align all participants’ incentives and bring more people online. Participation will remain free for any developer or user.
Three Guidelines for Participation:
1.Explore the entire internet
The Internet.org Platform aims to give people valuable free services that they can use to discover the entire wealth of online services and, ultimately become paying users of the internet.
Services should encourage the exploration of the broader internet wherever possible.
2.Efficiency
To sustainably deliver free basic internet services to people, we need to build apps that use data very efficiently.
Websites that require high-bandwidth will not be included. Services should not use VoIP, video, file transfer, high resolution photos, or high volume of photos.
3.Technical specifications
Websites must be properly integrated with Internet.org to allow zero rating and therefore can’t require JavaScript or SSL/TLS/HTTPS and must meet these technical guidelines.
Mark Zuckerberg posted an update and uploaded a video in his facebook profile. Read below
“Today, we’re taking the next step with Internet.org by enabling anyone to build free basic internet services to help connect the world. Giving people these free services is the right thing to do.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.
If we want everyone to share the opportunities we have, then it’s our responsibility to bring everyone online in a way that respects an inclusive net neutrality.”
