TechnologyA Delhi High Court PIL is targeting infinite scroll and autoplay, not just harmful content
The petition argues that engagement-maximising design itself should be examined as a regulatory issue, especially for young users.
THE INDIQA Research DeskPublished 9 Sept 2026Updated 12 Sept 20262 min read
A PIL filed in the Delhi High Court has challenged design features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, personalised feeds and persistent notifications on major social-media platforms. The petitioner argues that India’s current legal framework focuses mainly on content, while the architecture used to maximise engagement also deserves scrutiny.
The case could become significant if the court pushes regulators or expert bodies to distinguish between content moderation and product-design regulation. For UPSC, connect it to platform accountability, child and youth safety, mental-health concerns, intermediary regulation and the broader debate over how law should respond to algorithmic systems.
CIVIL SERVICES VIEWStudy this development
GS-IIGS-IIIGS-IVDigital regulation, platform accountability and youth safetyPrelims: MediumMains: High
Why this matters
The petition argues that engagement-maximising design itself should be examined as a regulatory issue, especially for young users.
Key terms
- infinite scroll
- autoplay
- algorithmic feeds
- platform regulation
Arguments, challenges and policy responses
- Regulating design architecture separately from content
- Balancing innovation, free expression and child safety
India’s context
India has one of the world’s largest populations of young social-media users, making design regulation a major public-policy issue.
Practice question
Should digital regulation address engagement-maximising design in addition to unlawful content? Discuss.
Revision summary
- Regulating design architecture separately from content
- Balancing innovation, free expression and child safety
DISCUSSION & EDITORIAL REVIEW
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