Develop indigenous Web browser
Context
To encourage the creation of an Indian web browser that can be used worldwide, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched a competition.
What is a Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA)?
- Legal Recognition of Digital Signatures:
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- Digital signatures based on asymmetric cryptosystems are given legal legitimacy under Section 18 of the Information Technology Act of 2000.
- The legal position of digital signatures is the same as that of handwritten signatures.
- Digitally signed electronic documents are equivalent to paper documents in legal terms.
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- Role of Certifying Authorities(CA):
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- Certificates for digital signatures are issued by Certifying Authorities (CAs), who also play an important role in the process.
- Digital signature certificates are used in a variety of online transactions to electronically authenticate individuals.
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- (CCA) Controller of Certifying Authorities:
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- The Central Government established it under Section 17 of the IT Act.
- Its main responsibility is to authorize and oversee the operation of Certifying Authorities in India.
- The CCA was founded on November 1st, 2000.
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- Promotion of E-Commerce and E-Government:
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- By encouraging the broad use of digital signatures, the CCA hopes to further the development of electronic commerce and e-government.
- Online transactions and governmental electronic documents must be secured using digital signatures.
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- Root Certifying Authority of India (RCAI):
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- created by the CCA in accordance with Section 18(b) of the IT Act.
- Digitally signing the public keys of Certifying Authorities working in India is done by the RCAI.
- complies with the requirements outlined in the IT Act.
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- Public Key Certification:
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- Using its private key, the CCA accredits the public keys of certifying authorities.
- The legitimacy and validity of digital certificates issued by authorized CAs are guaranteed by this certification process.
- Cyberspace users can check whether a digital certificate is issued by a recognized Certifying Authority.
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- Digital certificate repository:
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- The CCA has a repository with all the digital certificates given to Indian Certifying Authorities.
- This repository acts as a centralized repository for trusted certificates that may be checked.
What are SSL certificates?
- Origins and Goals:
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- Netscape created this technology in 1995 to enhance the security of online communications.
- aims to guarantee data integrity, privacy, and authentication for data sent over the Internet.
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- Encryption:
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- SSL scrambles data before transmission using encryption methods.
- Because of the encryption, even if the data is intercepted, it will seem like random characters, making it more challenging to decode without the right decryption keys.
SSL, the precursor to today’s Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption, introduced the foundations for secure online communication. When visiting a website implementing SSL/TLS, the URL begins with “HTTPS,” underscoring the secure connection. Through encryption, SSL shields transmitted data, rendering intercepted information indecipherable due to its complex encryption. Notably, SSL initiates a meticulous handshake authentication between two devices, confirming their claimed identities. This protocol extends its security measures by digitally signing data, assuring data integrity and confirming unaltered content upon arrival. In summation, SSL’s legacy lives on in modern security practices, ensuring confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity across digital exchanges.
What was the need for an indigenous website?
- lowering reliance on foreign sources: Many of the widely used web browsers in India, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, were created by foreign firms. This might lead to some reliance on foreign platforms and technologies. The creation of a native web browser intends to lessen this reliance and increase India’s technical independence.
- National Security and Data Privacy: Using foreign web browsers could possibly expose users’ online actions and data to foreign parties, which could compromise national security and data privacy. An indigenous browser created within the nation’s borders might be subject to more stringent data protection laws and improve the security and privacy of online interactions for Indian users.
- Customization for Local Needs: An Indian web browser might be tailored to better meet the requirements and preferences of Indian users. Features, services, and content that are better suited to the Indian environment, linguistic diversity, and regional culture may be included.
- To encourage internet literacy: among Indian users, particularly those who are less tech-savvy, a native browser might be created. It might offer simple user interfaces, educational materials, and regionalized information to enable consumers to get the most out of their online interactions.
- Promoting Innovation: The creation of a native web browser offers an opportunity for Indian programmers, developers, and tech enthusiasts to be creative and advance their nation’s technological landscape. Within the tech industry, it can encourage a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
