Arattai App Controversy, Users Outraged Over American Address, Questions Rise on Indigenous Claims
Users question the indigenous claims of Zoho’s messaging app after developer’s US registration address surfaces
Mumbai, Oct 25 : Zoho Corporation’s messaging app, Arattai, is being celebrated as a homegrown alternative to WhatsApp, gaining popularity among users looking for a secure, Indian-developed platform. However, recent revelations about the developer’s registration address have stirred controversy and raised questions about the app’s “Made in India” claim.
Several users noticed that the Google Play Store lists Zoho Corporation’s address as “Pleasanton, CA, United States,” prompting doubts about whether Arattai was truly developed in India. In response, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu clarified that the US address is an old developer registration used during testing and has not been updated on the store. He assured users that all user data is stored securely in India, with servers located in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai.
Vembu further explained that Zoho operates in over 80 countries, with the US being a significant market, but reiterated that reports questioning the app’s Indian roots are false.
Legal Implications of a US Address
Cyber law experts note that having a US address could subject the app to US laws, allowing US authorities to request user data. Non-compliance could result in removal from Google or Apple stores. Additionally, operating from India while being registered in the US may expose the company to double taxation and compliance with all applicable US regulations.
Security of the Arattai App
Currently, Arattai provides end to end encryption for voice and video calls, with text chat encryption still in testing. Experts caution that until full encryption is implemented for all message types, user data cannot be considered entirely secure.
Zoho’s clarification aims to reassure users while highlighting the app’s Indian infrastructure, despite the US registration address listed online.
