Facebook’s New Platform Provides Free Data in Some Countries
Social media titan, Facebook is trying out a new application named Discover in some developing countries. The technology company’s new creation would allow it to expand internet access in the selected countries
Discover will allow its users to access free data as it partners with mobile servicing providers.
The Melo Park, California native company has first tried the application in Peru. Sources say that it also plans to launch it in other countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and even Iraq.
Users will not need Facebook applications to access Discover nor have an account on the social media platform to use it. The tech company claims that it will collect the user’s information or browsing histories.
This comes as speculations regarding whether the company will collect data to target advertisements.
Technology news reports say that consumers will receive free consumable data from their chosen provider each day. The users would also get a regular notification as to when the free data is already available.
However, according to reports, Facebook’s new application only provides low bandwidth browsing. That means that users can still browse and load texts from websites but not view videos. It also applies to other data-heavy consuming activities.
If a user wants to stream, purchasing more data is recommended.
The application is the second take of the social media giant’s Free Basics efforts. The initiative aims to give interest access to places with low internet connectivity.
The said application would only allow its users to access selected websites including Facebook and Messenger.
Banned Usage?
The Free Basics initiative or data usage without payment was controversially banned in India in 2016. Free data may seem to come in the future thanks to modern technology and innovations, but it appears to violate legal laws.
After a rather lengthy legal battle, India’s telecommunication authorities eventually ruled that it lapsed the principles of net neutrality. According to reports, the country’s telecom heads found the program more favorable to some internet service providers over others.
However, in Facebook’s blog post it wasn’t mentioned whether India will be a potential trial country. Discover will reportedly be discriminatory towards other websites thus would be more compliant with the country’s standards.
In Peru, residents who wish to Access discover should be a subscriber to the company’s internet provider partners. The Discover app has been launched in the country and is partners include Claro, Entel, Movistar, and Bitel.
