How Secure Is Arattai?
Arattai, the homegrown messaging app by Zoho, promises privacy-first communication. But how secure are chats on Arattai, and what privacy risks do users face as it challenges WhatsApp’s dominance?
Encryption Status: Calls vs. Chats
Arattai currently offers end-to-end encryption only for voice and video calls. This means calls are secured so nobody else can listen in, not even Arattai’s own servers. However, this level of encryption does not extend to text messages or multimedia sharing. Plain text chats are not fully encrypted end-to-end, making them susceptible to interception or data access by third parties.
In contrast, WhatsApp encrypts all forms of communication—texts, calls, photos, and videos—by default. This comprehensive encryption is key to WhatsApp’s reputation as a secure messaging platform trusted globally.
What Does Missing Text Encryption Mean?
Without full end-to-end encryption on chats, Arattai users face increased privacy risks. Messages pass through servers in unencrypted form, meaning potential vulnerabilities from server breaches, government data requests, or cyberattacks. This could expose sensitive conversations, photos, and files to unauthorized access.
Experts highlight that partial encryption may provide some protection, but falls short of the gold standard expected by privacy-conscious users.
User Privacy at Stake
Even with Arattai’s pledge to store data locally in India and not sell user information, encryption gaps remain a critical concern. Local data storage does not prevent interception during transmission if texts are not encrypted end-to-end. The risk grows when servers face high traffic and might have weaker safeguards.
Users should be aware that the app’s privacy promise is incomplete until message encryption is fully implemented.
Rapid Growth Tests Security and Stability
Arattai’s surge from thousands to hundreds of thousands of users in days is impressive but puts pressure on its infrastructure. Reports of delayed message delivery, syncing issues, and call glitches raise questions about whether user data is securely and reliably handled at scale.
These technical challenges highlight the importance of building robust encryption alongside server stability.
A Work in Progress But Privacy Must Come First
Arattai is still evolving as a messaging platform. Its founders are reportedly working to roll out full end-to-end encryption for messages soon. Meanwhile, users must weigh the risks of incomplete encryption against making a switch from WhatsApp.
The future security of Arattai will depend on closing these encryption gaps and earning user trust through transparency and strong technical measures.