The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology India plans to develop a national web browser that hopes to include digitally signing documents using an embedded browser-based crypto token.
On August 9, the ministry announced the launch of the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge, which aims to “inspire and empower” developers from all regions of India to create a native web browser with an embedded Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) India root certificate. According to the announcement:
“The proposed browser would also prioritize accessibility and user-friendliness, ensuring built-in support for people with varying abilities.”
The announcement includes digitally signing documents using an embedded browser-based crypto token.
The competition will consist of three rounds:
- In the first round, there will be a maximum of 18 participants.
- In the second round, there will be a maximum of 8.
- The final winner will receive approximately $411,000.
In recent months, the Indian government has been particularly active in its regulatory efforts regarding technology and cryptocurrencies.
It has supported the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) recommendations for a global crypto framework and advocated for a particular focus on the specifics of developing economies in its potential crypto guidelines while presiding over the intergovernmental forum of the 20 largest economies in the world (G-20).
In August, India’s lower parliament voted favor of a bill that would relax data compliance regulations for large technology companies. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 would simplify storage, processing, and transfer standards for tech titans such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta and local businesses.
