Facebook : Internet.org Summit Addresses the Content Barrier

Today, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg kicked off the first Internet.org Summit in New Delhi, India. The Summit brings together like-minded thought leaders who are focused on addressing the lack of relevant localized content online. This is critical to Internet.org's efforts to connect the two thirds of the world not yet connected. Simply providing access to the internet will not be enough if devices cannot support local languages and relevant content is not available.

Participants will share insights, network, and identify partnership opportunities to develop and distribute content that will increase internet penetration in India. At the Summit, Mark discussed the role localized content can play in bringing more Indians online. He also stressed the benefits connectivity can bring to those who are not yet connected.

This is part of Internet.org's broader effort to accelerate connectivity in India by addressing a variety of barriers, including access to network infrastructure, affordability of devices and data plans, awareness of the value of the internet and the lack of relevant content and services.

Mark also announced the Internet.org Innovation Challenge, a contest for app developers to create unique, localized content that will help accelerate connectivity in rural India. Developers from around the world are invited to submit ideas and apps that impact the day-to-day lives of farmers, women, migrant workers or students. Judges include representatives from Facebook, Ericsson and Qualcomm. The winners will be announced at Mobile World Congress 2015 and share a total of $1 million.