The controversy around Facebook’s free basics had seemed to come to an end. But, a new controversy was sparked with Marc Andreessen’s comment on twiiter on India.
He wrote “Anti-colonialism has been economically catastrophic for the Indian people for decades. Why stop now?”
This tweet is now deleted. But, It was a response to someone comparing Free Basics to colonialism. Free Basics is Facebook’s “free internet for everyone!” program, which was banned in India because it violates net neutrality.
And now facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has come out quickly to distance himself. In a facebook post, Zucherberg wrote that India is personally important to Facebook, and that he found Andreessen’s post “deeply upsetting”.
He posted:
“I want to respond to Marc Andreessen’s comments about India yesterday. I found the comments deeply upsetting, and they do not represent the way Facebook or I think at all.
India has been personally important to me and Facebook. Early on in my thinking about our mission, I traveled to India and was inspired by the humanity, spirit and values of the people. It solidified my understanding that when all people have the power to share their experiences the entire world will make progress.
Facebook stands for helping to connect people and giving them voice to shape their own future. But to shape the future we need to understand the past. As our community in India has grown, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the need to understand India’s history and culture. I’ve been inspired by how much progress India has made in building a strong nation and the largest democracy in the world, and I look forward to strengthening my connection to the country”
Although Andreessen said disturbing things about India. He now apologized saying;
1/Last night on Twitter, I made an ill-informed and ill-advised comment about Indian politics and economics.
— Marc Andreessen (@pmarca) February 11, 2016
2/To be clear, I am 100% opposed to colonialism, and 100% in favor of independence and freedom, in every country, including India.
— Marc Andreessen (@pmarca) February 11, 2016
3/I am a huge admirer of the nation of India and the Indian people, who have been nothing but kind and generous to me for many years.
— Marc Andreessen (@pmarca) February 11, 2016
4/I apologize for any offense my comment caused, and withdraw it in full and without reservation.
— Marc Andreessen (@pmarca) February 11, 2016
5/I will leave all future commentary on all of these topics to people with more knowledge and experience than me.
— Marc Andreessen (@pmarca) February 11, 2016
