Zoho Corporation’s homegrown messaging platform Arattai is set to roll out end-to-end encryption (E2EE), a major upgrade designed to strengthen user privacy and security. The feature, currently in the testing phase, will align Arattai with leading global messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal, both of which use encryption to protect messages from unauthorized access.
Zoho’s founder and CEO, Sridhar Vembu, confirmed the development in a recent update, stating that the company is conducting final tests before introducing the feature for all users. “We are testing end-to-end encryption this week on Arattai and will roll it out soon,” Vembu said. The move signifies Zoho’s growing focus on data protection and its ambition to position Arattai as a privacy-first Indian alternative in the competitive messaging ecosystem.
The introduction of end-to-end encryption means that only the sender and the recipient can read messages, with no third-party access — including Zoho itself. The company’s decision comes at a time when data privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny around messaging platforms have intensified globally, making encryption a vital differentiator in user trust and security compliance.
Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, was first launched in 2021 as a secure, Indian-built communication platform. Initially aimed at personal users, the app has since expanded into professional and enterprise-grade messaging use cases. Its new encryption upgrade is expected to reinforce Zoho’s long-term goal of building secure digital infrastructure independent of global tech dependencies.
While Arattai entered the market during a period of rising interest in Indian digital sovereignty, its adoption has been gradual. However, with enhanced security measures and the backing of Zoho’s robust cloud ecosystem, the platform is expected to attract users seeking an Indian alternative to global messaging giants. The timing of this move also aligns with India’s growing emphasis on indigenous technology platforms and self-reliant data frameworks under the Digital India initiative.
According to Vembu, Zoho’s approach to Arattai’s encryption follows a strict commitment to privacy-by-design principles. The company aims to implement encryption protocols that are compliant with global best practices while maintaining transparency on data storage and transmission policies. Unlike several foreign messaging apps that rely on cloud servers based outside India, Arattai’s infrastructure is hosted domestically, ensuring that user data remains within Indian jurisdiction.
Industry observers see this development as a strategic step in Zoho’s broader mission to diversify its suite of enterprise and consumer products underpinned by privacy-focused innovation. The company already operates over 55 business applications across CRM, marketing, and communication, with a strong emphasis on secure architecture and ethical AI development.
Arattai’s entry into the encrypted messaging space also comes amid increasing concerns about data sovereignty and surveillance risks in digital communication. With governments worldwide debating encryption policies and the balance between privacy and law enforcement, Indian tech companies like Zoho are adopting encryption as both a security enhancement and a trust-building tool.
Sridhar Vembu, who has long advocated for ethical technology and user autonomy, emphasized that privacy cannot be treated as an afterthought. “We are building technology for the long term, where user trust is the foundation. Encryption is not just a feature, it’s a responsibility,” he said in earlier remarks on the company’s philosophy.
The new update will cover text chats, voice messages, media files, and group conversations. Arattai’s encryption system uses advanced cryptographic keys that are generated and stored on users’ devices, preventing access even from Zoho’s servers. The company has also hinted at introducing multi-device synchronization with encrypted backup options, a capability still rare among Indian messaging apps.
Zoho’s move places Arattai in closer competition with WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram, all of which have emphasized encryption as a core privacy feature. However, Arattai differentiates itself through tighter integration with Zoho’s productivity tools and potential enterprise use cases. The app could eventually serve as a unified communication hub for businesses using Zoho Workplace and other collaboration products.
Cybersecurity experts have welcomed the introduction of E2EE as a positive step for India’s digital ecosystem. “Encryption ensures that sensitive user data cannot be intercepted or manipulated during transmission. As Indian apps expand globally, such measures are critical to establishing credibility and compliance,” said a senior security analyst based in Bengaluru.
The rollout of end-to-end encryption also arrives at a critical time when India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 has come into force, setting stricter standards for data collection and processing. Arattai’s compliance-oriented architecture may give it an edge as businesses and consumers increasingly prioritize platforms that safeguard user information.
Arattai’s upcoming release represents not just a technical enhancement, but also a symbolic stride toward digital independence. In a market dominated by international players, Zoho’s in-house innovation highlights the growing potential of Indian firms to develop globally competitive and privacy-centric technology solutions.
The broader implications extend beyond messaging. As India’s tech landscape evolves, the push toward encrypted communication could set new benchmarks for digital ethics and security standards across sectors. With growing awareness of data misuse and surveillance risks, the demand for locally built, trustworthy communication tools is likely to surge.
Zoho’s decision to strengthen Arattai’s security framework reflects a deliberate long-term strategy: to redefine user expectations around privacy while offering a feature-rich communication experience. The integration of encryption could also spur collaborations with government and enterprise clients that require secure internal communication systems.
As the new encryption update prepares for a full rollout, Arattai’s trajectory could influence how Indian startups approach user data protection in the future. The platform’s success will likely depend on its ability to combine simplicity with security—balancing convenience for everyday users with enterprise-grade protection.
For Zoho, the move reinforces its reputation as one of India’s most trusted technology companies, guided by independence, transparency, and ethics in software development. The company’s decision to strengthen Arattai with encryption demonstrates how privacy-first innovation can become a cornerstone of India’s digital transformation story.