Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils Plan for Secure Indian Browser
India is set to develop an indigenous internet browser designed to enhance data security and privacy, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced today. The government had organized a competition for the development of the browser, and the results were unveiled at an official event attended by the minister.
Speaking at the function, Ashwini Vaishnaw described the initiative as a significant step in transitioning India’s information technology sector from a service-oriented model to a product-based industry. "The focus of the IT sector, which generates $282 billion in annual revenue, has so far been on services. The Government of India is now encouraging start-ups and academic institutions to develop software products. The goal is to establish India as a product-driven economy," Ashwini Vaishnaw stated.
The minister highlighted that the challenge to develop an indigenous browser received an enthusiastic response from start-ups, academic institutions, students, and researchers. He noted that a browser serves as the gateway to the internet, and developing a domestic browser represents a critical step toward building a comprehensive Indian technology stack.
Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the indigenous browser would be fully compliant with the Data Protection Act, ensuring that the data of Indian citizens remains stored within the country, thereby enhancing security and privacy. The browser will be compatible with iOS, Windows, and Android platforms, he added.
The minister further explained that the broader vision of transforming India into a “product nation” will require the development of both software and hardware for use in analogue and digital systems. "Step by step, we must build the technology stack. This initiative will require the collective effort of researchers, academia, start-ups, and students," Vaishnaw remarked.
