Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, is advocating for the Arattai application, a messaging platform developed in India, available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. He urges users to embrace this indigenous app, reflecting the government’s broader push for locally-made goods. The application, created by Zoho, is designed to compete with established tech giants, and the government has adopted the platform for official communications.
WhatsApp boasts over 400 million active daily users globally. Its features, including voice notes, file sharing, and money transfers, have made it a dominant communication platform for individuals and businesses. The application’s deep integration within the digital landscape makes it difficult for users to easily switch platforms, meaning Arattai needs to provide major incentives.
Concerns regarding data privacy are central. Most applications require access to user data to provide a personalized experience, and the details within the user agreements are often overlooked. It remains to be seen if Arattai will use user data, however, its focus on Indian users might lead to a different approach. The government’s endorsement may foster public trust and attract new users.