Facebook has acquired Onavo, a maker of apps that allow smartphone and tablet users to monitor the amount of data they use.

The acquisition fits into Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s recently-launched Internet.org initiative, which among other things wants to promote more efficient use of data by mobile apps.

The company was started three years ago with the aim of helping people save money through more efficient use of data and help developers design more efficient apps.

It developed a range of award-winning apps, mobile market intelligence service Onavo Insights, and has made progress with data compression technology.

In a blog post, Onavo co-founder and CEO Guy Rosen wrote “we plan to continue running the Onavo mobile utility apps as a standalone brand”.

And perhaps with the much-discussed issue of Facebook’s approach to privacy in mind, Rosen added: “As always, we remain committed to the privacy of people who use our application and that commitment will not change.”

The value of the deal was not disclosed.