Almost certainly based on a FOSS engine, but with tweaks for the nation’s use cases
India’s government has decided the nation needs an indigenous web browser and has launched the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) to make it happen.
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 b`rowser will have its own trust store, use a root certificate from India’s Controller of Certifying Authorities, and offer “cutting edge functionalities and enhanced security & data privacy protection features,” according to the government announcement.
The ability to “digitally sign documents using a crypto token, bolstering secure transactions and digital interactions” is also on the list of desired features, as is suitability for individuals with diverse abilities.
At the launch of the Challenge, officials said one goal for the browser is to create a tool that complies with Indian regulations on data sovereignty – and perhaps even keeps more traffic within India by creating a supply chain that sees India’s National Internet Exchange (NIXI) aware of the indigenous browser.
