Facebook has announced Discover, a mobile web and Android app that lets users in developing countries browse any website using free data from mobile operators.
Following the ban of Free Basics in India back in 2016, Facebook is once again testing an app to provide free internet browsing to users in developing countries. Discover, available on the mobile web and as a standalone Android app, lets users browse websites for free, by using a daily balance provided by partner mobile operators.
The app is currently being tested in Peru through selected mobile operators. When using the free data, Discover only supports low bandwidth traffic, and, therefore, data-intensive traffic like video, audio, and others, are not supported. The free balance from operators will vary.
Related | Facebook Makes It Easy To Transfer Photos And Videos To Google Photos
However, Facebook promises that “all websites are treated equally,” it doesn’t collect browsing histories connected to its users, and won’t use users’ activity to target them with ads. More importantly, users won’t even need a Facebook account to use it. Free data will be topped up every day, and users will receive a notification whenever this is available.
Image: Facebook
Discover is Facebook’s second move in its Free Basics initiative, which aims to bring internet access to regions around the world that have low connectivity. Facebook’s first attempt ended abruptly in India when the country banned it in violation of the principles of net neutrality.
The announcement for Discover doesn’t mention this first iteration, but Product Manager, Yoav Zeevi, explains that Facebook has “listened to feedback and recommendations from civil society groups and other stakeholders, including organizations like the World Wide Web Foundation.” and that the company “developed Discover to address and incorporate those recommendations into a new product that supports connectivity.”
Facebook may have learned its lesson this time, but we’ll just have to find out how Discover will fare. Facebook plans to also launch Discover in a number of other countries, including Thailand, the Philippines, and Iraq.
Users in Peru can access Discover if they use a SIM from mobile operators, Bitel, Claro, Entel, and Movistar.can. They can either download the Discover app for Android or visit 0.discoverapp.com on any mobile web browser.
You might also like
More from Facebook
Meta Rolls Out Horizon Worlds In France And Spain
Meta Horizon Worlds, the VR community and game, is now available in France and Spain.
Facebook Tests New Desktop Layout Redesign
Reports say that some users are starting to see a new Facebook desktop layout, with all options listed on a …
Meta May Soon Alert You When Your Posts Are Removed By AI
According to reports, Meta is rolling out a system that notifies users when their posts are removed and how.
Meta Is Working On A Universal Speech Translator
Meta's latest AI project seeks to extend advanced translation options to lesser-used languages and to develop a universal speech translator.
Instagram Retires Boomerang And Hyperlapse Standalone Apps
Boomerang and Hyperlapse standalone apps have been removed from app stores as their functionality is already available within Reels.
Meta Demos Voice Controlled Builder Bot That Creates VR Spaces
Meta's latest AI research introduces a prototype technology capable of generating immersive objects through voice commands only.
Facebook Is Removing The Ability To Create Profile Frames
As part of its efforts to continue banning anti-vax messages, Meta is removing the ability for users to create frames.
Facebook Is About To Shut Down Campus
Facebook has informed users via an in-app message that it will be shutting down Campus - its college-focused social network.
Meta Updates Its Company Values
In the aftermath of its major rebranding, Meta is announcing a new company mission formed by a group of values.
