government officials Archives

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

‘I don’t trust it’: Russians sceptical about state-backed messenger MAX

MAX is a new messaging platform launched by VK in Moscow, designed to consolidate various services and mandated by Russian authorities to be included in all new smartphones and tablets starting September 1. This move coincides with a ban on calls from foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. MAX is promoted as a secure alternative to foreign apps, but lacks end-to-end encryption, raising privacy concerns. The Russian media regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced plans to consider a complete ban on WhatsApp, which has nearly 100 million users in Russia, citing its role in facilitating criminal activity. Public sentiment is mixed, with some individuals expressing distrust towards MAX while others seem unconcerned about the transition to it or other messaging alternatives.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

CISA alert draws attention to spyware’s targeting of messaging apps

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning about the increasing threat of spyware targeting messaging applications, particularly on Android devices like Samsung. Cybercriminals are using social engineering techniques, including sending harmless-looking image files via WhatsApp, to install malicious software. Russian hackers have been reported to compromise Signal accounts. The alert highlights a focus on high-value individuals, including government officials and civil society members in the U.S., Middle East, and Europe. CISA has a history of issuing such alerts and provides cybersecurity guidance, including a "must-patch" list for federal agencies. Users are advised to be vigilant and follow mobile security guidelines, as threat groups are also using malicious QR codes and zero-click exploits to compromise devices.

BetaBeacon

November 3, 2025

Google Declares Android as the Most Secure Mobile OS: A Game Changer in Mobile Cybersecurity

Android devices benefit from a robust, AI-powered security infrastructure that actively defends against billions of cyber threats each week.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?

Arattai, a messaging app in India, gained significant traction in September and October 2025, reaching over 5 million downloads on certain days and surpassing established platforms like Telegram and Snapchat. Its rise was supported by media attention, endorsements from government officials, and alignment with Prime Minister Modi's Swadeshi initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's switch to Zoho email led to a 100-fold increase in Arattai's traffic within three days. The app offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls but lacks full encryption for text messages by default. It has a “secret chat” feature and plans to implement comprehensive encryption. User data is stored in Indian data centers, and the app aims to maintain a privacy-focused approach without relying on public cloud providers. Arattai faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users and offers extensive features such as UPI payments and default encryption. For long-term success, Arattai needs to standardize encryption, enhance its infrastructure, and build an ecosystem with integrated payment solutions and business tools. Overcoming user inertia from WhatsApp, establishing a strong brand identity, and navigating regulatory scrutiny are also critical for its growth.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Supreme Court rejects lady doctor’s claim that access to WhatsApp is fundamental right; suggests can use Zoho’s Arattai app – The Times of India

The Supreme Court of India ruled that access to private digital platforms like WhatsApp is not a constitutionally guaranteed right. Users must adhere to the terms of service of these private entities, and the court dismissed arguments claiming violation of free speech, suggesting such issues should be addressed through regulatory or civil channels. Dr. Raman Kundra sought restoration of her WhatsApp account for professional and personal use but was advised to consider alternatives like the Arattai app, which has gained significant traction in India. Launched in 2021, Arattai briefly surpassed competitors in app store rankings and is positioned as a "spyware-free, made-in-India messenger," endorsed by government officials. It offers features such as one-to-one and group chats, audio and video calls with end-to-end encryption, multi-device support, and broadcasting capabilities.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

Signal app threatens to leave Europe over chat control law

Meredith Whittaker, head of the Signal messaging app, stated that Signal is prepared to exit the EU market if legislation allows authorities to bypass encryption to scrutinize private messages. Whittaker emphasized that Signal would prioritize user privacy over compliance with such regulations. The EU is discussing a law aimed at combating the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, which would require messaging platforms to scan messages before encryption. WhatsApp's head criticized the proposed law, claiming it jeopardizes user privacy, while Threema expressed concerns about mass surveillance being incompatible with democratic principles. The European Parliament largely opposes the initiative, while the Council of Member States shows majority support for control measures. Additionally, an incident was reported where an unknown individual used AI-generated voice technology and Signal to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio and contacted five government officials.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

The Best Private Messaging Apps for 2025

Privacy and security are distinct concepts; privacy concerns identifiable information, while security relates to data vulnerability. Protecting privacy is essential due to the interest of companies in harvesting data. Reliable messaging apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure messages, with varying implementations. Apps like Briar and Session operate on decentralized networks and prioritize user privacy, while Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp have different levels of security features. Signal and WhatsApp provide E2EE for personal chats, but Telegram only offers it for "Secret Chats." Business accounts on WhatsApp lack encryption. Signal is a nonprofit that does not sell user data, while Telegram operates for profit and has faced criticism for privacy enforcement. Briar and Session allow anonymous communication without personal data. Law enforcement can access messages through various methods, but apps like Signal and Telegram are resistant to inquiries. WhatsApp is the most widely used app, while Telegram and WhatsApp offer more social features but come with risks. All three services support voice and video calling, with varying reliability. Signal is highlighted as the best option due to its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

Arattai app: All about the new made in India Arattai app and why many people are ditching WhatsApp to join it | – The Times of India

Arattai, a messaging app developed by Zoho and launched in January 2021, is designed for Indian users as an alternative to WhatsApp. The app has seen a dramatic increase in daily sign-ups, rising from approximately 3,000 to 350,000 in three days, and has surpassed 1 million users, though it remains significantly smaller than WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users in India. Arattai offers features such as text and voice messaging, audio and video calls, file sharing, group chats, and cross-device access. Despite its growth, it lacks end-to-end encryption for messages, a key feature that may affect user adoption. Zoho Corporation, founded in 1996, is headquartered in Chennai and has a wide range of business applications serving over 130 million users globally. The app has received endorsements from government officials, contributing to its rising visibility and appeal as a homegrown technology.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Arattai tops App Store social networking chart: What Zoho’s messaging platform offers, is it free| FAQs Explained

India's messaging platform Arattai has reached the top of the Social Networking category on the App Store, experiencing an increase in daily sign-ups from 3,000 to 350,000 in three days. Launched in January 2021 by Zoho Corporation, Arattai offers a secure, Indian-made alternative to WhatsApp, aligning with the government's self-reliance initiative. It has received endorsements from figures like Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who praised it as free, easy-to-use, and secure. Zoho's co-founder announced infrastructure enhancements to accommodate potential user surges. Arattai allows users to send messages, make calls, and share media across multiple devices, and is free to use. Currently, it does not support importing chats from other apps.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Zoho’s messaging app Arattai tops Apple App Store rankings after ministers lend it a boost

Chennai-based Zoho's instant messaging application, Arattai, has risen to the top of Apple's App Store rankings in the social media category in India. Launched in 2021, Arattai gained popularity due to endorsements from union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who praised its attributes and aligned it with the Swadeshi initiative. The app offers features similar to WhatsApp, such as text messaging, voice and video calls, media sharing, group chats for up to 1,000 members, stories, and broadcast channels. It is designed for users with low-end devices and those in areas with poor connectivity. Although it initially attracted users amid WhatsApp's privacy policy controversies, Arattai faces security challenges, as its text messages do not currently have end-to-end encryption, unlike WhatsApp. The app is also experiencing infrastructure issues due to an influx of new users, resulting in delays and functionality problems.