India is set to have its own web browser as the Ministry of Electronics and IT has initiated the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge in New Delhi. The main goal of this project is to create a domestically produced web browser that can be used globally. This browser will include the integrated Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) India root certificate.
The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge consists of three stages. In stage one, called Ideation, developers have a two-month period to present their ideas and can win 18 prizes, each worth Rs 2 lakhs. Stage two is the Prototype phase, which lasts for three months and offers eight prizes worth Rs 10 lakh each. The final stage is Development, which spans seven months and features three prizes of Rs 1 crore, Rs 75 lakh, and Rs 50 lakh.
To be eligible for the challenge, applicants must be Indian Tech Start-ups, MSMEs, Companies, or LLPs registered in India under the Companies Act 2013. The entity should have a minimum of 51% shareholding with Indian citizens or persons of Indian origin and must not be a subsidiary of any foreign corporation. Individuals can participate with a group of three to seven members, while other applicants should apply as an organization. Consortium participation is not permitted for organizations.
The Ministry has also specified the desired features for the Indian web browser. It should be compatible with iOS, Android, and Desktop platforms, and include built-in accessibility support. The browser should have the capability to digitally sign documents using a crypto token, provide parental control and a web filter for child-friendly browsing. It should also support Web3 and comply with W3C standards. Additionally, the browser should offer support for all official Indian languages.
