#internetdotorg

[digitalmediagcd]

Internet.org

Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, also launched internet.org, whose mission statement reads:

Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative bringing together technology leaders, nonprofits and local communities to connect the two thirds of the world that doesn’t have internet access.

Seems like a noble goal. Practically this involves projects like “Free Basics” which:

provides free basic services in markets where internet access may be less affordable. It allows people to browse selected health, employment and local information websites without data charges. 

So far so good.

But some accuse Zuckerberg of having alternative motives. The website nofakeinternet.org counters that:

Zuckerberg's partnership with telecom giants, Internet.org, provides access to a fake Internet where selected services are prioritized over others. This scheme threatens innovation, free expression, and privacy online

Activists in Brazil maintain that Facebook’s involvement in working with the Government there is undemocratic. Whilst others argue it will be non-secure, vulnerable and not really free.

Whilst the ideals behind internet.org seem noble, dig deeper and you find all is not what it seems.

[olajayi]

Thoughtul piece on Medium about Facebook’s Internet.org & Google’s Free Zone in the race to control the Internet in emerging markets. Not really sure that this is a good thing long term, given the insane amount of control both companies will potentially have in dictating the type of content people can access (in the name of FREE, but controlled Internet).