If you’re looking for the utmost security and data privacy in an Indian messaging app, Zoho’s Arattai app is going to be the best choice for you. To compete with global giants like WhatsApp and Signal, Zoho is now preparing to add end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default to Arattai’s text messaging.
Key Takeaways
Quick Read- E2EE in Text Messaging
- Competing with Global Apps in Security
- Data Hosting and Revenue Model
- Arattai's Specialties
Following this significant announcement by CEO Mani Vembu, this fully developed app will now be on par with the world’s top apps in terms of security standards, alleviating any concerns Indian users have about data security.
E2EE in Text Messaging
This visionary decision to add encryption to Arattai’s text messaging comes in response to growing user demand for security. Zoho previously confirmed that its app already supports E2EE for voice and video calls.
Competing with Global Apps in Security
Adding this unique feature to text messaging will now put Arattai in direct competition with global messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, which have long offered encryption as a core security feature. Zoho CEO Mani Vembu confirmed that the app already has a ‘Secret Chat’ option where users can use encryption for private conversations, but the company’s entire team is working rapidly to make it available by default to all users as soon as possible.
Arattai
The Arattai app was developed entirely in India by Zoho. This app is a strong step towards promoting India’s digital self-reliance and data privacy. Launched in 2021, Arattai was designed for both personal and business use. With Zoho’s over two decades of engineering experience, the app is constantly being improved.
Data Hosting and Revenue Model
Zoho’s biggest strength is that it hosts all its data in India, ensuring data sovereignty. Furthermore, the company does not rely on advertising-based revenue or third-party tracking, which is a huge positive for user privacy. Union ministers like Ashwini Vaishnav, Dharmendra Pradhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Piyush Goyal have also endorsed Arattai, calling it an Indian alternative to apps from foreign tech companies.
Arattai’s Specialties
Developed by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation, Arattai works seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Up to five devices can be linked to a single account, and messages, contacts, and settings are automatically synced. Since its launch in 2021, Arattai has firmly established itself among the top apps in India on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Some users raised privacy concerns about the lack of default end-to-end encryption for text messages, which led to it lagging behind WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. However, Zoho is now looking to address this complaint soon, making the app poised to pose a significant challenge to WhatsApp.
