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February 9, 2016

Ruling blocks Facebook's ‘Free Basics' program

  • The program would provide free access to a stripped-down Facebook and information like weather forecasts, health education and job listings.
  • By BRANDON BAILEY
    AP Technology Writer

    SAN FRANCISCO — India's government has essentially banned a Facebook program that sought to connect with low-income residents by offering free access to a limited version of the social network and other Internet services.

    The ruling is a major setback for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who had lobbied hard for the program as part of a campaign to expand Internet access in developing countries. It's a victory for critics who argued that Facebook's “Free Basics” program gave an unfair advantage to some Internet services over others.


     
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