MeitY Launches Indian Web Browser Development Challenge 2023
This an open challenge competition aimed at sparking the creativity and expertise of technology enthusiasts
On August 9, 2023, the (IWBDC) was launched during the programme held at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The event saw the collaborative efforts of notable individuals, including Smt. Sunita Verma, Scientist G & Group Coordinator (R&D in Electronics & Information Technology), Shri Arvind Kumar, Controller of Certifying Authorities at MeitY, and Dr. S. D. Sudarshan, Executive Director of C-DAC, Bangalore. The distinguished panel jointly introduced the browser development challenge and also unveiled the challenge brochure during the event.
The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) stands as an Open Challenge Competition aimed at sparking the creativity and expertise of technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers across the nation. The challenge encourages them to design a native web browser equipped with a dedicated trust store containing an embedded CCA India root certificate. Participants are expected to integrate cutting-edge capabilities alongside advanced security measures and features to ensure heightened data privacy protection.
The envisioned web browser also places a significant emphasis on accessibility and user-friendliness, with a special commitment to incorporating built-in support for individuals with varying abilities. Additionally, the browser's vision encompasses the functionality to digitally sign documents utilizing a crypto token, thus reinforcing secure transactions and facilitating trustworthy digital interactions.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Sunita Verma, Scientist G & Group Coordinator (R&D in Electronics & IT), shared the sentiments expressed by Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary of MeitY. She highlighted that the challenge represents a significant step towards achieving an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), with the objective of reinforcing the nation's digital sovereignty by fostering the creation of the Indian Web Browser.
The program witnessed active engagement from over 200 participants, representing government departments, industries, startups, and academia, both through online and offline modes. A panel discussion was thoughtfully organized, providing a platform for participants to pose questions to officials from MeitY, CCA, and C-DAC, who diligently addressed their inquiries. The event culminated with an earnest call to all imaginative minds, inviting them to partake in the challenge and contribute towards the creation of an indigenous Indian Web Browser.