Arattai– Zoho’s homegrown messaging app is about to take a big leap forward in user privacy. After months of speculation, Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has finally confirmed that end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for text messages is under testing and will be rolled out soon.
The news has sparked excitement among Indian users, many of whom have been waiting for Arattai to catch up with global competitors like WhatsApp and Signal.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu wrote: “We are testing end-to-end encryption this week on Arattai, will be rolled out soon.”
This simple confirmation was enough to create buzz in the Indian tech community, where conversations around data privacy and homegrown apps have been gaining momentum.
What Is End-to-End Encryption and Why Does It Matter?
End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver of a message can read it. Not even the company hosting the app has access to the conversations. This means that hackers, internet providers, or even the app developers themselves cannot snoop on private chats.
This app already offered E2EE for audio and video calls, but text chats were a glaring gap. For an app often positioned as India’s alternative to WhatsApp, this missing feature stood out. WhatsApp has used end-to-end encryption for all forms of communication since 2016, and rival platforms like Signal built their entire reputation around this feature.
By adding E2EE for text messages, this app is closing that gap and giving privacy-conscious Indians another reason to consider switching from foreign apps.
Arattai’s Journey: From Desi Challenger to WhatsApp Alternative
Launched around four years ago, this app has steadily evolved. The app gained attention during the government’s push for Digital India and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. Promoted as a local alternative to foreign messaging platforms, Arattai positioned itself as not just a chat app, but a part of India’s growing digital independence.
Government officials and policymakers have often highlighted Arattai as an example of India’s potential in building homegrown technology. With its user-friendly interface, regional language support, and consistent updates, the app has managed to stay relevant.
Yet, critics often pointed out the lack of end-to-end encryption for text messages as a weakness. Now, with that issue set to be resolved, Arattai is back in the spotlight.
Vembu’s Assurance: Privacy with Responsibility
While announcing the update, Vembu also addressed how Zoho approaches user privacy. Unlike big tech companies that rely heavily on ad revenue and monetising user data, Zoho’s primary business model is selling software services to enterprises. This gives Arattai a natural advantage in building trust, since there is less incentive to exploit user data.
At the same time, Vembu clarified that Zoho would comply with government requests for data access when required by law, particularly in cases concerning national security. This balance between user privacy and lawful compliance is similar to the stance taken by major messaging platforms worldwide.
Why the Buzz Around Arattai?
The hype around Arattai isn’t just about features. It’s about identity and control in the digital space. India has over 450 million WhatsApp users, making it the app’s largest market. But concerns about how foreign companies handle data have led to calls for local alternatives that are secure, reliable, and aligned with Indian regulations.
Arattai taps directly into this sentiment. By offering features on par with WhatsApp and Signal, while also promising deeper integration with local businesses and ecosystems, the app hopes to carve out a niche. For example, Vembu hinted at how Arattai could eventually move beyond peer-to-peer chatting and support India’s growing digital economy.
The Road Ahead for Arattai
The upcoming encryption update is not just about security — it’s about credibility. Once rolled out, Arattai will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global messaging apps in terms of core privacy features. This could make it more attractive not just for individual users, but also for businesses looking for secure communication tools that are locally developed.
Looking ahead, Arattai’s growth will depend on two major factors:
Feature parity with international apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.
Trustworthiness in the eyes of Indian users who are becoming increasingly aware of data privacy issues.
Zoho has already taken the first step by ensuring encryption for calls and now text chats. The next challenge will be scaling its user base and offering smooth performance even under heavy usage.
Why This Matters for Indian Tech
Arattai’s journey represents something bigger than just a new app update. It’s about India’s ability to create world-class alternatives to foreign-dominated platforms. As the country pushes for self-reliance in technology, success stories like Arattai show that Indian companies can compete on both innovation and trust.
With the rise of data localization policies and increasing global debates on privacy, Arattai’s timing couldn’t be better. If it manages to deliver a seamless, secure experience, it could become a serious player in India’s digital communication space.
For now, the wait is nearly over. Arattai is finally bringing end-to-end encryption for text messages, making chats as private as possible. While Zoho will still comply with lawful requests, users can expect a much more secure and trustworthy experience.
As Sridhar Vembu puts it, this is just the beginning. Arattai isn’t only about catching up with WhatsApp — it’s about building a uniquely Indian platform that prioritizes privacy, supports regional diversity, and integrates into the country’s digital future.
So, if you have been waiting to try a desi alternative to WhatsApp, this could be the right moment. With encryption rolling out soon, Arattai is set to become more than just another messaging app — it might just be India’s next big digital success story.
