When will Arattai get end-to-end encryption for text messaging? This is a question that has been a popular point of discussion in the Indian tech community lately, with many urging Zoho’s CEO Sridhar Vembu to update on the status. Vembu, in a bid to keep Indians interested in the development process of Arattai, has confirmed that E2E encryption for text messaging is happening and the feature is already under testing.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu confirmed that the platform is currently undergoing rigorous testing for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for text messages, hinting that the feature will be deployed to all users in the near future. “We are testing end-to-end encryption this week on Arattai, will be rolled out soon,” stated Vembu.
E2E encryption for text messages on Arattai: Why it is so hyped
Arattai has been in the news lately for being presented as India’s homegrown alternative to Meta’s WhatsApp. The messaging app, which has been around for four years, has finally received a bunch of upgrades that makes it a worthy alternative to WhatsApp, complete with all modern features. The app has been widely promoted by government officials as part of the self-reliance policy of the country, promoting locally made goods and services.
Arattai, however, missed out on end-to-end encryption for text messages – a security measure that prevents any third party from accessing the chats between two individuals. Note that the app already utilises E2E encryption for audio and video calls made on the platform.
Zoho’s CEO had confirmed that the app will get E2E encryption in a future update, as implementing the feature is easier for the firm – encrypted chats need to be stored locally on the device, not on the company’s server. However, Vembu also confirmed that Zoho will comply with the local authorities’ requirements if the data in a chat needs to be accessed by the government for legal reasons concerning national security.
Vembu also reiterated that the company’s primary business model — selling software services — differs vastly from those that rely on monetising user data, thus giving Arattai a fundamental advantage in trustworthiness. Arattai’s development philosophy centers on India’s unique needs, like extensive support for regional languages and the potential for deep integration with local business ecosystems, eventually moving beyond a simple peer-to-peer chat application.