Facebook support for net neutrality

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks in support for net neutrality

Mark Zuckerberg speaks in support for net neutrality in an open Q&A session (File pic)

The Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, opened a small window on Tuesday, April 14, for a Q&A session on his social page. For a hour, he was answering queries from regular Facebook users to billionaires and entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson, singer Shakira and a few others. Though he was answering questions across areas such as the Oculus, photography and a few others, the topic of net neutrality was our concern for now. USA Today reported that Mark replied to the concerned area of net neutrality with care.
Facebook user and senior tech writer at TC, Josh Constine, asked “What's your opinion on the net neutrality implications of Internet.org providing free access to only a select few "basic Internet services" in the developing world, while other services require a data plan, and how Facebook/Internet.org is in the position to choose what services are free?”
In reply, Mark answered, “I think net neutrality is important to make sure network operators don't discriminate and limit access to services people want to use, especially in countries where most people are online. For people who are not on the internet though, having some connectivity and some ability to share is always much better than having no ability to connect and share at all. That's why programs like Internet.org are important and can co-exist with net neutrality regulations.”
Net Neutrality, a term that has been out there for a while now, is causing a rage between internet users and the telecom service providers. Telecom service providers, the main service from where you get your internet on your smartphone or while using your dongle, are known to be blocking certain websites while offering certain ones for free. The ones blocked are being charged for use, as per actual.
India has no laws governing net neutrality. There are a few violations from certain telecom service providers in India and the TRAI is yet to form a proper guideline for the same.
The internet is supposed to be neutral for all—free to use as they want it, with no governing bodies in between. However, a few telecom providers are said to be heavily lobbying with the TRAI. They are planning to allow them to block certain apps and websites so that they can ‘extort’ more money from consumers and businesses. This is a violation of net neutrality.