Releasing software, whether it’s a web app, downloadable tool, or SaaS product is exciting. But before you hit “publish,” there’s more to it than just deploying code. If you’re targeting users in Ireland or the UK, there are legal, security, and operational responsibilities you should be ready for. Here’s a breakdown of what that means in practice:
Name, Shame or Register Your Entity
Before you hit “launch,” take a moment to consider who is releasing this software. Is it just you as an individual, or are you doing it under a business name? This choice matters more than you might think. In both Ireland and the UK, if you release software and charge users whether it’s a once-off fee, subscription, or in-app purchases you’re operating a business in the eyes of Revenue (Ireland) or HMRC (UK).
If you go the sole trader route, you’ll need to register with the relevant tax authority and declare any income you earn from the software. You’ll be personally liable for any debts, issues, or legal claims, so it’s important to keep records, pay tax on time, and track business expenses. If you form a limited company (Ltd), you create a separate legal entity that can own the software, enter contracts, and limit your personal liability this can be a smarter choice if you expect to scale or hire.
From a legal standpoint, the entity you choose affects your terms of service, your privacy policy, and how you handle contracts, licenses, and payments. If you’re using contractors or collaborators, make sure any IP they produce is assigned to the correct entity (you or your company). And finally, if you’re building this on the side while employed, check your employment contract some companies claim IP rights over anything created during your tenure.
Even if you’re giving the software away for free, the legal responsibility still rests with whoever publishes it. So whether it’s a side project or a startup in the making, it’s worth setting things up properly before you ship.
Handle Personal Data Properly (GDPR Applies)
If your software collects, stores, or processes any personal data think names, email addresses, IPs, even cookies, you’re legally considered a data controller under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This applies whether your users are in Ireland, the UK, or the wider EU. You’re expected to follow strict rules around data collection, storage, and usage and that responsibility kicks in the moment someone uses your app.
In Ireland, this means you may need to register with the Data Protection Commission (DPC), and in the UK, it’s the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). While not all small software projects need to register, if you’re storing user data (especially outside the EEA or UK), sending marketing emails, or using analytics tools that track user behaviour, it’s strongly recommended and sometimes required.
At a minimum, you’ll need:
- A Privacy Policy written in plain language, clearly stating what data you collect, why, how it’s stored, and who it’s shared with.
- A legal basis for processing (usually user consent or “legitimate interest”).
- A way for users to access, export, or delete their data.
- Secure data storage practices (encryption, backups, access controls).
- A process for handling data breaches you’re expected to report serious ones to the DPC/ICO within 72 hours.
A data breach doesn’t just mean someone hacked your server. It can be as simple as emailing the wrong user with someone else’s details, losing access to an unencrypted database, or accidentally exposing user data through a bug. If the breach poses a risk to individuals’ rights or freedoms (think identity theft, financial harm, or loss of confidentiality), you’re required to report it to the DPC or ICO within 72 hours and in some cases, notify the affected users too.
If you’re using third-party tools like Google Analytics, Firebase, or Stripe, you’re also responsible for making sure theyare GDPR compliant and listed in your privacy policy.
For solo developers or small teams, it can be tempting to skip this stuff, but it’s not optional and it’s not just about avoiding fines. Respecting your users’ data shows maturity and earns trust. And remember: if you’re based in Ireland but have UK users, or vice versa, you may need to comply with both sets of rules (EU GDPR and the UK GDPR, which diverged post-Brexit).
Make Licensing Crystal Clear
Whether you’re writing code from scratch or building on top of open-source libraries, you need to be clear about what your users are allowed to do with your software and what they’re not. That’s where licensing comes in. It’s not just a formality; it’s your first line of legal protection, especially if your software is being downloaded, redistributed, or modified.
If you’re releasing something open source, you’ll need to choose a licence that matches your intent. For example:
- MIT or Apache 2.0: great if you want others to use, modify, and even commercialise your code with minimal restrictions.
- GPL: better if you want derivative projects to stay open-source under the same licence.
- Creative Commons licences are not suitable for code avoid using them for software projects.
You should include the full licence text in your repo or distribution package, ideally in a licence file. Also make it clear in your README or About screen what licence you’re using and what that means for contributors or users.
If you’re publishing proprietary software, whether it’s paid or free, you’ll need to create:
- A Terms of Service (or Terms & Conditions) that sets expectations for users how the software should be used, what you’re liable for, and under what circumstances access could be removed.
- An End User Licence Agreement (EULA) if your software is downloaded and installed locally. This clarifies what rights the user has (usually a limited, non-transferable licence to use the app), and what rights you retain.
Both your Terms and EULA should include limitations of liability, prohibited uses (e.g. reverse engineering, resale), and jurisdiction (e.g. “governed by the laws of Ireland” or “subject to the courts of Northern Ireland”).
