Facebook's Opens Up Internet.Org Amidst Net Neutrality Spats

Amidst complaints that Facebook was violating the fundamentals of net neutrality by teaming with specific apps and services for internet.org, the social networking giant announced that it will open the initiative to anyone who meets the guidelines.

"Our goal with Internet.org is to work with as many developers and entrepreneurs as possible to extend the benefits of connectivity to diverse, local communities," Facebook said in a blog post. "To do this, we're going to offer services through Internet.org in a way that's more transparent and inclusive."

Internet.org is now open to anyone who follows three principles: encouraging exploration of the broader Web; avoiding high-bandwidth requirements, VoIP, video, file transfer, high-res photos, and a high volume of photos; and building services for feature phones and smartphones.

Facebook launched internet.org to expand web access to emerging markets and link ip the next 5 billion people to the Internet. So far, Facebook has teamed up with countries like Colombia, Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania to offer free Internet access via an Android app on low-cost phones.

The striking catch is that users don't have free access to entire web but only a handful of sites and services.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg argued that "net neutrality is not in conflict with working to get more people connected." He reiterated those thoughts in a new video (below), and argued that Internet.org started with only a handful of partners because "these services have to be specially built to these specifications."

"But giving people more choice over the services they use is incredibly important and going forward, people using Internet.org will be able to search for and use services that meet these guidelines," Facebook said.

Developers can signup on internet.org now.