India’s Digital Signature Initiative via Crypto Tokens in Web Browser

It may soon be possible for Indian citizens to sign documents digitally using crypto tokens. The feature is envisioned as part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s initiative to develop a national web browser.

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.

“[The] Proposed browser would also focus on accessibility and user friendliness, ensuring built-in support for individuals with diverse abilities.”

According to the press release, the announcement includes the ability to digitally sign documents using a browser-integrated 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 eight; and the final winner will receive approximately $411,000.

n recent months, the Indian government has been particularly active in its regulatory efforts regarding technology and cryptocurrencies.

It presided over the intergovernmental forum of the 20 largest economies in the world, known as the G20, where it supported the Financial Stability Board’s recommendations for a global crypto framework and demanded that potential crypto guidelines pay special attention to developing economies.

In August, India’s lower house of parliament authorized a bill to relax data compliance regulations for Big Tech firms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill of 2023 would simplify storage, processing, and transfer standards for tech titans such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as local businesses.