Facebook has announced that it is opening its Internet.org initiative to developers, enabling developers to create services and websites that will be accessible through Internet.org.
The move follows criticism suggesting that Facebook's Internet.org would give the company too much power over Internet access, essentially causing concern over Facebook and net neutrality.
"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. To do this, we're going to offer services through Internet.org in a way that's more transparent and inclusive," said Facebook in a statement.
The move could be a very significant one for the rate of Internet adoption around the world. While previously Facebook only worked with select partners on the initiative, now that it is open to developers, these developers will be able to create services and apps that are accessible through Internet.org.
The new platform is potentially open to any developer, however, the developer will have to adhere to three principles outlined in Facebook's announcement.
The first principle is that developers will be working on services that encourage the exploration of the Web as a whole. The second is that high bandwidth requirements need to be avoided because of the fact that, at least in the beginning, users won't have Internet access that is very high-speed. The third principle is that websites and services must also be optimized for mobile.
"Because these services have to be specially built to these specifications, we started by offering just a few," continued Facebook. "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."
The fact that developers are now able to join the Internet.org initiative will likely give the program a much higher demand than it already has. It will also likely make the program far more useful for those that are using it as their main way to access the Internet. While it will be limited to whomever Facebook limits it to, being a more useful service may also help Facebook find more partners in bringing the service to more people.
While only time will tell the effect that this move has for Internet.org and the rate of its adoption, the move can only be good. At the very least, those who already have the service and who get the service will now find it far more useful.
