In a digital era where data privacy is becoming the new currency, Zoho Corporation has entered the chat — literally.
With its secure messaging platform Arattai, Zoho aims to redefine how Indians communicate online, offering an alternative to global giants like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.
But what makes Arattai unique? Why is it suddenly gaining attention again in 2025? Let’s explore how this homegrown messaging app could be a game-changer for both individuals and businesses.
🇮🇳 1. What is Arattai?
The word “Arattai” means “chat” or “conversation” in Tamil — a fitting name for a messaging platform designed to bring people closer, securely.
Launched by Zoho Corporation, the Chennai-based global SaaS company, Arattai is more than just another messaging app. It’s part of Zoho’s larger vision to build a privacy-driven Indian tech ecosystem — independent of big tech surveillance.
Arattai offers all the core messaging features users expect — text, voice, video calls, file sharing, and group chats — but with one critical distinction:
👉 User data never leaves Zoho’s secure Indian servers and is never monetized through ads.
🔒 2. Why Arattai Exists — The Privacy Problem
For years, apps like WhatsApp and Messenger have dominated the messaging world, but they’ve also raised concerns about:
- Data collection for ad targeting
- Unclear encryption policies
- Dependence on foreign cloud servers
- Business metadata tracking
When WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes in 2021 triggered public outrage, Zoho’s founder Sridhar Vembu introduced Arattai as a Made-in-India, privacy-respecting alternative.
Zoho’s philosophy is simple:
“Our users are not the product.”
This commitment means Arattai doesn’t show ads, doesn’t track conversations, and doesn’t sell user data — aligning perfectly with India’s growing digital sovereignty movement.
⚙️ 3. Core Features of Arattai
Arattai comes packed with a blend of simplicity, speed, and strong security measures. Here are its standout features:
💬 End-to-End Encryption
Messages, calls, and media are encrypted so that only the sender and receiver can access them.
📞 HD Audio & Video Calls
High-quality calling, even on low bandwidth — ideal for users in semi-urban and rural India.
🧑💻 Cross-Platform Access
Available on Android, iOS, and desktop browsers — with seamless synchronization.
🧱 Data Hosted in India
All data is stored on Zoho’s own servers within India, ensuring compliance with local privacy and data protection laws.
🏢 Arattai for Teams
Zoho is integrating Arattai with Zoho Workplace and Zoho CRM, enabling teams to collaborate, share files, and communicate privately — without external leaks.
🚫 No Ads, No Tracking
Unlike ad-based messaging apps, Arattai generates no behavioral profiles or targeted advertising.
🧩 4. Arattai vs WhatsApp: The Comparison That Matters
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Zoho Corporation (India) | Meta (USA) |
| Data Storage | Fully in India | Global cloud servers |
| Ads | No | Integrated with Meta Ads |
| Encryption | End-to-end (Zoho managed) | End-to-end (Meta managed) |
| Group Call Limit | 100 participants | 32 participants |
| File Sharing Limit | 2GB | 2GB |
| Business Integration | With Zoho CRM, WorkDrive, Mail | With Meta Business Suite |
👉 Verdict:
While WhatsApp dominates in user base, Arattai wins in privacy, scalability, and enterprise integration — especially for Indian SMEs and government organizations focusing on data protection.
🌐 5. Why Arattai Matters for India’s Digital Future
India’s digital landscape is shifting rapidly. The government’s emphasis on “Digital India”, data sovereignty, and Made-in-India technologies aligns perfectly with Zoho’s approach.
Arattai’s rise represents three major shifts:
- From global to local — reducing dependence on foreign tech ecosystems.
- From surveillance to privacy — prioritizing ethical communication.
- From consumer to enterprise focus — empowering businesses with secure collaboration tools.
Zoho’s self-reliant model — where even servers and software stacks are owned in-house — ensures that no third-party can access user data. This independence makes Arattai a trustworthy platform for government bodies, banks, schools, and startups.
💼 6. How Arattai Benefits Businesses and Marketers
For digital marketing agencies like Picasso Multimedia, Arattai represents a new communication frontier.
Here’s how agencies and businesses can use it:
- Client Communication: Create secure, encrypted chat channels for sharing reports and campaign updates.
- Customer Support: Handle client queries without sharing data across third-party servers.
- Internal Team Chat: Replace Slack or WhatsApp groups for confidential project discussions.
- Brand Positioning: Use Arattai’s privacy-first philosophy to build a reputation for trust and transparency.
In the age of AI marketing and data regulation, ethical communication tools like Arattai can become a brand differentiator.
🚀 7. Arattai’s Future: Beyond Messaging
Zoho is not stopping with chat. The company is rumored to be integrating Arattai with Ulaa (Zoho’s browser), Zoho Mail, and Zoho CRM to create a unified, privacy-first ecosystem.
Future updates may include:
- Payment integration for peer-to-peer transfers
- Video conferencing tools for remote teams
- Integration with Zoho Cliq and Zoho Meeting
- Custom business versions with private cloud control
By building an Indian alternative to Meta + Google ecosystems, Zoho aims to give users complete digital independence — from browsing to communication to productivity.
🏁 8. Conclusion
Arattai isn’t just another chat app — it’s a movement toward digital privacy, local innovation, and ethical communication.
In 2025, as data security becomes the foundation of trust, Zoho’s Arattai offers what big tech can’t — freedom from surveillance, independence from ads, and transparency from an Indian company with a global reputation.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a marketing agency, or a regular user, Arattai offers a refreshing alternative — simple, secure, and made in India for the world.