The "Made in India" messaging app Arattai, developed by Zoho Corporation, has recently experienced a surge in popularity, positioning itself as a potential alternative to global messaging giants like WhatsApp. Launched in 2021, Arattai, which means "chat" or "chit-chat" in Tamil, aims to provide a secure and user-friendly communication platform. The app's recent rise to the top of app store charts and a massive increase in user sign-ups have sparked interest in its features and security aspects.

Key Features and Functionality

Arattai offers a comprehensive suite of messaging tools, including:

• Text and Voice Messaging: Instant messaging to contacts or groups.
• Audio and Video Calls: High-definition calls, with end-to-end encryption.
• Media Sharing: Easy sharing of documents, pictures, videos, and other files.
• Stories: Temporary posts visible for 24 hours.
• Channels: Broadcasting updates or content to a broad audience.
• Groups: Group chats with up to 1,000 members.
• Multi-device Support: Use across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and Android TV.

Security Features and Privacy Focus

Arattai emphasizes privacy and security, striving to provide a safe communication experience for everyone. Key security and privacy features include:

• End-to-End Encryption for Calls: Arattai uses end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can access the content of the calls.
• Data Localization: User data is stored in India, supporting national data privacy standards.
• No Data Monetization: Zoho asserts that Arattai will not monetize personal data and is committed to strong privacy principles. The company says customer privacy is its number one priority, ensuring that user data is private and accessible only to them.
• Spyware-Free Messenger: Arattai is known as a "spyware-free" messenger app, making it a choice for privacy-conscious users. It claims to offer secure communication by eliminating data tracking or surveillance.
• Designed with a Strong Focus on Privacy and Security: Zoho leveraged its experience building communication and collaboration apps for enterprises to deliver this app.

Points to Consider

• Encryption for Messages: While Arattai offers end-to-end encryption for calls, text messages are not yet fully end-to-end encrypted. However, Zoho has confirmed that they will add end-to-end encryption to messages soon.
• Server Glitches: Due to a sudden surge in demand, the app is facing server glitches, such as slower contact sync and other issues.
• Competition with WhatsApp: WhatsApp is deeply embedded in India's digital life and has over 500 million users in the country. Arattai's challenge lies in converting downloads to habitual usage, earning user trust over time, and closing feature gaps.

Recent Developments and Endorsements

Arattai's popularity has been noticed, with India's Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, recommending it as a local digital platform. He described Arattai as "secure, user-friendly, and completely free," highlighting that it is entirely developed in India.

Overall

Arattai is gaining traction as a "Made in India" messaging app with a focus on privacy and security. Its key security features include end-to-end encryption for calls, data localization, and a commitment to not monetizing user data. While it still has room to grow, particularly in offering full end-to-end encryption for messages, its increasing popularity reflects a rising demand for homegrown digital platforms with a strong emphasis on user privacy.