Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu recently found himself at the centre of an online discussion after responding to a direct and sensitive question about privacy on Zoho’s new messaging app, Arattai. The issue quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), raising important concerns about data safety and personal communication in digital platforms.
Arattai, which is being promoted as a strong alternative to WhatsApp, is still new. But this one question has pushed the app into a serious privacy debate.
What Is Arattai and Why Is It Trending
Arattai is a messaging app launched by Zoho with features similar to popular chat apps. Users can send messages, images, videos, and documents. The app is attracting attention mainly because it promises better privacy and data control compared to foreign platforms.
Many users see Arattai as an Indian-made solution that focuses on data security. This is why expectations around privacy are very high from day one.
The Question That Started the Debate
An X user openly asked Sridhar Vembu whether a husband and wife can safely share private photos on Arattai. The user also questioned who inside Zoho could potentially access such content.
The question was blunt and direct, and it caught the attention of many social media users because it touched on a very personal and real concern.
Sridhar Vembu’s Clear and Honest Reply
Instead of avoiding the question, Sridhar Vembu responded honestly. He stated that Arattai currently does not offer end-to-end encryption for messages. However, voice calls on the app are already encrypted.
He also confirmed that end-to-end encryption for chats is under development and will be introduced soon. According to him, Zoho’s business is built on trust, and the company does not misuse customer data.
Trust vs Technology: The Core Issue
Vembu stressed that trust is more important than any single technical feature. He said Zoho has earned global trust by never accessing customer data for personal or commercial gain.
However, privacy experts and users pointed out that trust alone is not enough. Without end-to-end encryption, there is always a technical possibility that data could be accessed, even if the company chooses not to.
How Social Media Users Reacted
Reactions online were divided. Some users appreciated the honesty and transparency shown by Zoho’s founder. They felt it was better to admit current limitations rather than make false claims.
Others remained doubtful and questioned whether users should rely only on promises. Many users said modern messaging apps must provide strong technical safeguards, not just ethical assurances.
Why End-to-End Encryption Matters
End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read messages. Even the app company cannot see the content.
Most major messaging platforms today offer this feature as a standard. For Arattai to truly compete with global apps, rolling out this security layer will be crucial.
Conclusion
Sridhar Vembu’s response has highlighted an important moment for Arattai. His openness has earned respect, but it has also increased expectations. Users now want action, not just assurance.
If Zoho delivers strong end-to-end encryption soon, Arattai could gain serious credibility in the messaging space. Until then, the debate around trust versus technology will continue