The Delhi High Court on 16 September 2026 asked the Union Government to explain whether it is planning a policy to curb design elements that foster addiction on social‑media platforms.
Key Developments
- The bench comprising Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Amit Sharma will hear a PIL after three weeks.
- The court directed Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma to take instructions on the matter.
- The petitioner, Prof. Vikas Kathuria, seeks the formation of an expert committee to examine addictive architecture such as infinite scroll and autoplay.
- The Centre and several platforms argued that similar petitions have been dismissed by higher courts, questioning the maintainability of the case.
Important Facts
The petition highlights that Indian youth aged 18‑24 spend an average of 120 minutes daily on social media. Clinical studies link prolonged usage with increased risks of suicide and depression among adolescents. The plea urges the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Central Government to restrict, prohibit, or regulate these design features.
Exam Relevance
This case sits at the intersection of technology governance, public health, and child rights. Aspirants should note:
- How courts can influence policy on emerging digital issues (GS2: Polity).
- The role of statutory bodies like the NCPCR in safeguarding vulnerable groups (GS2: Polity).
- Implications for mental‑health policy and the need for regulatory frameworks on addictive architecture (GS4: Ethics).
Way Forward
Potential steps include:
- Formulating a national policy that mandates transparency of algorithmic feeds and limits features like infinite scroll and autoplay for users under 18.
- Creating an expert committee comprising technologists, psychologists, and child‑rights activists to assess the impact of such features.
- Strengthening the enforcement powers of the NCPCR to issue guidelines to platforms.
- Launching awareness campaigns on digital well‑being for students and parents.
These measures would align legal action with policy formulation, addressing both the technological and health dimensions of social‑media addiction.