Made-in-India Messaging App Challenging Global Giants
In today’s hyper-connected world, instant messaging apps have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. From sending quick messages to sharing documents, photos, and videos, these platforms are now the backbone of digital communication. Among the giants that dominate the space, WhatsApp has long held the top position globally. However, in recent years, concerns about data privacy, foreign ownership, and digital sovereignty have opened the door for local alternatives. One such powerful contender is Arattai, a Made-in-India messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation.
But what exactly is Arattai? What does its name mean? And how does it stack up against WhatsApp? Let’s dive deep into the story of Arattai — from its roots in Indian innovation to its vision for a more private and independent digital future.
What Does “Arattai” Mean?
The name “Arattai” comes from the Tamil language, spoken predominantly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil, Arattai (அரட்டை) literally means “chat” or “conversation.” The name perfectly captures the essence of what the app aims to do — facilitate free, friendly, and secure conversations among people.
Unlike many tech brands that rely on abstract or English-centric names, Zoho’s choice of “Arattai” is a proud reflection of its Indian roots. It represents a homegrown spirit and a sense of cultural identity, showing that global-grade technology doesn’t need to lose its local flavor.
Who Owns Arattai?
Arattai is developed and owned by Zoho Corporation, one of India’s most respected and globally recognized software companies. Founded by Sridhar Vembu in 1996, Zoho has built a reputation for creating world-class enterprise software solutions used by millions worldwide — all without external funding or venture capital.
Zoho’s decision to build Arattai stems from its long-standing commitment to data privacy, user control, and digital independence. The company already runs its own data centers and email services, ensuring that user data remains secure and protected from third-party exploitation.
With Arattai, Zoho brings this same philosophy into the personal communication space — giving Indian users a private, ad-free, and secure messaging experience.
Why Arattai Was Born: The Context
The idea for Arattai gained traction around 2020, when WhatsApp updated its privacy policy to allow certain data sharing with its parent company, Meta (formerly Facebook). This sparked massive debates about how much control users truly had over their personal information.
Amid these concerns, many users began exploring alternative platforms such as Signal and Telegram. However, India lacked a fully indigenous, privacy-centric, and easy-to-use chat app that could compete with WhatsApp’s user experience.
Zoho stepped in to fill that gap with Arattai, aiming to create an app that’s not only built in India but also built for India — with the same polish and reliability users expect from global platforms.
Also Read: AI Tools for Students: 2025 Apps Making Learning Smarter & EasierWhatsApp vs Arattai: A Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at how Arattai compares with WhatsApp on various parameters:
1. Ownership and Data Sovereignty
- WhatsApp: Owned by Meta (a U.S. company). Data is processed on servers that may be located outside India.
- Arattai: Owned by Zoho Corporation, headquartered in Chennai, India. Data is stored and managed in Zoho’s own secure servers within India.
Verdict: Arattai wins for Indian users concerned about data localization and national digital sovereignty.
2. Privacy and Data Usage
- WhatsApp: While chats are end-to-end encrypted, metadata (such as contact lists, device information, and usage patterns) can be shared with Meta for business and advertising purposes.
- Arattai: Built with Zoho’s privacy-first principles. No ads, no tracking, and no sharing of user data with third parties.
Verdict: Arattai is clearly more privacy-oriented.
3. User Interface and Experience
- WhatsApp: Simple, intuitive, and globally recognized design.
- Arattai: Clean, modern, and inspired by WhatsApp’s familiar layout, making it easy for new users to transition. Arattai has also added unique Indian design touches and customization options.
Verdict: Both offer smooth experiences; Arattai feels familiar yet refreshingly local.
4. Features and Performance
Both apps support essential features like:
- Text messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group chats
- File and photo sharing
- Stickers and emojis
Arattai has been steadily improving with updates introducing voice notes, dark mode, and multi-device synchronization.
Verdict: WhatsApp currently has a more mature ecosystem, but Arattai is catching up fast with continuous innovation.
5. Platform Availability
- WhatsApp: Available on iOS, Android, and web.
- Arattai: Available on Android and iOS, with web and desktop versions under development.
Verdict: WhatsApp has a slight edge in platform availability, though Arattai’s roadmap shows rapid expansion.
A Homegrown Alternative for the Privacy-Conscious User
The most striking advantage of Arattai lies in data privacy. In an age where user data fuels global advertising empires, Zoho’s stance stands out: it has publicly declared that user data is not for sale.
Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s CEO, has often emphasized that digital platforms should respect the privacy of their users and uphold ethical data practices. Arattai embodies that vision — it doesn’t rely on advertisements, doesn’t sell user data, and doesn’t manipulate engagement through invasive algorithms.
For Indian users who have long been concerned about how much foreign tech companies know about their personal lives, Arattai provides a sense of trust and ownership.
Made in India, for the World
While Arattai is primarily focused on the Indian market, its quality and performance make it capable of competing internationally. It’s part of a broader movement toward “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), encouraging local innovation that meets global standards.
Zoho has always operated differently from Silicon Valley tech firms — it prefers sustainable growth, privacy, and independence over aggressive advertising or investor pressure. Arattai reflects this same ethos: it’s built not just to succeed commercially, but to stand as a symbol of ethical, people-first technology.
Challenges Ahead for Arattai
Like any growing platform, Arattai faces challenges:
- Network effect: WhatsApp’s massive user base means it remains the default choice for most people.
- Feature parity: Some advanced features like WhatsApp Business or payment integrations are still being developed in Arattai.
- User trust: Even though Arattai is privacy-focused, convincing users to switch from a familiar app is never easy.
However, these challenges are not insurmountable. As awareness of digital privacy grows and users seek alternatives aligned with their values, Arattai’s appeal will only increase.
Why Arattai Matters for India’s Digital Future
The rise of Arattai is more than just another app launch — it’s a statement about India’s technological self-reliance. For decades, India has been a major consumer of global technology. Arattai flips that narrative by showing that India can create world-class software that competes with international giants, while staying rooted in ethical principles.
It also sends a message about data sovereignty — that the data of Indian citizens can and should remain under Indian jurisdiction, governed by Indian law and protected from foreign exploitation.
The Road Ahead
Arattai continues to evolve rapidly. Zoho’s strong technical foundation and culture of long-term thinking mean the app is likely to gain more features, better integration with Zoho’s suite of tools, and enhanced security measures over time.
The company’s approach — patient, transparent, and community-driven — ensures that Arattai isn’t just another startup experiment, but a sustainable platform designed to last.
Final Thoughts
Arattai is more than a messaging app; it’s a reflection of India’s growing confidence in its technological capabilities. With its privacy-first design, homegrown infrastructure, and commitment to user trust, Arattai offers a credible, ethical, and proudly Indian alternative to WhatsApp.
In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of privacy, Arattai shows that users don’t have to compromise. Whether you’re chatting with friends, managing a group, or sharing files, Arattai lets you do it securely — with your data, your rules, and your conversations truly your own.
As its name suggests, it’s time for a new kind of “Arattai” — a chat that belongs to you, by India, for the world.
Arattai vs WhatsApp — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Arattai app?
Arattai is a Made-in-India instant messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, offering secure and private chat, voice, and video communication.
2. Who is the owner of Arattai?
Arattai is owned and developed by Zoho Corporation, founded by Sridhar Vembu, a leading Indian tech entrepreneur.
3. What does the word “Arattai” mean?
The word Arattai means “chat” or “conversation” in Tamil, reflecting the app’s core purpose — to connect people through secure conversations.
4. Is Arattai better than WhatsApp?
Arattai offers stronger data privacy and Indian data storage, while WhatsApp has a larger global user base and mature features. The choice depends on your priorities.
5. Is Arattai a Made-in-India app?
Yes, Arattai is completely Made in India, developed by Zoho Corporation with servers and data centers located in India.
6. Is Arattai safe to use?
Yes. Arattai follows strict privacy-first policies and does not sell or share user data with third parties or advertisers.
7. Does Arattai offer end-to-end encryption?
Yes, Arattai supports end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the sender and receiver can read the messages.
8. Is Arattai available on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Arattai is available for both Android and iOS devices via Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
9. Does Arattai have a web version?
A web and desktop version of Arattai is in development, aiming to provide a seamless experience across all devices.
10. Can I make video and voice calls on Arattai?
Yes. Arattai supports HD voice and video calls, similar to WhatsApp, with secure connection features.
11. Does Arattai show ads?
No. Arattai is a completely ad-free platform, ensuring a clean and distraction-free messaging experience.
12. Is Arattai free to use?
Yes, Arattai is 100% free to download and use, with no hidden charges or in-app purchases.
13. Where does Arattai store user data?
All user data in Arattai is stored securely on Zoho’s servers within India, ensuring data localization and compliance with Indian laws.
14. Does Arattai support group chats?
Yes. You can create group chats in Arattai to share messages, photos, and videos with multiple users easily.
15. Can I share files and documents on Arattai?
Yes. Arattai supports multimedia and document sharing, including photos, videos, and PDFs.
16. How is Arattai different from WhatsApp?
Arattai focuses on user privacy, Indian data storage, and ad-free experience, whereas WhatsApp is owned by Meta and relies on global servers.
17. Is Arattai connected to Zoho Mail or other Zoho services?
While Arattai is built by Zoho, it currently operates as an independent messaging app, but future integration is possible.
18. Can Arattai replace WhatsApp in India?
Yes, Arattai has the potential to replace WhatsApp for users who value privacy, Indian ownership, and data protection.
19. Does Arattai collect user data?
Arattai collects minimal data necessary for app functionality and does not track user behavior or sell data to advertisers.
20. How can I download Arattai?
You can download Arattai from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by searching for “Arattai by Zoho Corporation.