India Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC)

About India Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC)

• The challenge is spearheaded by MeitY in collaboration with the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Bangalore. 
• The Challenge seeks to inspire and empower technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers from all corners of the country to create an indigenous web browser. 
• The desired browser will have its own trust store, use a root certificate from India’s CCA, and offer cutting-edge functionalities and enhanced security & data privacy protection features.
• As part of the challenge the government has announced a cash prize of Rs 3.4 crores for the developers.
• Qualifications for Participants:
  • The Indian Tech Start-ups, MSMEs, Companies, and LLPs registered in India under the Companies Act 2013 can apply.
  • The entity must have at least 51% shareholding with Indian citizens or persons of Indian origin.
  • The applicant’s entity should not be a subsidiary company of any foreign corporation.
  • Participants can apply either as “individuals” or “organization”. Members applying as “individuals” should have a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 members in their Group.
  • All other applicants (Startups, MSME, etc.) should apply under the “organization” category only.
• Desired features in an Indian web browser: The ministry has also laid down the features desired in an Indian web browser.
  • It must be compatible with all platforms, including iOS, Android and Desktop.
  • It should offer built-in accessibility support.
  • The browser should also have the ability to digitally sign the documents using a crypto token.
  • It should also have parental control and a web filter for child-friendly browsing.
  • It should come with support for Web3 and compliance with W3C standards.
  • Lastly, it should also support all the official Indian languages.

Key Facts about Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA):

• The Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act) provides for the CCA.
• Function: To license and regulate the working of Certifying Authorities (CAs).
• The CAs issue digital signature certificates for electronic authentication of users.
• The CCA also maintains the National Repository of Digital Certificates (NRDC), which contains all the certificates issued by all the CAs in the country.
• Its aim is to promote the growth of e-Commerce and e-Governance through a wide use of digital signatures.
• The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) is appointed by the Central Government under section 17 of the IT Act.

Q1) What are digital signatures?

A digital signature is a cryptographic technique used to authenticate the origin and integrity of electronic documents, messages, or data. It provides a way to ensure that a digital file or message has not been tampered with and that it comes from a legitimate source. Digital signatures are a crucial component of digital security, especially in contexts such as electronic transactions, contracts, and sensitive communications.

Source: MeitY launches Indian Web Browser Development Challenge