Facebook founder hits out at Andreessen for slamming India over net neutrality

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has hit out at prominent venture capitalist Marc Andreessen for his tweets condemning the Indian government for banning the firm's free Internet service to uphold net neutrality.

Zuckerberg has termed Andreessen's comments as "deeply upsetting." "I found the comments deeply upsetting, and they do not represent the way Facebook or I think at all," Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook wall Wednesday.

He added: "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."

The row erupted after Andreessen had Tuesday tweeted: "Anti-colonialism has been economically catastrophic for the Indian people for decades. Why stop now?" His tweets followed India's telecom regulator striking down Facebook's free Internet scheme, upholding net neutrality.

Andreessen has also apologised for his comments. "I apologise for any offense caused by my earlier tweet about Indian history and politics. I admire India and the Indian people enormously," he tweeted. Endit