Source- Instagram
Introduction
As data privacy becomes a global concern, more users are turning to messaging apps that promise security and independence. One such rising name is Arattai, a “Made in India” messaging platform developed by Zoho Corporation. Promoted as a secure and ad-free alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, Arattai has been gaining popularity — but is it truly safe?
Here’s everything you need to know about its features, privacy policies, and what makes it unique.
What Is Arattai?
Arattai (which means “chat” in Tamil) is an Indian messaging app created by Zoho, a well-known software company. Designed to support secure and private communication, Arattai aims to provide users with a fully Indian-hosted and ad-free messaging experience.
It offers a wide range of features:
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Instant messaging and group chats
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High-quality voice and video calls
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File and media sharing
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Multi-device support (Android, iOS, desktop, and smart TV)
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Cloud backup for chat history
Arattai markets itself as fast, reliable, and privacy-focused, catering especially to users who prefer local data storage and Indian servers.
How Secure Is Arattai?
1. Encryption and Data Protection
Arattai claims to provide end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for voice and video calls, ensuring that only the caller and receiver can access the conversation. However, text chats and media messages are not yet fully end-to-end encrypted for all users.
This means while your calls are protected from interception, some chat data could potentially be accessed by the app’s servers if required by law or due to a security breach.
2. Data Storage
Arattai stores user data on servers located within India. This supports data localization — a positive aspect for Indian users who want their data governed by local laws rather than foreign jurisdictions.
3. Ads and Tracking
Unlike many global messaging apps, Arattai does not show targeted ads and claims not to sell or share user data with third parties for marketing purposes. This approach keeps the app lightweight and more privacy-oriented than ad-driven competitors.
4. Transparency
While Zoho has a reputation for data privacy, Arattai still lacks full public documentation about its encryption implementation, key management, and independent security audits. Until those are published, users must rely on company promises rather than verified open-source transparency.
Privacy Concerns to Consider
1. Partial Encryption
The biggest concern is that only calls are fully encrypted end-to-end. Standard text messages currently use server-based encryption — secure but not as private as peer-to-peer encryption used by apps like Signal or WhatsApp.
2. Potential Legal Access
Since messages may pass through company servers, there’s a theoretical possibility that data could be accessed in compliance with government requests. This is not unique to Arattai — many apps face similar requirements — but full E2EE would reduce this risk significantly.
3. Lack of Independent Security Audits
To be recognized as a top-tier secure app, most privacy-focused messengers undergo third-party audits. Arattai has not yet released detailed results of any independent security review, leaving users without an external validation of its claims.
How Arattai Compares to Other Apps
| Feature | Arattai | Signal | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Indian (Zoho) | Meta (USA) | Non-profit (USA) | Independent (Dubai) |
| End-to-End Encryption | Calls only (chats in progress) | All chats | All chats | Only secret chats |
| Data Stored In | India | Global servers | Global | Global |
| Ads or Tracking | None | Yes | None | Minimal |
| Open-Source | Partial | No | Yes | Partial |
| File Size Limit | Up to 2 GB | 100 MB | 100 MB | 2 GB |
| Multi-Device Support | Yes | Limited | Yes (beta) | Yes |
Arattai stands out for being Made in India and for its no-ads policy, but it still has some ground to cover before reaching the encryption standards of Signal or even WhatsApp.
When to Use Arattai
Arattai is a good choice if you:
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Want to support an Indian-built app.
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Value data localization (servers based in India).
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Need a clean, ad-free messaging experience.
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Primarily use voice or video calls and basic text chats.
It’s not ideal yet if you need full end-to-end privacy for sensitive business or personal conversations.
How to Stay Safe While Using Arattai
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Avoid sharing confidential data until full encryption for chats is introduced.
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Keep your app updated — new updates may improve security and encryption coverage.
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Use strong phone security (PIN or biometric lock) to prevent local data leaks.
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Enable 2-factor authentication when available to protect your account.
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Do not install unofficial versions or APKs from unverified sources.
Future of Arattai
Zoho has stated that it plans to roll out complete end-to-end encryption for chats in upcoming updates. Once implemented, this could make Arattai one of the safest messaging apps in India — combining local hosting, privacy, and transparency.
Verdict: Is Arattai Safe to Use?
Arattai is a promising Indian alternative to global messaging giants. It delivers strong privacy principles — no ads, local data storage, and encrypted calls — but it’s not yet perfect in terms of security. The lack of full chat encryption remains its biggest limitation.
If you’re looking for a reliable Indian messenger for daily communication and aren’t dealing with highly sensitive data, Arattai is a solid and evolving choice.
For users who prioritize absolute privacy, waiting for future updates or using Signal or Telegram’s secret chats may be a better option for now.
-Team Yuva Aaveg
Mayank
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