Facebook is at it again, launching a Save Free Basics campaign through its website to convince people to support the platform. Indian users have started getting notifications on top of their feeds or from friends which leads them to a page asking them to send a pre-written email to TRAI.
This isn’t the first time Facebook has tried to con its users into supporting Free Basics. Back when it was still known as Internet.org, the social networking site sent out a message asking people if they wanted India to have free internet services. It’s amped its efforts this time round, with a dedicated page detailing exactly why it should be allowed to continue.
The pre-written message on the Save Free Basics campaign page is addressed to TRAI. It says the platform provides free access to vital online tools such as education and healthcare for those who can’t afford to pay for data or need encouragement to explore the internet. The note also claims shutting down the project will hurt the 1 billion Indian citizens who are not yet connected to the web.
If sending a pre-written email to TRAI sounds familiar, it’s because the Save the Internet movement used the same method to voice its support for net neutrality. Facebook has indirectly referred to the campaign by addressing it as a small group of critics who are lobbying to stop Free Basics on the basis of net neutrality.
Also See: Facebook responds to TRAI paper, says Free Basics is open to all
Facebook has painted its naysayers in an extremely negative light, stating that the detractors want people to pay equally to access all internet services instead of allowing the poor to have a few tools for free. This statement clearly goes against the principles of net neutrality, which asserts that no brand should be given preferential treatment over others.
Facebook says Free Basics is in danger of getting banned within a few weeks. This is in reference to TRAI’s recent consultation paper regarding differential pricing for data services. The document is open for comments from all stakeholders till December 30. The authority is of the view that while zero-rating platforms expand access to the internet, operators have too much control over tariffs.