Legal
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for Roots
Last updated: 1 June 2025
We built Roots to help families preserve the stories that matter most. Protecting your family's privacy is fundamental to everything we do. This policy explains clearly what we collect, why, and how we keep it safe.
What we collect
Account information
When you create an account, we collect your email address and a password. Your password is never stored in plain text.
Family content
Stories, voice recordings, written answers, photos, and biographical information that you or your family members choose to add. This content belongs to you.
Basic usage data
Anonymous information about how the app is used (such as which features are popular) to help us improve the product. This is never linked to your identity or your family's content.
How we use it
We use your information only to:
- Provide the Roots service — storing and displaying your family's stories
- Verify your identity when you sign in
- Convert voice recordings into searchable text
- Send product updates if you have opted in
- Respond to your support requests
We do not sell your data. We do not use your family's stories for advertising. We do not share your information with third parties except as strictly necessary to run the service.
How we keep it safe
Your data is stored securely on servers located in the EU (Ireland). All data is encrypted at rest and in transit. Your family's archive is completely isolated from other families — only people you explicitly invite can access it.
We use industry-standard security practices throughout, and we review and update our security measures regularly.
Your rights
If you are based in the UK or EU, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your account and all associated data
- Export your data in a portable format
- Object to how we process your data
To exercise any of these rights, email hello@rootstheapp.com. We will respond within 30 days.
Data retention & deletion
We hold your data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, all associated data — including stories, recordings, photos and family members — is permanently deleted within 30 days. This cannot be undone.
Children's privacy
Roots is not intended for use by children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us at hello@rootstheapp.com.
Cookies
The Roots mobile app does not use cookies. Our website uses only essential cookies required for it to function. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or via a notice in the app.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email us at hello@rootstheapp.com. We're a small team and we read every message.
Last updated: 1 June 2025
By downloading or using Roots, you agree to these terms. They're written to be read — not to catch you out. If anything is unclear, email us at hello@rootstheapp.com.
Using Roots
Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years old to use Roots. By using the app you confirm you meet this requirement.
Your account
You are responsible for keeping your account credentials secure and for all activity that takes place under your account. If you think your account has been compromised, contact us immediately.
Your content
You own all the stories, recordings and photos you add to Roots. By uploading content you grant us a limited licence to store, display and process it within your family group in order to provide the service. We do not claim ownership of your family's stories and we will never use your content for any other purpose.
Acceptable use
You agree not to use Roots to upload content that is illegal, harmful, or violates the rights of others. We reserve the right to remove content or suspend accounts that violate these terms or that we reasonably believe put other users at risk.
Service availability
We work hard to keep Roots running reliably, but we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. We are not liable for any loss arising from downtime or service interruptions.
Subscriptions & billing
Roots offers a free tier and optional paid subscriptions. Subscriptions are billed through the App Store (Apple) or Google Play and are subject to their respective terms. You can cancel at any time through your device's subscription settings. We do not offer refunds for partial billing periods.
Termination
You can delete your account at any time from the Settings screen in the app. On deletion, all your data is permanently removed within 30 days. We reserve the right to terminate accounts that seriously or repeatedly violate these terms.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Roots is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the service. Our total liability to you shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or £50, whichever is greater.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or via a notice in the app. Continued use of Roots after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.