User privacy is an essential part of my app development process
When I create a new web app, I have a specific set of tools that I like to use. Claude Code for my coding, Netlify for hosting, potentially Upstash Redis for a basic counter such as how many puzzles have been solved, PWA apps instead of App/Play Store downloads, to name but a few.
When I made my first apps I thought it would be great for people to have a login, such as with Google, so that they can save their progress, diary entries etc, but from a GDPR perspective, that sounded like a step too far for what I’m currently in a position to manage, especially if it meant storing user’s personal information, email address, and mostly, passwords. What if the database got hacked and everyone’s passwords leaked?
So, when I set about creating these apps, especially with Todolet, I started to look towards LocalStorage, which is a function within modern browsers where your data stays on your device in your browser’s storage/cache, and I realised that this function could actually be a good USP for my apps.
If I used LocalStorage, all of the data would stay on my user’s devices, and I’d never have to worry about the privacy implications of that. Users wouldn’t need an account, and could instantly delete everything contained within the app by clearing their browser data.
However, there were major limitations with this - data couldn’t be transferred between devices, and if a user inadvertently cleared their browser data, everything would be lost. Looking to overcome that limitration, I added Export/Import functions to my apps, which work like local backups. Again, the user owns this backup, and their data, in the form of a JSON file.
This file is highly portable and can be transferred between browsers, devices and users. And again, this becomes another USP. Now, when my apps are marketed, we focus on the messaging of no account is needed so you can start using the app straight away, and we respect your privacy, with your data always stays on your device.
Perhaps my nerves around password storage, and stumbling across LocalStorage, has given my apps a different angle that helps them to stand out from the crowd, and I know from reviews and feedback that users really appreciate this.