New rules on net neutrality have come into effect in India, with the publication of the decision by the Telecom Regulatory Authority (Trai) in the official gazette. The rules include a specific ban on discriminatory pricing for internet services based on their content, meaning operators cannot offer 'zero rating', that is free or cheaper data traffic, for specific online services. Only 'emergency' services, or in times of emergency situations, could such pricing be allowed, and then the operator must notify Trai within seven days of the reduced tariff. Violations of the ban on discriminatory pricing can result in the Trai issuing a fine of INR 50,000 per day, up to a maximum INR 5 million.
The rules, under discussion for the past year, have been fought particularly by Facebook. The social network was earlier forced to withdraw its FreeBasics service, which offers free data to visit certain websites such as Facebook, following protests in India over the net neutrality violation. A survey by Facebook late last year of 3,000 people in India found that over 80 percent supported the idea of “free access to a set of useful websites on the Internet”. Nevertheless, the company will not be able to continue its partnership with mobile operators under the new rules.
