The public debate on net neutrality in India just entered a new phase with Facebook's ‘Free Basics' campaign. An op-ed column by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in a national daily just ahead of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) deadline inviting public comments by January 7 has only intensified the issue.
Here, we try and make sense of what the debate on Free Basics actually is and why its opponents believe it runs counter to the idea of Net Neutrality.
What is Free Basics?
For the uninitiated, Free Basics is the rechristened version of Internet.org and positions itself as a new form of connectivity – one that transcends economic, geographic and political barriers – and claims to provide ‘access to free basic internet services'. Going by the number of newspaper advertisements published every day, it is, of course, a well-funded campaign.
How is it different from Net Neutrality?
Free Basics connectivity allows users selective access to services like communication, healthcare, education, job listings and farming information -- all without data charges. Net Neutrality, on the other hand, means internet service providers treat all data on the internet equally and, therefore, not differentially charge users.
Does Free Basics provide a level-playing field?
No. Proponents of net neutrality are clearly not buying the idea. Free Basics, they claim, is not open, plural or diverse; and can be harmful for India's democracy. Facebook, they believe, is lobbying for a stand that opposes Open web, an idea from which it has benefitted immensely.
Free Basics, which has been developed in collaboration with Reliance Communications in India, offers users a selection of about 100 websites. Facebook reserves the right to reject applications from websites and apps for Free Basics, stipulating its conformity to its technical guidelines. Critiques believe that services which compete with the telecom operator services will not be allowed on Free Basics as it would need Facebook's permission. Essentially, users of Free Basics cannot access websites and services that have not been approved by Facebook.
Is Free Basics a bad idea?
Zuckerberg compares Free Basics to libraries, hospitals and schools that are important in our society despite offering basic services. “Everyone also deserves access to free basic Internet services,” he wrote. However, the current model of Facebook for Free Basics gives users a predetermined selection, contrary to its own idea of giving the poor free access to the diverse web. This is against the idea of Net Neutrality.
Selective Access
Free Basics is a zero-rating platform where it provides free access to a limited number of services. Still, it is selective in nature. Proponents of net neutrality find zero-rating platforms in violation of the principles regardless of whether it is paid for by partners, or free. According to Tim Berners-Lee, the man who invented the World Wide Web, users should say no to zero-rating programs such as Free Basics. Anything offered in the name of the "Internet" which isn't the "full Internet", isn't really free and public, he said.
Regulation
Facebook insists that its intention with Free Basics is to bring the power of the Internet to everyone, leading to everyone's development, and growth of the nation. However, it doesn't have the authority to do whatever it desires. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the independent telecom regulator which regulates all Internet access in India is seeking public opinion on introducing Free Basics.
It has invited comments on a consultation paper on "differential data pricing," where users are charged different amounts (or not at all) depending on which app, website or service they are consuming data on. Users can email advisorfea1@trai.gov.in and share their views until January 7.
Facebook is also running a parallel campaign calling on Indian users to send an email to TRAI asking the government agency to support its Free Basics program. The campaign shows up when users sign onto Facebook and includes a pre-filled form.
