India Launches Challenge To Develop Homegrown Browser: All You Need To Know
According to the announcement, the browser ought to have its own trust store, employ a root certificate from India's Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA)
India has launched a local challenge to develop indigenous web browsers. The Indian government had launched the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) to develop local browsers.
What is the goal of the challenge? "To inspire and empower technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers from all corners of the country to create an indigenous web browser."
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"Arvind Kumar, CCA, MeitY highlighted the crucial role played by CCA in ensuring the trustworthiness and security of digital certificates issued in India and help create a robust PKI infrastructure, enabling secure electronic transactions across the country. However, for SSL certificates, the country has been dependent for SSL certifies issued by Roots of Foreign entities. Initialising to develop its Own Browser with inbuilt India Root Certificate would help overcoming this challenge," the announcement said.
Developing a local browser
According to the announcement, the browser ought to have its own trust store, employ a root certificate from India's Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). The ideal browser would offer "cutting edge functionalities and enhanced security & data privacy protection features," the government note said.
Among desired features are abilities to "digitally sign documents using a crypto token, bolstering secure transactions and digital interactions." The government also wants ease of use for individuals with different abilities. At the challenge's launch, officials said that their goal is to help create a browser that complies with Indian regulations and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).
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Also read: Google's Latest Browser Security Concept Sparks Concerns Of Internet Restriction
In addition, the government hopes to limit reliance on offshore infrastructure, The Register reported. The challenge hopes for developers to create something new from open source browser engines by modifying code and developing plug-ins that are able to imbibe the sought features.
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The ideal browser should be able to run on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and automotive environments. For the first round, 18 participants will be shortlisted. Eight will make it to the second stage, after which a winner, and two runner ups will be named. The winner will receive help to improve their browser.
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Also read: Is Amazon Building A Web Browser? Survey Sent To Users Hints At Possibility
Participants stand to receive a prize pool of ?3.41 crore, with the winner receiving ?1 crore.
What do you think about this move? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
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