Even if you’re offering your software for free, you still have legal exposure so it’s worth getting these documents in place early. And importantly, if your software depends on any third-party libraries, plugins, or frameworks, make sure you comply with their licences too. In some cases, that may mean including attribution, source code access, or even open-sourcing parts of your own app if required by a licence like GPL.
Build Secure Software and Patch Quickly
Shipping software that’s functional is one thing but shipping software that’s secure is a core responsibility. Whether you’ve built a simple to-do app or a full-fledged platform handling sensitive data, you’re expected to follow basic security practices from day one. If things go wrong and a vulnerability exposes user data or allows someone to break the system, you’re on the hook legally, financially, and your reputation is on the line.
Start with the fundamentals:
- Use HTTPS everywhere.
- Store passwords securely using bcrypt or similar algorithms never in plain text.
- Keep all dependencies and frameworks up to date (vulnerabilities in older libraries are a common attack vector).
- Don’t log sensitive information like passwords, payment details, or tokens.
- If you’re using third-party services (like Firebase, Stripe, or AWS), lock down permissions so only what’s needed is accessible no more.
For web apps, you should protect against common threats like:
- SQL injection
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
- Rate limiting to prevent abuse
Even if you’re a solo developer or working on a side project, you have a duty of care to fix serious bugs promptly. A good approach is to publish a simple responsible disclosure policy on your site inviting security researchers or users to report issues privately before making them public. Tools like security.txt can help you standardise this.
If you’re dealing with sensitive or financial data, or building for sectors like health or education, you should go a step further: consider a basic penetration test, review your data encryption strategy, and possibly bring in outside expertise to audit your setup. In some cases, you may also need to comply with specific standards like PCI-DSS for payment data.
Security isn’t something you “add on” later it’s part of the software’s foundation. And in both Ireland and the UK, if a security flaw leads to a data breach, and you didn’t take reasonable precautions, you may be found negligent under GDPR or other local laws.
Quick Security Checklist for Your First Software Release
Secure Foundations
- Use HTTPS on all pages and APIs.
- Store passwords securely using bcrypt or Argon2 (never in plain text).
- Enforce strong password rules.
- Offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts and admin access.
- Sanitize all user inputs to protect against SQL injection and XSS.
Dependencies and Secrets
- Keep all libraries, frameworks, and dependencies up to date.
- Don’t commit secrets (API keys, tokens, passwords) to your code repository.
- Use environment variables or a secure secret manager to store credentials.
Logging and Monitoring
- Log important errors and system events.
- Avoid logging sensitive data like passwords or payment information.
- Set up basic monitoring or alerts to catch issues early.
Application-Level Security
- Implement CSRF protection for forms and user actions.
- Use rate limiting and/or CAPTCHAs to prevent abuse.
- If your app handles file uploads, validate file types and scan for malware.
Responsible Disclosure
- Provide a way for users or security researchers to report vulnerabilities (e.g. an email address or a security.txt file).
- Have a basic plan in place for triaging and fixing reported security issues quickly.
Handling Sensitive Data
- Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
- Restrict access to production systems and data using least-privilege principles.
- Consider a third-party security review or penetration test if your app handles financial, health, or legal data.
Make It Accessible to Everyone
Accessibility often gets overlooked by first-time software publishers, but it really shouldn’t. If your app is open to the public especially in the UK you may have a legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure it’s usable by people with disabilities. In Ireland, while the law is more focused on public sector bodies, there’s still a growing expectation that private apps follow accessibility best practices.
In practical terms, this means your software should work for people who:
- Use screen readers or voice input
- Navigate by keyboard instead of a mouse
- Have visual impairments (colour blindness, low vision)
- Have cognitive or motor challenges
The gold standard to aim for is WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). That might sound technical, but it boils down to a few key things:
- Use clear, readable fonts with good contrast
- Ensure everything can be done with a keyboard (no mouse traps)
- Label your forms properly so screen readers can interpret them
- Add alt text for all images
- Avoid flashing content that could trigger seizures
- Make sure your colour choices don’t rely solely on colour to convey meaning (e.g. use symbols or text as well)
From a business point of view, this isn’t just about compliance it’s about reach. Ignoring accessibility can mean excluding up to 1 in 5 potential users, not to mention alienating customers who expect inclusive design as a baseline. Many large organisations and government bodies now have accessibility requirements for any software they adopt so if you ever plan to sell into those markets, you’ll need to meet the standard anyway.
Sort Out Payments and Taxes Before Money Changes Hands
If you’re planning to charge for your software, whether it’s a subscription, a one-time fee, in-app purchases, or even donations, there are legal and tax responsibilities you need to take seriously. It doesn’t matter if you’re only making a few euros a month or calling it a side project. As soon as money changes hands, you’re running a business in the eyes of Revenue (Ireland) or HMRC (UK).
