Futile move

Apropos, ‘Tax on mobile data usage isn’t good idea’, (March 27). The proposal to impose a tax on data usage reflects a regressive fiscal approach that undermines the foundational ethos of a digital economy.

In a country like India, where internet access is integral to education, entrepreneurship, and governance, such a levy would exacerbate existing digital inequalities.

It risks disproportionately burdening economically vulnerable users while inflating operational costs for start-ups and small enterprises. Furthermore, it contradicts the objectives of digital inclusion and innovation-driven growth.

Rather than expanding revenue through restrictive taxation, policy should prioritize affordability and infrastructure, ensuring that digital access remains an enabler of socio-economic mobility rather than a taxed privilege.

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

Social media addiction

The recent verdict by a California court holding Meta and YouTube accountable in a social media addiction case could prove to be a bellwether for a broader push toward greater accountability for Big Tech. The 20-year-old plaintiff, who argued that these platforms contributed to anxiety and depression, was awarded substantial damages, with Meta ordered to pay $4.2 million and YouTube $1.8 billion.

This judgment reinforces the concerns raised by experts such as Tristan Harris and Justin Rosenstein, who have long argued that social media platforms are deliberately designed to capture and sustain user attention by exploiting human psychology.

In an era where digital platforms are deeply embedded in education, work, and social life, outright prohibition is neither practical nor sufficient. It is essential that children are equipped with the cognitive and emotional skills needed to navigate the attention economy responsibly.

M Jeyaram

Sholavandan (TN)

Published on March 27, 2026