Key Takeaways
- Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu is seeking public input on implementing end-to-end encryption in Arattai
- Two rollout options: optional encryption or system-wide default for all personal chats
- Feature confirmed to launch soon, putting Arattai on par with WhatsApp and Signal
Zoho is moving closer to implementing end-to-end encryption for its messaging app Arattai, with CEO Sridhar Vembu directly seeking user feedback on the rollout approach. The company founder shared two implementation options and design previews via social media, confirming the privacy feature will launch shortly.
Two Encryption Approaches Under Consideration
Vembu revealed that Arattai will soon feature a dedicated e2ee tab for enabling encrypted one-to-one conversations. The company is evaluating two distinct rollout strategies:
- Option 1: Users can set e2ee as default for all personal chats or enable it for specific conversations. Encryption activates automatically if either participant has it turned on.
- Option 2: Make end-to-end encryption the system-wide default for all private chats, automatically securing every conversation.
“Some people do like the option of cloud-based chat for some of their chats (device storage limits don’t matter) so we have been thinking of option 1 but we could easily adopt option 2 (option 2 is cheaper for us!),” wrote Vembu while inviting feedback before finalizing the rollout.
Privacy Parity with Major Platforms
The upcoming feature will position Arattai alongside privacy-focused messaging giants like Signal and WhatsApp, which already offer default end-to-end encryption. This security standard ensures only communicating parties can read messages, with no third-party access—not even Zoho—to encryption keys.
Arattai’s Evolution as Homegrown Messaging Solution
Originally launched during the pandemic as an internal communication tool, Arattai has grown into a full-featured messaging platform supporting voice/video calls, group chats, and file sharing. The app gained significant traction in India after Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promoted homegrown alternatives.
While users appreciate Arattai’s simple interface and privacy-focused approach, end-to-end encryption has been a long-requested feature. Zoho leadership had previously indicated the feature was in development, emphasizing data privacy and localization as core pillars of their Arattai vision.
Beyond encryption, Zoho is reportedly developing AI-powered features using their in-house Zia large language model, further enhancing the platform’s capabilities.
