Zoho has just announced a significant step to improve the security of its home-grown messaging app, Arattai. The co-founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu of Zoho has confirmed that Starting today, November 18 the company has rolled out mandatory end-to-end encryption (E2EE) across the messaging platform.
However this encryption is limited to individual chats, whereas for the group chats and chat backups the encryption feature will roll out in the coming days and weeks respectively. This is an update that Sridhar Vembu describes as one of the most important updates in Arattai’s history.
In a post on ‘X’ he wrote “Please update the Arattai app from the Play Store/App Store and please encourage your contacts to do so. The end to end encryption will be enabled Tuesday night IST.”
What does Encryption feature means for users?
End to end encryption feature ensures that messages remain private between senders and recipients. This also means that not even Zoho will be able to access the content. Although the update will start with one-to-one chats, followed later by group conversations. According to Sridhar Vembu, the change is so massive that it required a complete redesign of the app’s internal architecture.
Moreover in the post on ‘X’ he also cleared the air around the other demanded features in Arratai. He wrote Group chats are not yet end to end encryption enabled and we will roll that out in a few weeks for groups of a certain size.
End to end encrypted chats will get a backup option in about 2 weeks. We have many more cool features in the works once we get through this big transition.
When the Encryption Will Go Live?
The encryption feature will start rolling out to users from today, November 18. Although the catch is that both the sender and receiver need to update thier Arratai apps to the latest version to use the encryption feature. The latest version of Arattai is already listed on app stores. Zoho had been planning to switch it on remotely only after final test results were satisfactory. If everything goes as planned, the end to end encryption feature for Chat back ups in Arratai will be rolling out could happen within days.
Why This Move Matters?
This update sends a clear signal that it protecting user privacy is a top priority for Zoho. Unlike many messaging platforms that rely on data monetisation, Zoho’s philosophy has always leaned toward minimal invasion. Moreover by making encryption mandatory, Arattai ensures it’s position into the same league as highly secure messaging tools like Signal, but with a Indian identity.
Speed and User Experience
Zoho says the new version of Arattai will feel faster, more responsive, and more intuitive to navigate. This isn’t just a security update it’s a full change designed to make the app better in every way.
Making Technology for India
For Zoho, this update is more than a feature upgrade. It aligns with the company’s vision of building “sovereign tech” which is technology that is developed, hosted, and maintained within India. At a time when digital privacy is increasingly under the spotlight in matters of national sovereignty and defense. Arattai’s move signals a serious commitment to trust and user ownership.