Step one: Set up your legal structure. If you’re a sole trader, you’ll need to register and declare your earnings annually. If you’ve formed a limited company, you’ll have to file company accounts, register for corporation tax, and possibly hire an accountant. In the UK, the reporting obligations for limited companies are stricter than in Ireland, so keep that in mind.
Step two: Understand how VAT applies to your software or digital service. This is where it gets more complex.
- In Ireland, once your total revenue for digital services passes €37,500, you must register for VAT. If you sell to EU customers, you may also need to use the VAT MOSS system to simplify your reporting across EU member states.
- In the UK, now that it’s outside the EU VAT system, you may need to register for VAT in each EU country where you have customers, depending on where they live and whether they are businesses or individuals.
- If you’re only selling to other businesses, you might be able to apply the reverse charge mechanism, but you’ll need to verify VAT numbers and keep good records.
Step three: Choose a reliable payment processor. Stripe, Paddle, or Gumroad can handle taxes, VAT, receipts, and compliance on your behalf, which saves you a lot of time and potential headaches. If you’re building your own checkout, you’ll need to handle pricing display, tax calculations, invoicing, and refund processing yourself.
You should also make sure:
- Prices are clearly displayed, with VAT included if applicable.
- You generate legally valid receipts or invoices.
- Users can cancel recurring payments easily.
- You meet consumer protection laws for digital purchases, including clear refund policies and cancellation terms.
Even if you’re just testing an idea or launching your first app, sorting this out from the beginning helps avoid tax issues, frustrated users, and payment platform problems later.
Set Clear Expectations Around Support and Limit Your Liability
Once your software is live, users will expect some level of support. That doesn’t mean you need to offer 24/7 live chat, but you do need to be clear about what kind of help is available, how to get it, and how quickly they can expect a response. Even if you’re a solo developer or this is a side project, being upfront about support avoids misunderstandings and builds trust.
Start by setting clear expectations in your terms of service or on your website. For example, explain whether users can contact you by email, what hours you typically reply, and how bugs or issues will be handled. If your app is paid or subscription-based, support becomes more than a courtesy—it’s part of the product.
You should also think about liability. Things can and do go wrong, and if users lose data or suffer losses because of your app, they may try to hold you responsible. This is where a well-written Terms of Service or EULA becomes essential. You should include:
- A disclaimer that the software is provided “as is” without guarantees of performance or availability
- A limitation of liability clause that caps the damages someone could claim, typically to the cost they paid for the product or a small fixed amount
- Language that makes it clear users are responsible for how they use the software, especially if it interacts with sensitive systems like finance, healthcare, or legal services
In Ireland and the UK, you cannot exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, but you can limit your liability for things like data loss, downtime, or indirect damages. Just make sure your terms are written in plain language and are easily accessible. Overly aggressive or hidden terms are unlikely to hold up legally and can put users off.
Also consider whether you need professional indemnity insurance, especially if your software is being used commercially or by clients in regulated industries. It’s not essential for most indie devs, but it’s worth knowing the option exists if your app grows or handles critical data.
Support and liability might seem like admin overhead, but they’re part of being a responsible software publisher. Setting things out clearly helps you protect yourself while giving your users confidence that they’re in safe hands.
Respect Intellectual Property and Third-Party Content
If you’re building software, you’re also managing intellectual property, whether you realise it or not. From code and libraries to icons, fonts, and images, every asset used in your app needs to be properly licensed and accounted for. Failing to do this can lead to legal trouble, takedown requests, or unexpected costs later on.
Start with your own code. If you’re working alone, that part’s simple. But if you’re collaborating with others, even informally, make sure it’s clear who owns what. If you’re using contractors, contributors, or open-source pull requests, get written confirmation that the rights to their contributions are assigned to you or your company. Otherwise, you may not legally own the software you’re distributing.
Next, look at third-party libraries and packages. Just because something is open source doesn’t mean you can use it however you like. Some licences, like MIT or Apache 2.0, are permissive and allow commercial use with minimal requirements. Others, like GPL or AGPL, come with stricter rules that may require you to open-source your own software if you distribute it. You must check each licence and make sure you’re complying, especially if you’re charging money for your app.
It’s not just code. Many apps include images, fonts, icons, audio clips, and other media. These also come with usage restrictions. Never assume that anything found on the internet is free to use. Use content from trusted sources that offer clear licensing, like Google Fonts, Font Awesome (with the right tier), or Creative Commons libraries. When in doubt, use assets you’ve created yourself or paid for with proper licensing.
Also be mindful of trademarks and branding. Avoid using company names, logos, or product names in your own branding unless you have permission. That includes app store listings, domain names, and marketing materials. Even indirect infringement can trigger legal challenges from larger companies protecting their brand.
If your app allows users to upload or share content, you should also include terms that make it clear they are responsible for what they upload and that they give you permission to use or display it. This helps protect you from copyright complaints or misuse.
Handling IP properly isn’t about being overly cautious. It’s about showing you take your product seriously and respecting the work of others in the process.
Follow the Rules of Any Platform or App Store You Use
If you’re releasing your software through a platform like the Apple App Store, Google Play, Shopify, Slack, or even the Chrome Web Store, you’re agreeing to follow their rules. These platforms have strict requirements for privacy, security, design, and behaviour. If you don’t meet them, your app could be delayed, removed, or permanently banned.
Start by reviewing the developer guidelines for your target platform. These outline exactly what’s expected around permissions, data handling, user experience, and updates. For example:
- Apple requires a clear privacy policy, limits on tracking, and native-like functionality.
- Google checks for permission misuse, policy violations, and content quality.
- Shopify and Slack have policies that restrict misleading features or poor user experiences.
Privacy is one of the biggest areas to get right. Most platforms now require:
- A published privacy policy
- Clear user consent for data tracking
- In-app links to your privacy settings
- Explanations for any personal data you collect
You also need to think about security. For example:
- Mobile apps must not crash or include known vulnerabilities.
- API traffic should use HTTPS and proper authentication.
- Any sensitive data must be encrypted during transmission.
Design and content matter too. Apple, in particular, is strict about minimum features and polish. If your app looks unfinished or just wraps a website, you may be rejected. They want apps that provide real value and a clean, accessible interface.
Monetisation adds another layer. If you’re charging users through an app store, you usually need to use the platform’s billing system. This means Apple or Google will take a percentage of the revenue, and you must handle things like pricing, renewals, and refunds using their systems. Trying to sidestep this can lead to removal or a ban.
If your app uses advanced features, integrations, or non-standard behaviours, check the rules early. It’s much easier to adjust your approach before development than to be blocked at the final review stage.
Publishing through a platform gives you access to users, infrastructure, and discoverability. But the trade-off is that you need to respect the rules of the ecosystem you’re joining.
Final Checks Before Launch
You’ve built the software, tested it, written your terms and privacy policy, and sorted out your payments. Before you release it into the world, take a final step back and ask: are you ready to support it, protect your users, and meet your legal obligations?
This last step is about confidence. You’re not aiming for perfection, but you are aiming for responsibility. Whether you’re launching to the public or just a few early users, it’s worth pausing for a quick checklist.
Launch-Ready Checklist
Legal and Business Setup
- Have you registered as a sole trader or company?
- Are your Terms of Service and Privacy Policy written, published, and easy to find?
- Is your entity or personal name clearly listed as the publisher?
Data and Privacy
- Are you GDPR compliant, with clear data consent and handling?
- Have you registered with the DPC (Ireland) or ICO (UK) if required?
- Is your privacy policy linked inside the app or on the website?
Security
- Is your app using HTTPS and secure password handling?
- Are third-party libraries up to date?
- Is user data encrypted and protected?
Accessibility
- Have you tested with a keyboard and screen reader?
- Are colours, contrast, and labels accessible?
- Does your app work for people using assistive technologies?
Payments and Tax
- Are you using a trusted payment processor?
- Have you registered for VAT if needed?
- Are your invoices and receipts legally compliant?
Support and Communication
- Is it clear how users can reach you for support?
- Have you set expectations for response time and availability?
- Have you prepared for updates, fixes, and version control?
Platform Compliance
- Does your app meet the App Store or platform guidelines?
- Are all required policies and disclosures in place?
- Have you tested on the devices or platforms you’re targeting?
Once you’ve worked through this list, you’re not just launching an app — you’re launching a product that’s built to last and ready to scale. You’re taking responsibility for the experience your users are going to have, and that makes a huge difference.
Whether this is your first release or your tenth, every launch is a chance to build credibility, learn, and improve. Take the time to get it right.
Wrapping Up
Releasing software for the first time is a big step. It’s not just about writing code. It’s about stepping into the role of a publisher, with real responsibilities to your users and to yourself. This guide is here to give you a helping hand and highlight the things most first-time developers don’t find out until after launch.
If you’ve made it through all ten sections and ticked off most of the checklists, you’re well ahead of the curve. You’ve thought about data protection, user rights, payments, accessibility, security, and all the less glamorous parts of software development that make the difference between a side project and a serious product.
The goal is not to scare you or slow you down. It’s to help you launch with confidence and credibility. The more care you take early on, the more freedom you’ll have to grow your software, build trust with users, and maybe even turn your idea into something long-term.
Disclaimer
This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. You should speak to a qualified professional if you have specific questions about your legal or tax obligations when releasing software in Ireland, the UK, or elsewhere.
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