Egypt has now become the second country to shut down Facebook's controversial free internet service after India did the same last week, according to a report from the Associated Press today. The service, called Free Basics, is part of Facebook's Internet.org initiative that aims to bring internet access to developing nations. Because Free Basics provides access to Facebook and a number of non-Facebook websites at no cost, some regulators and internet activists believe it violates the principles of net neutrality by creating a "walled garden" that prioritizes some sites over others.
Facebook's partner in Egypt, telecom carrier Etisalat Egypt, began providing Free Basics service two months ago, and Facebook says more than 3 million people in Egypt have signed up. Of those 3 million, Facebook says 1 million received access to the internet for the very first time. "We're disappointed that Free Basics will no longer be available in Egypt," Facebook said in a statement provided to the Associated Press. The company hopes to "resolve this situation soon." It's unclear if a telecom regulatory agency shut down the service, as was the case in India. Etisalat Egypt could not be reached for comment at this time.
http://www.theverge.com/2015/12/30/10690714/faceboo-free-basics-internet-service-shut-down-egypt
