Zoho Corporation CEO Sridhar Vembu has issued an important advisory for users of the homegrown messaging platform Arattai, revealing plans to introduce crucial security enhancements to the application. The tech entrepreneur confirmed that end-to-end encryption for text messages is finally coming to the Indian-made WhatsApp competitor.
Encryption Timeline and Technical Challenges
During an exclusive interaction with ANI, the 57-year-old tech visionary outlined the rollout schedule for these significant security upgrades. Vembu confirmed that an initial update will arrive within the next couple of days, with the comprehensive backup solution following within two to four weeks.
The Zoho founder explained the technical complexities involved in implementing proper end-to-end encryption. "One thing about end-to-end encryption is that you have to have a backup. Otherwise, if you reinstall the app, you will lose all your chats," Vembu stated, highlighting the critical nature of the backup infrastructure.
He further elaborated on the technical hurdles: "In the cloud version, the backup was in the server automatically. Now, in this device's encrypted version, you have to choose a backup... You have to have the original device key. It's a technically complex thing to solve."
Arattai's Current Security Status and Market Position
Interestingly, Arattai already provides end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, but has notably lacked this essential security feature for text messaging. The company maintains on its official website that all user data remains stored within India and that conversations and titles receive encryption during storage.
The Indian messaging application experienced significant popularity surges in recent weeks, topping download charts on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store during periods of heightened interest in domestic software alternatives. However, the absence of comprehensive end-to-end encryption has remained a primary criticism from security-conscious users.
Competitive Landscape and Privacy Commitments
This security enhancement brings Arattai closer to feature parity with global competitors like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram, which have offered end-to-end encryption for years. The timing appears strategic as WhatsApp faces user concerns over advertising initiatives and data usage policies.
Zoho distinguishes its privacy approach by emphasizing that Arattai does not monetize user data through advertisements and maintains a strict policy against selling user information. This contrasts sharply with recent developments at Meta-owned WhatsApp, which has begun displaying ads in Status sections and confirmed using Meta AI conversations to personalize advertising content.
The upcoming encryption implementation represents a significant milestone for India's digital sovereignty efforts in the messaging space, providing users with enhanced security while keeping data within national borders.
