Zoho Arattai is a secure instant messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation
It’s designed as an Indian alternative to WhatsApp and other messaging apps, with a focus on privacy, data security, and enterprise collaboration.
Here are the key points about Zoho Arattai:
- 📱 Messaging App: Offers one-to-one and group chats, voice calls, and video calls.
- 🔒 Privacy & Security: Data is encrypted and hosted in Zoho’s own data centers in India. Zoho also emphasizes that it does not monetize user data through ads.
- 👨💼 Enterprise Focus: Unlike WhatsApp, Arattai can also be integrated with Zoho’s workplace tools (Zoho Mail, Zoho CRM, Zoho Cliq, etc.), making it useful for businesses as well as personal use.
- 🌐 Availability: Available for Android and iOS.
- 🇮🇳 Made in India: Launched in 2021 as part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) movement.
Privacy & Security: Strengths, gaps, and trade-offs
Strengths of Arattai (vs WhatsApp)
Local data sovereignty
Because Arattai stores Indian user data in Indian data centers, it gains favor in jurisdictions that require data localization or stricter local oversight. Zoho emphasizes this as a trust and sovereignty advantage versus global services.
No ad / data monetization claim
Arattai positions itself as privacy-first and claims it will not use or monetize user data via advertising. This is a contrast to many “free” services where the business model relies on data.
Strong encryption on calls already
For calls (voice, video), Arattai already uses end-to-end encryption. This ensures that those communications are protected from eavesdropping.
Localized design and lightweight operation
Because it is designed for Indian contexts (lower end phones, slower networks, regional languages) it may give a better user experience in constrained conditions.
Weaknesses / gaps (especially vs WhatsApp)
Lack of full end-to-end encryption for regular chats (yet)
This is the biggest gap. Standard chats in Arattai are not fully end-to-end encrypted at present, making them more vulnerable (in principle) than WhatsApp’s default chats.
Arattai does offer a “secret chat” mode for encrypted messaging, and plans to roll out full encryption for all chats.
Smaller / newer user base
WhatsApp’s huge global user base gives it network effects benefits (more people are reachable). Arattai, being newer, may have fewer contacts, which can limit its utility.
Maturity & trust
WhatsApp has been around longer, with large-scale usage and scrutiny. Its security model (encryption, backups, policies) is battle-tested. Arattai is still evolving, so potential undiscovered issues may emerge.
Metadata & other data collection
Even if message content is encrypted, metadata (timestamp, who you communicate with, how often) often remains visible to the service provider. WhatsApp already collects some metadata. Arattai’s policies around metadata collection, retention, and visibility are less clear. (Arattai does talk about safeguards and limiting unauthorized access, but the details are limited)
Trust in execution vs promises
Many privacy claims are based on promises (future encryption, no ad monetization). The real test is how well they are implemented, audited, and how they perform under scrutiny.
WhatsApp’s advantages & trade-offs
Stronger default encryption
WhatsApp encrypts chats, media, calls by default with mature protocols.
Large reach / ubiquity
You’re more likely to already have your contacts on WhatsApp, making adoption easier.
Ecosystem & features
Over years, WhatsApp has built many features (business APIs, cross-device support, status, media handling, backup, integrations) that are robust.
Advanced privacy controls
WhatsApp is introducing new privacy features like “Advanced Chat Privacy” to block chat export, restrict use of AI features in chats, etc.
Limitations / concerns
WhatsApp being owned by Meta means its data policies are more complex (some data sharing with Meta, metadata usage) and users often worry about integration with the broader Meta ad ecosystem.
Metadata retention is a limitation — even if content is encrypted, WhatsApp (or Meta) sees metadata about communication patterns.
Backups can be an issue: by default, backups stored on cloud (Google Drive / iCloud) may not always be encrypted (though WhatsApp has introduced end-to-end encrypted backups).
Bottom line: Which is better, depending on your priorities
- If privacy of all communications out of the box is your top priority, WhatsApp currently has the edge (because its chats + calls are encrypted by default).
- If you prefer data localization, reducing reliance on global platforms, and trusting a tool built in your country, Arattai has strong potential, especially as it matures and implements full encryption.
- For day-to-day convenience, reach, and feature richness, WhatsApp still leads. But for users in India wanting a “local first” alternative with strong privacy commitments, Arattai is interesting and may improve rapidly.
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