P4: Describe how the proposal conforms to meet all legal and regulatory requirements
One big legal issue I have to be aware of is privacy. Since my app plans to help users store data and information about someone who is not themselves, privacy will be a big issue, especially since some users of the app will be young people/minors. Therefore, my app will require a password upon opening it, since information about prescription medicines and contact numbers could be dangerous if accessed by the wrong person. I will also make sure all data stored on the app is encrypted so users can be certain that any information they store on the app cannot be obtained by unauthorised parties.
Another possible issue is ownership of the app. This will usually be settled in the contract between me and the client, and usually all intellectual property rights from the software developers will be transferred to the contractor. It is imperative that I read the terms of my contract and know that I most likely won't be able to use anything I create for this app in another project, as the copyright and intellectual property won't belong to me.
I will also need to take steps to ensure my intellectual property is protected through the use of trademarks and registered copyrights. Trademarks are used for the name of my app and the logo, and putting a ™ symbol on the logo and anywhere the app name is written on apps, websites, etc. will show others that these things cannot be used on their own product. If our logo or app name is stolen or copied, we will be covered under the trademark and are able to sue them. As for copyrights, this covers written/artistic works, including source code, content and designs. It legally works in the same way as trademarks, but to prove copyright it works slightly differently. It is recommended to send a copy of any copyrighted content to yourself by post, and record the date it was both sent and received with your signature. This is a way to prove whether you were the first person to come up with a certain idea, image or piece of text, and therefore proves if someone copied from you.
Before starting production, it is important to consider the terms and conditions of displaying my app on a intended app store, as if my app doesn't meet their requirements it may fail to be launched or be removed from the app store. If these terms and conditions will clash with how I plan my app to operate - in terms of content, privacy and ongoing support - then I have time to go back to the drawing board and think of ways around this to ensure my finished app can be sold on an app store.
P5: Assess the ethical, social and moral impact your proposal could have on stakeholders
One big ethical issue that must always be considered with apps and digital content is potential harm to vulnerable groups. These groups include young people/children, the elderly, people with mental health issues, people with epilepsy, etc. Children especially need to considered because they are often allowed to use mobile phones/tablets without supervision, so could stumble across inappropriate content. My app doesn't include any content that would be harmful to children (e.g. swearing, violence, etc.), and since an existing account will be password protected, they can't find any private information if using a relative's phone. Since my app doesn't have any user generated content, there is no risk of that causing harm to any vulnerable groups, and I feel that on the whole this won't be an issue for me.
Another issue will be ease of use, since my app is aimed at a large range of ages. I must make sure that it is engaging and visually stimulating enough for digital natives, while also being simple enough to use by generations who weren't born in the digital age. Making my app only accessible for tech-savvy people excludes a large portion of my target audience - people who have a parent in a care home, who could also be retired themselves. I will therefore think carefully about the Graphical User Interface (GUI), and make sure it is clear and easy to navigate so anyone can use my app, regardless of age.
A final ethical issue is one that doesn't directly affect customers - stealing code. Some websites allow you to integrate their software into your app or website, but it is important that you read their terms of service and ensure you use their coding ethically. Stealing code is not only lazy, but also takes away from the creators and can stop them from making profit from content they created. Therefore, I will make sure that all coding is done from scratch and isn't copied from other developers.