Is Internet.org A Money Maker For Facebook?

This year, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ: FB)'s Mark Zuckerberg announced that he had finally launched Internet.org; a program designed to bring Internet access to disconnected people around the globe. Poised as nothing more than an initiative aimed at connecting the world, many are wondering whether or not Zuckerberg's efforts will be well received and if Facebook stands to gain anything from the program.

What Is It?

Internet.org is what Zuckerberg called "an onramp to the Internet." The program offers a limited, watered down version of the Internet that includes pages from some of the initiative's partners. Many have criticized Internet.org, saying that it goes against the idea of net neutrality and filters the content that people can see. However, Zuckerberg says the initiative isn't intended to replace normal internet services, but rather gives people an idea of the value being connected might provide.

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Well Received?

So far, the program has had mixed reviews. Some are praising Zuckerberg's efforts, saying that internet.org has persuaded hundreds to connect to the internet within a month of using it.

Others are critical, saying that Internet.org preys on underprivileged populations by offering them a filtered version of the Internet and controlling what they can and can't access. However, Zuckerberg has pushed back against such accusations by sharing stories of those who have benefited from having access to the web through Internet.org.

Money Maker?

So far, Internet.org has done nothing for Facebook's bottom line. However, that could change in the future—the very distant future. Zuckerberg has said that the initiative wasn't conceived as a money-maker for Facebook, but that it could have some benefits down the road. The places where Internet.org is being rolled out are likely to develop in the coming years, and as they improve infrastructure and more people get online, Facebook will already have some inroads.