Mark Zuckerberg: an unequal web is superior to no web by any means

Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Facebook, has spoken out about a program called Internet.org. He says the program is better than having no internet at all. This article explains what Internet.org is, why some groups in India protested, and what Zuckerberg said in response.

What is Internet.org?

Internet.org is a project started by Facebook. It gives free access to a small list of web services. The list includes Facebook, Google Search, Wikipedia, AccuWeather and BBC News. Users can reach these services through a special app on their mobile phones.

The idea is to let people in places where data is expensive or hard to get use the internet for free. The app is already in Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Colombia and parts of India. Facebook says it will add more countries where people need it.

Why did Indian groups protest?

Several Indian tech and internet groups said Internet.org breaks the rule of net neutrality. Net neutrality means every website should be treated the same by internet providers. No site should get special speed or free access while others are slowed down.

Two big Indian companies, Cleartrip.com (a travel site) and Times Group (a media giant), announced they would leave Internet.org. They said they were worried about competition. Times Group also asked other providers to quit the program.

These groups argued that giving free access only to a few services could push other websites out of the market. They feared that Facebook could become the main way people in developing countries talk online.

Mark Zuckerberg’s response

After the protest, Zuckerberg wrote a blog post. He said, “It is always better to have some access than none by any means.” He added that Facebook fully supports net neutrality and wants the internet to stay open.

He explained that Internet.org does not block or slow down other services. The app is open to every mobile user, and Facebook does not stop anyone from joining.

Zuckerberg also said, “Arguments about net neutrality should not be used to keep the most disadvantaged people from getting access.” He noted that 66% of the world is still not connected to the internet. He believes that giving a few basic services for free can help close the digital divide.

When asked why the app only offers a few services, Zuckerberg said it is too costly to make the whole web free. Mobile operators spend billions of dollars to support all internet traffic. If they had to give everything away for free, they would go bankrupt. By offering only essential services, the cost stays low and the service remains free for users.

He also said Facebook works with local governments and mobile operators to pick local services for each country. This means the app can show services that are useful in each place.

The debate on net neutrality

Net neutrality is a big topic worldwide. It means that internet providers must treat all data equally. No website or app should get faster speeds just because it pays more.

Critics of Internet.org say that giving free access to only a few sites could break this rule. They worry that users will think the internet is only those sites, and other sites will lose visitors.

A report by Quartz in February found that many Facebook users in developing countries do not realize they are using the internet. They think they are only on Facebook. This could lead to a “twisted” view of the web.

The report warned that if first‑time users only see Facebook’s limited version, they may treat Facebook as the only place to communicate. Other platforms, startups, NGOs and businesses might then have to follow Facebook’s rules to reach people.

Supporters, like Zuckerberg, argue that any connection is better than none. They say that without Internet.org, many people would stay offline because data costs are too high.

Both sides agree that the goal is to bring more people online. The disagreement is about how to do it without harming competition and without breaking net neutrality.

How the program works and who benefits

Internet.org works through partnerships with mobile carriers. The carriers allow the app to use their network without charging data fees for the listed services.

For users, the benefit is simple: they can open Facebook, Google Search, Wikipedia, AccuWeather or BBC News without using any of their data plan.

For mobile operators, the program can bring more data traffic to their networks, which may lead to higher overall usage and revenue from other services.

For governments, the program can help citizens access important information like weather updates and news without extra cost.

However, the program does not give free access to local news sites, e‑commerce platforms, or educational portals unless they are added by the local partnership.

FAQ

What is net neutrality?

Net neutrality means all internet traffic is treated the same. No website gets special speed or free access unless the rule is changed.

Why does Internet.org only offer a few services?

Providing the whole internet for free would cost billions of dollars. Offering a few essential services keeps the cost low and still gives users a taste of the web.

Can users still visit other websites on their phones?

Yes. Users can open any website they want, but they will use their regular data plan for those sites. Only the listed services are free.

Will Internet.org expand to more countries?

Facebook says it will bring the app to any place where people need free basic access. The plan is to grow as more mobile operators join.

Conclusion

Mark Zuckerberg believes that a small amount of free internet is better than none. He says Internet.org follows net neutrality and helps the 66% of people who are still offline.

Indian groups like Cleartrip.com and Times Group worry that the program could hurt competition and break the principle of equal treatment online.

The debate continues. Both sides want more people online, but they disagree on the best way to do it without harming a free and open internet.