Major Developments in Internet

Social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives.

|Last Updated: Dec 17, 2015, 05:23 PM IST|Source: Exclusive

All about Internet.org

Earlier in 2015, Internet.org became a hot topic, first due to claims of it violating Net neutrality and next when Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg decided to rebrand the programme to 'Free Basics'.

Internet.org programe is a project initiated by Mark Zuckerberg in partnership between social networking services company Facebook and six companies (Samsung, Ericsson, MediaTek, Opera Software, Nokia and Qualcomm).

The aim of this programme is to bring affordable internet access to less developed countries by increasing its efficiency.

It also stands for connecting people globally through extending the vision by offering Internet connectivity to those who can't afford it.

Social networking giant Facebook flagged off its Internet.org programe on August 20, 2013.

As of April 2015, several partners of the Indian internet.org program quit due to what they perceived as Facebook's violation of Net neutrality.

Net-Neutrality became a social media rage

In 2015, 'Net neutrality' was the most talked about topic and was mentioned on a lot of Internet portals as well. It became one of the biggest issues debated globally by telecom regulators and its principle aim is to treat all Internet traffic equally.

TRAI is also in the process of finalising what will be a landmark recommendation for Indian telecom.

The telecom regulators now want to charge for the Internet differently, based on how much you use it.

The term 'Net Neutrality' was coined by Columbia University's media law professor Tim Wu in 2003, as an extension of the longstanding concept of a common carrier.

Know more about it:

Net neutrality: Thousands join 'Save the Internet' campaign, send over 1 lakh emails to TRAI

Net neutrality: Industry body opposes zero-rated plans

It's important to get Net neutrality debate right in India: Facebook

Major revamps in social media

Believe it or not, but social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. Nowadays, everyone is active on such platforms as they get to connect with friends, colleagues, relatives, etc. as well as make new friends.

With the year coming to an end, we have seen that there have been major changes in some popular social networking platforms.

Every year all the popular social networking sites come up with new features to make the forum more user-friendly and customize its usage.

Let us take a look at some major transformations in some of the globally used social media platforms:

Facebook

The world's favourite social networking site Facebook has rolled out some new features in the year 2015. Introducing these new features, Facebook assures all users with a more interesting and simpler way to connect with people on a global scale.

Here are some links telling you more about Facebook's new features:

Bad breakup? Facebook will help you avoid your exes

Facebook to roll out new feature 'Instant Articles'

Facebook launches 'Slideshow' feature for businesses

Twitter

In the year 2015, the popular micro-blogging site Twitter has come up with its latest updates which have made the site more engaging. As of May 2015, it has managed to catch people's eyes and gather more than 500 million users, out of which more than 302 million are active users.

Instagram

Instagram, a popular photo and video-sharing app and social networking site, has revamped itself by introducing new features.With the coming of these new features the site has garnered more attention.

Click below to know more:

Instagram rolls out new 'fade, color' tools, 'post notifications' feature

Instagram launches a new Explore tab which features Trending Tags, Places Search

As we all know, popular mobile app WhatsApp was taken over by Facebook and also became available for users via PC. This year, Whatsapp made further changes to keep users connected by way of additional new features designed for your convenience and faster usage.

Read all about its new features here:

WhatsApp update for Android: Middle finger emoji, new features

WhatsApp rolls out voice calling feature to select users

WhatsApp extends updates for Android: Three exciting features

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