Goal
The Indian government wants to create a domestic web browser that trusts India's own "root certifying authority."
This is seen as a way to ensure India's internet access remains functional even in a global internet disruption.
Root Certifying Authorities
Root certifying authorities are around 100 organisations across the world who can confer trustworthiness tag on firms that issue Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates
These organizations confirm the legitimacy and security of websites (the "https" and lock icon).
India has its own certifying authority Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), but it's not widely trusted by major browsers due to past security issues.
Only one Indian company, eMudhra's emSign, is currently recognized as a trusted root certifying authority by global browsers.
The Browser Challenge
The government awarded Zoho Corporation ₹1 crore to create a browser, Ulaa, that trusts the Indian root certificate.
The browser aims to give India more control and negotiating power with major browser companies like Google and Mozilla.
It's also seen as a way to enhance cybersecurity and create an "indigenous authentication mechanism."
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