The Internet is playing an increasingly important role for those wanting to start businesses and find new jobs. But could Internet access bring about world peace? Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg seems to think so.

Zuckerberg and a number of celebrities started a campaign on Saturday to get worldwide access to the Internet, saying that global access is critical to combatting global problems.

"The Internet is more than just a network of machines, it is the key driver of social and economic progress in our time," said Zuckerberg at a luncheon with United Nations business leaders. "A like or a post won't stop a tank or a bullet, but when people are connected, we have the chance to build a common global community with a shared understanding."

The announcement by Zuckerberg is the latest push by companies like Facebook and Google to bring Internet access to the far reaches of the globe. If they succeed in extending the Internet to everyone, it will end up being a true win-win situation for business and people around the world.

One of the first targets for Facebook is to bring Internet access to refugee camps, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. Facebook is reportedly working on satellites and aircraft that can beam down Internet connectivity to smaller villages and towns. Google is attempting something similar, but using weather balloons instead of satellites.

Critics however suggest that connecting everyone around the world is in the best interests of the companies themselves, who make most of their money from advertising, as better Internet access would allow them to advertise to more people.

Be that as it may, Zuckerberg has pointed out that even basic Internet access can change lives. To that end, Facebook has created an initiative – originally called Internet.org and recently changed to Free Basics – which offers Internet access to basic services and allows developers to create apps to be used through the service.

Via: CNET