Facebook, Instagram & X Under Focus Over ‘Addictive’ Design Features

New Delhi : Could features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, personalised feeds, persistent notifications and “likes” come under greater regulatory scrutiny in India? The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government whether it is considering a policy to examine the design architecture of social media platforms that, according to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), is built to keep users engaged for longer periods.

The matter concerns a PIL filed by law professor Dr Vikas Kathuria, who has sought the formation of an expert committee to examine what he describes as “engagement-maximising” and “addiction-causing” design features across social media platforms. The petition focuses not on the content posted online, but on the way platforms are designed to repeatedly capture and retain users’ attention through features such as endless scrolling, autoplay, algorithmically curated feeds, short-form videos, notification systems and engagement indicators such as likes.

The petitioner has also raised concerns about the possible impact of prolonged and compulsive social media use on young people, particularly those in the 15–24 age group, citing issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying-related stress and compulsive scrolling. According to the petition, these design elements can encourage users to continue consuming content without a natural stopping point, with one video automatically leading to another and personalised feeds continuously presenting new material.

The PIL seeks an expert assessment of such features and the introduction of evidence-based safeguards or standards, while also seeking appropriate regulation of features that may maximise user engagement. During the latest hearing, a division bench comprising Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Amit Sharma asked Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma to obtain instructions from the Centre on whether the government is considering a policy on the issue.

The ASG told the court that he did not have specific instructions from the government at that stage, following which the court deferred the hearing for three weeks. Importantly, the court has not yet concluded that these social media features are harmful or addictive; the concerns and descriptions regarding their effects form part of the petitioner’s case, which remains under judicial consideration. The proceedings could nevertheless bring wider attention to how digital platforms are designed and whether India needs specific safeguards governing features intended to maximise user engagement.

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