New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) during the Launch Programme held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 9 August.
The IWBDC is an Open Challenge Competition aimed at inspiring and empowering technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers across the nation to create a web browser that is uniquely tailored to their needs. This browser will feature its own trust store, complete with an inbuilt CCA India root certificate, and will offer cutting-edge functionalities, as well as advanced security and data privacy protection features.
The proposed web browser also places great importance on accessibility and user-friendliness, ensuring that it includes built-in support for individuals with diverse abilities. Additionally, the browser has the capability to digitally sign documents using a cryptographic token, enhancing the security of transactions and digital interactions.
Ms. Sunita Verma, a distinguished Scientist and Group Coordinator for R&D in Electronics & Information Technology, along with Mr. Arvind Kumar, the Controller of Certifying Authorities at MeitY, and Dr. S. D. Sudarshan, the Executive Director at C-DAC, Bangalore, jointly inaugurated the browser development challenge. The dignitaries on the dais also unveiled the challenge brochure.
Adding, she mentioned that Digital India has brought about a transformation in how our nation operates, empowering its citizens, promoting economic growth, and improving overall governance. Moving forward, embracing technology and fostering indigenous innovation will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a self-reliant and digitally empowered India. She invited all the creative minds from various sectors, including academia, industry, start-ups, and individuals, to participate in this challenge and contribute to the development of an innovative web browser designed in India for the global community.
Speaking at the event, Scientist G & GC (R&D in Electronics & IT), Smt Sunita Verma conveyed the message of Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, the Secretary of MeitY, emphasizing that this challenge represents a significant step towards achieving a self-reliant India. The challenge aims to strengthen India's digital sovereignty by developing its own web browser.
Echoing the sentiments of Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary of MeitY, Smt. Verma highlighted MeitY’s pioneering role in various initiatives that are shaping the future of the nation. This challenge specifically focuses on the crucial element of a web browser, which serves as the conduit for end users to access the Internet.
Mr. Arvind Kumar, CCA, MeitY emphasized the significant role played by CCA in ensuring the credibility and protection of digital certificates issued in India, thereby establishing a strong PKI infrastructure to facilitate secure online transactions nationwide. However, when it comes to SSL certificates, India has relied on foreign entities for their issuance. Taking the initiative to develop our own web browser with an integrated India Root Certificate would allow us to overcome this challenge. This move is a significant step forward in making our country’s internet resilient, which is the ability to withstand and recover from various disruptions and threats that could impact our internet infrastructure and connectivity.
S D Sudarshan, the Executive Director of C-DAC Bangalore, elaborated on the entire challenge competition.
- The challenge is open to anyone who wishes to participate and submit their ideas.
- It consists of three rounds, starting with the ideation round where 18 entries will be selected.
- In the second round, only 8 participants will be shortlisted to proceed to the final round.
- Ultimately, the challenge will culminate in selecting the winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up.
- Participants will receive technical mentorship throughout the challenge. The total prize pool of Rs. 3.41 crore will be awarded, with the winner receiving Rs. One crore.
- Moreover, the winner will be provided with further support to advance the developed browser to new heights.
