Zoho’s indigenous messaging platform Arattai has begun rolling out full end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for personal chats, a feature users have been waiting for. With this security upgrade, all one-to-one conversations will now be locked and scrambled directly on the user’s device before being sent out. Much like the encryption models followed by WhatsApp and Signal, messages exchanged between two users on Arattai can only be read by them—preventing even Zoho from viewing the content.
Announcing the rollout, the company shared an update on X, noting that individual chats now come protected with automatic encryption. Arattai also mentioned that users must be on the latest app build—v1.33.6 for Android, v1.17.23 for iOS, and v1.0.7 on desktop—to be moved seamlessly to the new encrypted chat environment.
What the New Encryption Feature Means for Users
The introduction of end-to-end encryption ensures that every message exchanged stays strictly between the sender and the receiver. No third party—including Zoho—can view the contents of these conversations. The rollout begins with private one-on-one chats, and support for group conversations will arrive later. Sridhar Vembu noted that this upgrade was so extensive it required rebuilding the app’s core systems from the ground up.
In his post on X, Vembu also addressed feature requests from users. He clarified that group chats aren’t encrypted yet, but the team plans to enable it within the next few weeks, starting with smaller groups.
He further added that encrypted chats will soon receive a backup option, expected to go live in about two weeks. More enhancements and upgrades are already under development as the platform transitions to this new setup.
Why This Update Is Important
This move reinforces Zoho’s focus on safeguarding user communication. While many messaging apps thrive on collecting user data, Zoho has consistently leaned toward a no-tracking, privacy-first approach. By making encryption a standard requirement, Arattai places itself among the most secure messaging platforms—similar to Signal—while maintaining a distinctly Indian character.
The updated version of the app is also set to feel quicker, smoother, and easier to use. This isn’t a small tweak—it’s a major overhaul aimed at improving both security and user experience.
Built for India, in India
For Zoho, this update reflects a broader mission: developing “sovereign technology” that is created, operated, and maintained within the country. At a time when digital privacy and data security are becoming central to national interests, Arattai’s shift toward stronger protection showcases Zoho’s commitment to trust, independence, and user control.
