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.

But the program has sparked debate in some countries, particularly India, where critics contend that “Free Basics” effectively steers users toward Facebook and its partners, while making it harder for other Internet services including homegrown startups - to build their own audiences.

In a much-awaited decision Monday, Indian regulators said telecommunications providers may not charge different or “discriminatory” rates for delivering different kinds of Internet content.