Key Points:
- End-to-End Encryption: Arattai secures chats.
- Early Launch: Rolls out sooner, data stored locally.
- Unique Features: Pocket storage & built-in video calls.
Chennai, Oct. 8 (2:00 p.m. IST): Zoho Corporation co-founder Sridhar Vembu announced that its messaging app Arattai will soon support Arattai end-to-end encryption for chat messages, a feature currently available only for calls. The rollout, originally planned for November, has been advanced following successful internal testing.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu said, “End-to-end encryption keeps data on the device only, with no cloud storage unless a backup is specified. This reduces server costs and improves user privacy.” He added that in cases where users choose to back up data, “the encrypted device data is backed up, but no server-level features are provided.”
Feature rollout ahead of schedule
According to Vembu, the Arattai end-to-end encryption feature is in its final testing phase. “We were going to roll it out in November and we have accelerated the schedule now,” he said. The move aligns Arattai more closely with global competitors like WhatsApp, which already provides full end-to-end encryption for messages and calls.
Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, was developed by Zoho as a homegrown alternative to global messaging apps. The product initially drew from Zoho Cliq, the company’s business communication tool, but has since evolved into a standalone consumer platform.
Vembu explains encryption benefits
Vembu also compared Arattai’s approach with that of Zoho Cliq, explaining why the latter continues to use cloud-based data storage. “Zoho Cliq keeps data in cloud storage because business users and admins need search, filtering, archiving, and integration functions,” he said. Arattai, on the other hand, is moving away from cloud dependency to offer stronger privacy protections through Arattai end-to-end encryption.
End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the messages, preventing even the service provider from accessing the content. This feature is widely seen as a critical privacy measure in modern communication platforms.
Arattai’s features set it apart
Despite lacking Arattai end-to-end encryption for chats until now, Arattai offers several features designed to appeal to Indian users. One of its notable additions is Pocket, a personal cloud storage space that allows users to save messages, media, and notes for easy access across devices. Unlike WhatsApp, users do not need to create personal groups to store important content.
Arattai also distinguishes itself by avoiding forced AI integrations. While some messaging apps, including WhatsApp, have introduced AI chat features, Arattai maintains a simpler interface free from automated suggestions or interactions.
The app additionally includes a Meetings feature, enabling users to create, join, or schedule video calls directly within the app. This built-in function eliminates the need for external meeting platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.
Background and context
Zoho, founded in 1996, is one of India’s largest software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies. It competes globally with firms like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Google through its suite of applications including Zoho Workspace, Zoho Mail, and Zoho CRM. Arattai, launched in early 2021, represents Zoho’s effort to enter the consumer messaging market dominated by WhatsApp and Telegram.
The company has focused on data sovereignty and privacy as key differentiators. Most of Zoho’s data centers are located in India, and the firm has publicly emphasized minimizing data collection and avoiding ad-based business models.
With the addition of full Arattai end-to-end encryption, Arattai aims to strengthen user trust and position itself as a secure, India-made messaging alternative. The update is expected to roll out to all users in the coming weeks once final testing concludes.
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