Featured
Islamic Browser Promises Better Web Experience

A Malaysian startup is betting that there’s plenty of pent-up demand for a new browser that’s compliant with Islamic values, at a time of mounting concerns over privacy, bias and online abuse over the internet.
SalamWeb, a mobile and desktop browser, is designed to deliver a Muslim-friendly web experience. The app, which includes messaging, news and other features, has users from mainly Malaysia and Indonesia, according to Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, managing director at Salam Web Technologies MY Sdn.
Her goal is to eventually capture 10 percent of the 1.8 billion global Muslim population. She pointed to some of challenges facing the web, as the world’s largest technology companies from Google to Facebook Inc. face criticism for doing too little to address harmful content and false information. Human rights group Amnesty International looked at abusive interactions and concluded that Twitter is a “toxic place for women.”
“We want to make the internet a better place,” Hasni Zarina said. “We know the internet has the good and the bad, so SalamWeb offers you a tool to create this window that lets you go to the internet to see the good.”
SalamWeb relies on community-vetted content filters that mark web pages as appropriate, neutral or inappropriate, while warning users when they approach sites with gambling or pornography. It also has Muslim-specific functions, such as prayer times and an indicator for Qibla, or the direction that a Muslim must face when praying.
The products are certified compliant by the independent Amanie Shariah Supervisory Board, and is built on the open-source Chromium software that’s the basis of Google Chrome web browser. Shariah law prohibits activities considered unethical, such as gambling, prostitution and alcohol- and pork-related businesses, as well as interest-based financial products.
“We’re promoting universal values — although SalamWeb is targeted to Muslims, it can be used by anyone,” Hasni Zarina said. “The internet can be a harmful place. It’s obvious that we need an alternative.”
-
Automotive2 months ago
South Korea Plans to Support Auto Sector with US$2B Following US Tariffs
-
News2 months ago
Aligning HR Strategies with Oman Vision 2040: A Roadmap for Organisational Growth – OER Business Summit 2025
-
OER Magazines1 month ago
OER, April 25
-
News2 months ago
Oman Oil Prices Witness Drop Amid Shifting Global Trade Dynamics
-
Alamaliktistaad Magazines1 month ago
Al-Iktisaad, April 25
-
Renewables3 weeks ago
Jindal Renewables and OQ Alternative Energy Sign Joint Development Agreement to Advance Integrated Renewable Power Projects in Oman
-
Banking & Finance2 months ago
Sohar International Bank SAOG Announces Intention to Merge with Ahli Bank SAOG
-
Banking & Finance2 months ago
Bank Nizwa Signs MoU with Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs to Enhance Endowment Management & Islamic Finance Frameworks
You must be logged in to post a comment Login