Explainer: How a per-GB levy hopes to curb social media addiction

A proposal to levy a charge on mobile data usage is being examined as a behavioural nudge to curb excessive social media consumption and steer usage towards more productive purposes. Rishi Raj examines the idea which raises questions on consumer pricing, user behaviour, and telecom tariffs

What is being proposed?

The proposal is for a levy on mobile data consumption, informally referred to as a data tax. While no decision has been taken, reports indicate that the Prime Minister’s Office has asked the department of telecommunications to examine the idea.