As of now, Arattai is a messaging app developed by Tamil Nadu-based startup Arattai Tech, aiming to provide a privacy-focused, Indian alternative to WhatsApp. Launched with support from the Tamil Nadu government, Arattai emphasizes data sovereignty, local language support (especially Tamil), and end-to-end encryption.
Key Points About Arattai vs. WhatsApp:
Origin:
Arattai: Indian (Chennai-based), launched in 2021.
WhatsApp: American (owned by Meta), launched in 2009.
Privacy & Data:
Arattai claims no data sharing with third parties and stores data only in India.
WhatsApp has faced criticism over data-sharing policies with Meta, though it offers end-to-end encryption for messages.
Language Support:
Arattai prioritizes Indian languages, especially Tamil, with plans for broader regional support.
WhatsApp supports many global languages, including major Indian ones, but isn’t optimized specifically for regional linguistic nuances.
Adoption:
WhatsApp has over 500 million users in India—deeply entrenched in personal and business communication.
Arattai remains niche, primarily promoted within Tamil Nadu and among privacy-conscious or nationalist tech users.
Features:
Both offer core features like messaging, voice/video calls, and group chats. Arattai is working on adding UPI payments, cloud backup, and business tools to compete.
Challenges for Arattai:
Network effect: Hard to replace WhatsApp when everyone you know uses it.
Feature parity: Needs continuous development to match WhatsApp’s reliability and ecosystem.Trust & awareness: Building user confidence in a new platform takes time.
In Summary:
Arattai represents a sovereign, privacy-first messaging initiative aligned with India’s push for digital self-reliance ("Atmanirbhar Bharat"). While it’s unlikely to displace WhatsApp soon, it offers a viable alternative for users prioritizing data localization and linguistic inclusivity—especially in Tamil-speaking communities.
Arattai vs WhatsApp Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Arattai Tech (Chennai, India) | Meta Platforms, Inc. (USA) |
| Launch Year | 2021 | 2009 |
| Ownership | Indian startup | Owned by Meta |
| End-to-End Encryption | ✅ Yes (Signal Protocol-based) | ✅ Yes (Signal Protocol) |
| Data Stored in India? | ✅ Yes (servers in India) | ❌ No (global servers; some data may leave India) |
| Primary Language Focus | Tamil + other Indian languages (in development) | Global languages, including Hindi, Tamil, etc. |
| User Base (India) | ~1–2 lakh (estimated, niche) | ~535 million+ |
| Voice/Video Calls | ✅ Yes (1:1 and group) | ✅ Yes (up to 32 participants) |
| Group Size Limit | Up to 256 members | Up to 1,024 members |
| Cloud Backup | 🔜 In development (as of mid-2025) | ✅ Google Drive / iCloud |
| Business Features | Basic support; UPI payments in beta | WhatsApp Business API, catalogs, payments (UPI) |
| Cross-Platform Sync | Limited (mobile-first) | ✅ Full (Web, Desktop, multi-device) |
| Open Source? | ❌ No (but claims transparency audits) | ❌ No (client closed-source) |
| Ads or Monetization | ❌ No ads; govt & investor-funded | ❌ No ads in chat; monetizes via Business API |
| Offline Messaging | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |