Syariah compliant web browser aims to make the Internet a better place

Hasni (left), here with UiTM Faculty of Electrical Engineering dean Prof Dr Mohd Nasir Taib, believes the collaboration will make the Internet a less toxic environment.

The Internet can be a really toxic place, and hoping to turn it into a more nurturing and positive environment is Salam Web Technologies, a syariah-compliant Internet suite of services. The startup is collaborating with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) under a three-year partnership, to “promote a safer online environment that is free from vices and toxic elements”.

One of its first projects is the SalamBrowser, touted as the world’s first syariah-compliant web browser, which Salam Web claims will eliminate inappropriate content from the search results.

“The browser filters out results that are not aligned with Muslim 'adab' (practice), such as content related to porn, gambling, alcohol, or scam ads,” said Salam Web Technologies managing director Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan.

It aims to promote the Islamic Digital Economy – a framework under the Malaysian Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) that supports syariah-compliant venture capitals in Malaysia. It is yet to be certified by MDEC, but Hasni shares that works are underway towards getting the recognition.

Salam Web received its syariah-compliant certificate from syariah advisory service Amanie Advisors, which will be reviewing its processes to ensure that the startup remains in compliance to the Islamic teachings.

On top of SalamBrowser, the company will also release a host of products and services including SalamNews, SalamLife and SalamChat by November this year.