Zoho-backed messaging app Arattai has decided to disable its username-based account feature following regulatory concerns raised by the Indian government. MeitY had flagged risks of identity theft and cyber fraud linked to similar features on WhatsApp. Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu confirmed the move, calling it a compliance step.

In a swift move to align with regulatory expectations, Zoho-backed messaging app Arattai has decided to disable its username-based account feature. The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the Indian government and WhatsApp over similar capabilities.

The Indian government recently expressed serious reservations about WhatsApp’s newly introduced username feature, which allows users to interact without sharing phone numbers. Citing risks of identity theft and cyber frauds, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) asked Meta to pause the rollout.

This development has prompted a proactive response from domestic players. Arattai, positioned as a Made-in-India privacy-focused alternative, became one of the first apps to publicly address the concerns.

Zoho co-founder announces decision