Delhi HC Asks Centre If It Plans Policy To Regulate ‘Addictive’ Social Media Features

The Delhi High Court’s inquiry into social media design features points to a new regulatory front beyond content moderation. This shifts focus from what users see to how platforms are engineered for engagement. The PIL specifically cites features like infinite scroll and autoplay, arguing they are designed to maximize user time. This is a direct challenge to the core monetization strategies of major platforms like Meta and Google in India.

For Indian regulators, this case presents a choice: either address platform design directly or defer to industry self-regulation. The petition notes that Indian youth aged 18 to 24 spend over 120 minutes daily on social media. This statistic alone could compel the Centre to consider a policy. Any regulation here would set a precedent for other Asian markets grappling with similar concerns about digital well-being.

The test for the Indian government is whether it will propose a concrete policy within the three-week timeframe given by the court. If it does, expect a strong pushback from social media giants. The outcome will define how much control regulators can exert over user experience design, not just content, in one of the world's largest internet markets.