Privacy policy

Last updated: 12/01/2026

This policy explains how Alongside collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information.

Who we are

Alongside Journal ("Alongside", "we", "us", "our") provides a journaling and tracking app designed to support pregnancy, postpartum, and wellbeing.

Information we collect

Personal information you provide

  • Name or display name
  • Email address when you create an account
  • Journal entries, reflections, and notes
  • Photos, audio recordings, and other files you choose to save
  • Tracking data you log (for example, mood, wellbeing, symptoms, sleep, movements)
  • Preferences and settings you configure
  • Calendar or event information you choose to share

Automatic information

  • Device information and operating system
  • App usage and diagnostic information (for example, performance metrics, crash logs)

How we use your information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and operate the Alongside app
  • Store and display your journal and tracking data
  • Enable optional features such as downloads and sharing
  • Improve app performance, stability, and usability
  • Respond to support requests
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal information.

Data storage and security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Where and how data is stored

  • Private user media: Photos and audio recordings are stored in an AWS S3 private bucket. Access is restricted to the user who uploaded the content using time-limited, securely generated GET and PUT URLs.
  • Database records: Journal records and app data are stored unencrypted at rest in a database protected by a firewall and restricted from public internet access. Access is limited to secure internal networks behind a VPN.
  • Encryption in transit: Data is encrypted in transit using TLS when transmitted between your device and our servers.

No method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data sharing

We only share personal information in limited circumstances:

  • With your choices: When you choose to export content, download your journal, or share event information.
  • Service providers: Providers who help us operate the app (for example, cloud hosting, storage, analytics, and support). They are required to protect your information and only use it to provide services to us.
  • Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect safety and rights.

Your journal entries and personal tracking data are not shared with other users unless you choose to share them.

Overseas data storage

Your personal information may be stored or processed outside Australia depending on where our service providers operate. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure overseas recipients protect your personal information in a way consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles.

Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide the service and meet legal, regulatory, and operational requirements. When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.

Journal downloads and exported data

If you download or export your journal, the exported files are stored on your device or wherever you choose to save them. You are responsible for securing exported data outside the app.

Your rights

You can:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate personal information
  • Request deletion of your account and associated data
  • Withdraw consent where processing relies on consent

Data breach notification

If we become aware of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.

Children

Alongside is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will be available on our website. Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact: