Paternal™
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 4 August 2026
Last Updated: 4 August 2026
| Controller | Paternal |
| Website | https://www.paternalapp.com |
| Contact | info@paternalapp.com |
| Launch platform | iOS only |
| Commercial model | Free access and paid subscriptions through Apple App Store In-App Purchase |
| Privacy-first statement Paternal does not sell personal data, does not use personal information for targeted advertising, and does not track users across third-party apps or websites. Any data we process is used only to operate, secure, support and improve Paternal unless a user has chosen to receive communications from us. |
1. Introduction
Welcome to Paternal (“Paternal”, “we”, “our”, or “us”). Paternal is a mobile application designed to support expectant and new fathers through pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenthood by providing educational content, tools, guidance and resources.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose and protect information when users use the Paternal mobile application, our website at www.paternalapp.com, and any associated services.
By accessing or using Paternal, users acknowledge that they have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
2. Who We Are and How to Contact Us
For the purposes of UK data protection legislation, Paternal is the Data Controller responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing personal information collected through the App, Website and related services.
Paternal is based in the United Kingdom. We have not appointed a Data Protection Officer because, based on our current activities at launch, we do not consider one to be legally required. Privacy enquiries should be sent to info@paternalapp.com.
Paternal
Website: https://www.paternalapp.com
Email: info@paternalapp.com
3. Scope of this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to the Paternal iOS application, the Paternal website, related communications and support services, newsletters or updates users choose to receive, and any features, content, subscriptions or services provided through Paternal.
4. When We Provide Privacy Information
Where we collect personal information directly from a user, we aim to provide privacy information at the time the information is collected. Where we receive information from another source, such as Apple subscription status or diagnostic information, we provide this Privacy Policy to explain the relevant processing in a clear and accessible way.
5. Information We Collect
5.1 Information Provided Voluntarily
We may collect information that users voluntarily provide, including name, email address, feedback, enquiries, support requests, survey responses, mailing list preferences, and information submitted through forms on our website or within the app.
Users are under no obligation to provide personal information; however, certain features, support responses or communications may not be available without it.
5.2 App Usage, Preferences and Progress Data
Depending on the features available in the App, Paternal may process user preferences, saved content, checklist progress, app settings, pregnancy-stage preferences, birth preparation progress or other information entered by the user to enable app functionality and continuity of the user experience.
At launch, Paternal does not intend to collect medical records or clinical health records. Users should avoid sending sensitive medical information to us unless it is necessary for their enquiry. If a user voluntarily includes sensitive information in a message to us, we will use it only to deal with that enquiry and will handle it with additional care.
5.3 Subscription Information
Paternal offers both a free version of the service and premium subscription plans available through Apple’s App Store.
All subscription payments are processed directly by Apple through Apple’s In-App Purchase system. We do not collect, store or process credit card details, debit card details or payment account information.
We may receive limited subscription-related information from Apple, such as subscription status, renewal status, subscription type and purchase validation information necessary to provide access to premium content. Subscription billing, renewals, cancellations and refunds are governed by Apple’s terms and policies.
5.4 Analytics and Performance Data
To help us understand how Paternal is performing and how users interact with the application, we utilise Apple’s standard analytics and diagnostic services available through the iOS platform.
This information may include app launches, session information, general feature usage, device type, operating system version, app performance metrics, crash reports, diagnostic information and aggregated usage trends.
Where possible, this information is aggregated, anonymised or provided in a manner that does not directly identify individual users. Users can manage whether analytics and diagnostic information is shared with app developers through iOS privacy settings.
5.5 Website Hosting and Content Management Data
Our website, www.paternalapp.com, is hosted by Bluehost, which provides website hosting, infrastructure and related technical services necessary for the operation of our website.
The website is managed using WordPress, a content management system that enables us to publish, manage and maintain website content.
As a result of operating our website, Bluehost and WordPress-related services may process limited technical information, including IP addresses, browser type and version, device information, website usage information, server logs, security logs, and performance and security-related information.
Such processing is performed solely for the purposes of hosting, securing, maintaining and improving the website and related services. Neither Bluehost nor WordPress is authorised to sell personal information collected through our website on our behalf.
5.6 Source of Personal Information
Most information we process is collected directly from users when they use the App, use the Website, contact us, subscribe to communications, or provide feedback.
Some limited information may be obtained from Apple in connection with App Store distribution, In-App Purchase subscriptions, purchase validation, analytics and diagnostics.
Some limited technical information may be generated automatically when users visit the Website or use the App.
6. Information We Do Not Collect
At launch, Paternal does not intentionally collect, access or process precise location data, contact lists, photos or photo libraries, camera content, video recordings, audio recordings, biometric data, financial account information, advertising identifiers for tracking purposes, or data obtained from third-party data brokers.
We do not sell personal information to third parties. We do not use personal information for targeted advertising. We do not track users across third-party applications or websites.
7. How We Use Information
Any information collected is used solely for legitimate business purposes connected to operating and improving Paternal.
These purposes include delivering app functionality, providing subscription access, maintaining application security, diagnosing technical issues, monitoring app performance, improving app content and user experience, responding to support requests, communicating with users who contact us, managing marketing communications where users have opted in, complying with legal obligations, and protecting our legal rights.
We will only use personal information where we have a lawful basis to do so.
8. Lawful Bases for Processing
Where the UK General Data Protection Regulation (“UK GDPR”) applies, we rely on one or more lawful bases.
Contract: processing necessary to provide services requested by users, including operating subscriptions, delivering premium content and managing access to app features.
Legitimate Interests: processing necessary for improving app functionality, monitoring performance, preventing misuse, resolving technical issues, securing the App and Website, responding to users, managing business administration and enhancing the user experience. Where we rely on legitimate interests, we consider and balance any potential impact on users.
Consent: where required by law, including for non-essential cookies, certain marketing communications, or any optional processing where consent is the appropriate basis. Users may withdraw consent at any time.
Legal Obligation: where processing is required to comply with applicable laws, regulations or legal proceedings.
9. Cookies and Similar Technologies
The Paternal Website may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website, maintain security, remember preferences, understand basic website performance and support WordPress functionality.
Essential cookies and similar technologies may be used where they are necessary to provide the website or a service requested by the user. Non-essential cookies, such as analytics or marketing cookies, will only be used where appropriate consent has been obtained or where another lawful exemption applies.
We do not use advertising cookies, Meta Pixel, retargeting cookies or third-party behavioural advertising technologies at launch. If this changes, we will update this Privacy Policy and provide appropriate cookie controls.
Users can manage cookies through their browser settings. If we introduce non-essential cookies, we will provide clear information and a suitable method for users to manage their choices.
10. Marketing Communications
Where users choose to subscribe to newsletters, updates or marketing communications, we may use provided contact details to send relevant information regarding product updates, new features, company news, parenting resources and service announcements.
Users may unsubscribe at any time by following the instructions provided within communications or by contacting info@paternalapp.com.
We will not send direct marketing communications where consent or another lawful basis is required and has not been obtained.
11. Monitoring and Retention of Communications
We may retain records of communications sent to us, including emails submitted to info@paternalapp.com and support enquiries, for customer support, quality assurance, dispute resolution, security, legal and business administration purposes.
We do not monitor communications for targeted advertising.
12. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, trade or otherwise monetise personal information.
We may share information with carefully selected third parties only where necessary to operate Paternal, provide services to users, comply with legal obligations, improve product performance and security, or protect our legal rights.
Apple may receive or process information to facilitate app distribution, subscription management, In-App Purchase processing, analytics and diagnostic reporting.
Bluehost may process information to provide website hosting, technical infrastructure, website security, backup and recovery services, logs and performance monitoring.
WordPress and WordPress-related services may process information to provide website content management, website administration, publishing functionality and website maintenance.
Professional service providers may process information where necessary to support customer service, email communications, technical support, business administration, accounting, legal advice or regulatory compliance.
We may disclose information where required by law, regulation, court order or governmental authority. In the event of a merger, acquisition, restructuring or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations.
All service providers are required to maintain appropriate safeguards and may only process information for authorised business purposes.
13. International Data Transfers
Some service providers, including Apple and other technical providers, may process information outside the United Kingdom.
Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will implement appropriate safeguards in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. These may include adequacy regulations, standard contractual clauses, international data transfer agreements or other lawful transfer mechanisms where required.
14. How Long We Keep Information
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, provide services to users, meet legal, accounting and regulatory requirements, resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
Support and enquiry records are retained only for as long as needed to respond, manage follow-up, maintain appropriate records and protect legal rights. Marketing contact details are retained until users unsubscribe or ask us to delete them, subject to any legal need to maintain suppression records. Subscription-related information is retained for as long as needed to manage access, reporting, dispute resolution and legal obligations. Technical logs are retained for a limited period appropriate to security, troubleshooting and operational purposes.
When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted, anonymised or otherwise disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and industry standards.
15. Data Security
We maintain appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect information against unauthorised access, unauthorised disclosure, alteration, loss, misuse and destruction.
While we take reasonable steps to protect information, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Users provide information at their own risk.
In the unlikely event of a personal data breach affecting users’ rights and freedoms, Paternal will comply with applicable legal reporting obligations and notify affected individuals where required by law.
16. User Rights
Subject to applicable law, users may have the right to access personal information we hold about them, request correction of inaccurate information, request deletion of personal information, restrict certain processing activities, object to processing based on legitimate interests, request portability of information, withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, and lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
Users may request deletion of personal information held by Paternal by contacting info@paternalapp.com. If Apple holds subscription or App Store account information, users may also need to manage that information through their Apple account or Apple settings.
Requests should be submitted to info@paternalapp.com. We may require verification of identity before fulfilling certain requests. We aim to respond within one month where required by UK GDPR, although this may be extended where permitted by law for complex requests.
17. Right to Complain to the ICO
Users have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if they believe their personal data has been processed unlawfully or their data protection rights have not been respected.
Information Commissioner’s Office
Website: https://ico.org.uk
18. Statutory or Contractual Requirement to Provide Information
Users are not generally under a statutory obligation to provide personal information to Paternal.
Certain information may be necessary to enter into or perform a contract with users, such as subscription status for premium content or an email address when a user asks us to respond to an enquiry. If users do not provide necessary information, we may be unable to provide the relevant feature, support, communication or service.
19. Automated Decision-Making and Profiling
Paternal does not use personal information for automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects on users.
20. Children’s Privacy
Paternal is intended for use by adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13.
If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child without appropriate consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete that information promptly.
21. Health and Medical Disclaimer
Paternal provides educational, informational and lifestyle content only.
Paternal is not a healthcare provider and does not provide medical advice, clinical advice, diagnosis, treatment or emergency services.
Users should always consult appropriately qualified healthcare professionals regarding pregnancy, childbirth, health conditions or medical concerns. Reliance upon any information provided through Paternal is at the user’s own risk.
22. Future Changes to Providers or Processing
As Paternal grows, we may introduce additional service providers, such as email communication platforms, customer support systems, analytics tools, crash reporting tools, cloud hosting providers or app functionality providers.
Where such providers process personal information, this Privacy Policy will be updated accordingly. If we plan to use personal information for a new purpose, we will update our privacy information and, where required, bring the change to users’ attention before starting the new processing.
23. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to amend or update this Privacy Policy at any time.
Any changes will be published within the application and/or on the Paternal website. The revised version will take effect from the date stated at the top of this document.
Continued use of Paternal following publication of an updated Privacy Policy constitutes acceptance of the updated terms, where permitted by law.
24. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our privacy practices, or your personal information, please contact Paternal at www.paternalapp.com or info@paternalapp.com.
Appendix A. Summary of Processing Activities
| Purpose | Information | Lawful basis | Key recipients |
| Provide free and premium app functionality | App settings, preferences, progress, subscription status | Contract; legitimate interests | Apple where relevant |
| Process subscriptions | Subscription status, validation and renewal data | Contract | Apple |
| Improve app performance | Aggregated analytics, diagnostics, crash reports | Legitimate interests | Apple |
| Operate website | IP address, server logs, browser/device data | Legitimate interests | Bluehost; WordPress |
| Respond to enquiries | Name, email, message content | Legitimate interests; consent where applicable | Email/service providers if used |
| Send opted-in communications | Email address and preferences | Consent or other lawful basis where applicable | Email provider if used |
| Legal compliance and security | Relevant account, technical and communication records | Legal obligation; legitimate interests | Advisers, regulators or authorities where required |
Appendix B. Key Third Parties
| Provider | Purpose | Information involved |
| Apple | App Store distribution, subscription payments, purchase validation, app analytics and diagnostics. | Subscription status, purchase validation information, aggregated analytics and diagnostic data. |
| Bluehost | Website hosting, infrastructure, security, backups and performance monitoring. | Limited technical information such as IP address, browser/device information, server logs and website usage information. |
| WordPress | Website content management, publishing, administration and maintenance. | Limited technical and website administration information related to operating the website. |
© 2026 Paternal. All rights reserved.