The consumer messaging landscape faces a crisis of trust, with sophisticated impersonation and digital fraud compromising daily interactions. To address this, Arattai — the instant messaging and VoIP calling app from SaaS major Zoho — has announced the introduction of an Aadhaar-enabled identity verification layer on its platform.
Optional Aadhaar Verification Blocks Spam
With the new optional feature, users can now block unsolicited spam by choosing to receive messages only from verified accounts. The integration enables Arattai to use Aadhaar for identity verification, mitigating potential identity spoofing and digital impersonation attempts. Users can avail the feature across mobile (iOS and Android) and desktop (Windows and Mac).
Importantly, Zoho has stated that the platform will not store any Aadhaar details of the user. This addresses privacy concerns while adding a trust layer.
"By introducing an optional Aadhaar verification layer, we are delivering a reliable space without adding unnecessary friction to the user experience," said Jeri John, Global Product Head at Arattai.
Comprehensive Privacy and Security Updates
Beyond Aadhaar verification, Arattai has rolled out a suite of privacy-forward and security-first features:
- End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) for individual messages and broadcasts
- Encrypted Chat Backup option for Google Drive and iCloud
- Ability to hide phone numbers when joining public groups
- Virtual waiting rooms to schedule meetings and control access
- Explicit authorization for who can enter secure spaces
These features aim to give users granular control over their data and communications.
Arattai: An Indian-Origin Alternative
Launched in 2021, Arattai has been built entirely in India and aims to position itself as an Indian-origin alternative to global messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. It supports 10 Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Gujarati. According to Zoho, Arattai is developed on Zoho’s full-stack infrastructure, ensuring that individual chats, files, and personal connections stay within a highly secure local data ecosystem.
The launch comes amid heightened scrutiny of Meta-owned WhatsApp by the Indian government after WhatsApp introduced usernames on its platform, raising concerns about enhanced impersonation risks.
Platform Availability and Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Verification | Optional, identity layer to block unverified accounts; no storage of Aadhaar data |
| End-to-End Encryption | For one-on-one messages and broadcasts |
| Encrypted Chat Backup | Supports Google Drive and iCloud |
| Number Hiding | Hide phone numbers in public groups |
| Virtual Waiting Rooms | Schedule meetings and authorize participants |
| Languages | 10 Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac |
Implications for Enterprise Communications
For technology decision-makers evaluating secure messaging platforms, Arattai’s approach offers a precedent for integrating national identity systems (like Aadhaar) to balance security with privacy. The commitment to not storing biometric data aligns with enterprise data governance requirements. The full-stack infrastructure on Zoho’s local servers may appeal to organizations with data residency mandates. While Arattai is a consumer messaging app, its underlying security architecture — E2EE, encrypted backups, and identity verification — addresses pain points common in enterprise collaboration, such as impersonation and unauthorized access. As Zoho continues to expand Arattai’s capabilities, it could emerge as a viable option for business communication within India’s regulatory landscape.
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