Arattai adds end-to-end encryption for text chat messages

End-to-End Encryption for Text Messages: What Changes Now

Look, Arattai isn’t just adding a cute upgrade. Sridhar Vembu confirmed that end-to-end encryption for text messages is coming, within two to four weeks. That means your messages will be readable only to you and the person you’re chatting with. Arattai already does E2E for calls, but text chats will now get the same protection. In short: what you type, what you receive, stays private from the moment it leaves your device to when it arrives on the other end.

Here's the thing: encryption for texts brings Arattai on par with global rivals like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram on the most sensitive part of messaging. It’s a big deal for people who care about privacy, especially in India where digital conversations are part of daily life for work, family, and small businesses.

The Backup Challenge and What It Means for You

So, there’s a catch that makes this update even more interesting. The backup system is described as technically complex because the encryption is device-specific. That means you’ll need to actively choose and manage backups, and you’ll have to keep your original device keys if you want to restore messages later.

(What does that mean for you in practice?) If you upgrade to a new phone or reset your device, you’ll likely have to use the backed-up data with your keys intact. If you lose those keys, restoring old chats could become difficult or impossible. This shifts some responsibility to users but also gives you greater control over who can access your messages through backups.

Arattai also emphasizes that all user data is stored in India and encrypted. That data-localization angle is important for many Indian users who want privacy protections closer to home, and it contrasts with some global platforms that advertise features but rely on cross-border data handling in various ways.

Why This Is Big for India's Digital Privacy Landscape

Look, India’s messaging space has seen rapid growth and intense competition. When a homegrown platform strengthens security with true text-message encryption and clear backup controls, it changes the playbook for everyone. For users, this isn’t just about a feature; it’s about trust. For businesses and developers, it signals how far privacy-centric design can go without sacrificing usability.

What to Watch For Next

So, keep an eye on the rollout notes and in-app prompts. The two-to-four-week window will determine how quickly users can start testing real-world security benefits. Expect a simple option to enable encrypted backups, with clear guidance on preserving device keys. If you’re a regular Arattai user in India, this could be the moment you decide: is privacy at the top of your messaging app list?

This update could redefine trust and adoption dynamics in India’s messaging space, nudging rivals to elevate their own security features. The result? A more private, user-controlled chatting experience that feels truly native to Indian users.