Zoho Corporation's homegrown instant messaging and VoIP calling app Arattai on Wednesday, 29 July rolled out an Aadhaar-based identity verification layer, making it one of the first Indian messaging platforms to integrate the national ID system to combat digital impersonation and identity spoofing. The optional feature is available across Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac platforms.

How the Aadhaar Verification Works

Users can activate the feature by navigating to profile settings and selecting the 'Get Verified' option, then completing the process through the Aadhaar app. Once verified, accounts receive a permanent green verification badge, signalling authenticity to other users on the platform.

Crucially, Arattai clarified that the verification process is entirely voluntary and that the platform does not store any Aadhaar details. The architecture is designed to validate identity without retaining sensitive government ID data — a distinction the company is keen to emphasise given ongoing public debate around data privacy in India.

The Broader Badge System

The Aadhaar-linked green badge builds on Arattai's existing tiered verification programme. Standard verified accounts carry a Blue Badge, while official government accounts are assigned a Grey Badge to prevent impersonation of public institutions and officials. The new green badge adds a third, citizen-facing layer anchored to a government-issued identity.

Jeri John, Global Product Head, Arattai, said: 'By introducing an optional Aadhaar verification layer, we are delivering a reliable space without adding unnecessary friction to the user experience. This architecture ensures that users can validate their peer-to-peer interactions on their own terms.'

New Privacy and Security Features

Alongside the Aadhaar integration, Arattai rolled out several additional security upgrades. These include end-to-end encryption for personal chats and broadcasts, encrypted cloud chat backups for Google Drive and iCloud, and a 'Hide Phone Number' feature that conceals users' contact details in public groups — a meaningful addition for users concerned about unsolicited contact.

The verified-account filter also lets users choose to receive messages exclusively from verified profiles, offering a practical tool to reduce spam.

About Arattai and Its India-First Positioning

Arattai was soft-launched in 2021 and has been built entirely in India. The platform is positioned as a privacy-focused alternative that does not rely on invasive data tracking, targeted advertising, or user surveillance. It supports 10 Indian languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Odia, and Tamil.

This comes amid growing regulatory and user pressure on messaging platforms globally to address impersonation, misinformation spread through fake accounts, and inadequate data protection. India's own Digital Personal Data Protection Act has raised the stakes for how platforms handle identity-linked data. Arattai's no-storage approach to Aadhaar details may set a template for how Indian apps navigate this challenge going forward.