Facebook Free Basics: All You Need to Know

Facebook Free Basics Program allows people who cannot afford to pay for data to gain free access to certain websites and services. This program has been a source of contention since its inception, with many claiming that it violates net neutrality.

In this article post, we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Free Basics Program and whether it is beneficial to the internet. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to get involved in the fight for net neutrality.

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What is Free Basics by Facebook?

In developing countries, Facebook’s Free Basics program provides free internet access to specific websites and services via mobile phones. The program is intended to assist people who cannot afford or have limited data plans.

Free Basics offers a variety of services such as news, weather, jobs, education, and more. It excludes Facebook and all other social media platforms.

In 2015, Facebook launched Free Basics in collaboration with mobile network operators around the world. The program is now available in over 60 countries. Facebook has been chastised for providing a limited range of services and for collaborating with mobile operators with a poor track record on net neutrality.

How does Free Basics work?

The Free Basics program on Facebook offers free internet access to a limited number of websites and services. Facebook chooses these websites and services, which must meet certain criteria such as being mobile-optimized and data-efficient.

Free Basics is available in more than 60 countries and serves more than 150 million people. People must have a mobile phone with an internet connection and a data plan in order to use Free Basics. They can then use the Free Basics website or app to search for a list of available websites and services.

Facebook does not charge people to use Free Basics, nor does it charge websites or service providers to participate in the program. When using the internet outside of Free Basics, data charges may still apply.

What are the benefits of Free Basics?

There are numerous advantages to using Facebook’s Free Basics. For one thing, it’s a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who may not have internet access.

Furthermore, Free Basics provides users with free data, which can be a great way to save money on your mobile phone bill. Finally, Free Basics provides a number of apps and services that are beneficial to people in developing countries.

Free Basics provides essential services

While many people use social media and the internet for entertainment, mobile internet access can improve lives. From civil unrest to natural disasters, social media platforms like Facebook use the power of connectivity to locate survivors and raise funds for relief.

Technology and the internet have a significant impact

Technology and the internet are having an unprecedented impact, and the power of connecting people who want to take action is being boosted by initiatives like Free Basics.

Access to affordable internet is a fundamental human right

Free Basics provides benefits and opportunities that other initiatives do not, such as Google Loon, which was created to assist victims of natural disasters.

Internet access for more than a select few

Rather than being motivated by profit, Free Basics aims to increase internet coverage. This is significant.

What are the drawbacks of Free Basics?

Free Basics has a few potential drawbacks. For starters, it could result in a two-tiered internet, with those who can afford to pay for full access having a far superior experience than those who can only use the free basics.

This has the potential to exacerbate economic and social inequalities. Furthermore, because it is already so widely used and accepted, Free Basics could become a monopoly platform.

This could give Facebook an excessive amount of power over what people can and cannot do online, which could be abused. Finally, in order to function properly, Free Basics relies on data collection.

Because Facebook has previously been chastised for its handling of user data, there are fears that user data collected through Free Basics will be mishandled as well. Free Basics is simply a version of Facebook for websites and services that want to collaborate with its proprietary platform.

Consider that there are 1 billion websites and nearly 3.5 billion Internet users, which can create a powerful force for change. This would come to an end if telcos became gatekeepers, which is what net neutrality is all about.

Health necessitates doctors and hospitals, not just a few Facebook pages. The same can be said for education. The internet cannot be used to replace schools and colleges.

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How to get started with Facebook Free Basics

If you’re new to Free Basics by Facebook, here’s a quick start guide. To begin, ensure that you have a data plan with your mobile service provider. Then, navigate to the Free Basics website and choose your country and mobile operator. After that, you can start using Free Basics without paying for data charges.

Free Basics offers over 150 freebies, including some of the most popular services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Wikipedia, and Google Search. Simply go to the menu and select “More” to browse more content. And if you ever need help or have any questions, their team is always available – just go to the app’s “Help” section.

Alternatives to Free Basics

There are several alternatives to Facebook’s Free Basics. Airtel Zero, a program that provides free data for specific websites and services, is one option.

Reliance Communications’ Internet.org is another option, as it offers free data for using a limited number of apps and websites. Finally, Google’s Project Loon uses balloons to provide internet access to rural areas.

Final Notes on Facebook Free Basics

Overall, Facebook’s Free Basics initiative is a fantastic initiative that can assist people in developing countries in gaining access to the internet and basic services.

However, there are some potential risks associated with it, such as concerns about data privacy and the potential creation of a digital divide. As long as these concerns are addressed, Free Basics can be a useful tool for closing the digital divide.

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