Today, Facebook introduced the Internet.org Platform, an open program for developers to easily create services that integrate with Internet.org. It also offers people more choice over the free basic services they can use.
Facebook’s goal is to work with as many developers and entrepreneurs as possible to extend the benefits of connectivity to diverse, local communities. To do this, the company is going to offer services through Internet.org in a way that’s more transparent and inclusive.
The Approach
At the core of the company’s 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, and that add value to their lives.
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, as of now a few are offered. 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.
Facebook is building an open platform and anyone who meets these guidelines will be able to participate.
Developers that join will need to follow three principles that 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.
We think these criteria will help us to connect more people faster, and add even greater value to people’s lives.
For more information on how to work with Internet.org, visit internet.org/platform
