Ask HN: Legal Considerations for Web App?
I am making a small web app that will let users exchange messages. Is there any need for an LLC or something like that? What steps should I take to protect myself against arbitrary litigation? Thanks.
IANAL but
Simple answer: Probably
Long Answer: Impossible to know without knowing your country. What kind of messages? Do you allow images/video? where is the data going to be saved? Are there possibilities for FOSTA/SESTA to apply if you are in the US? Or GDPR if you are in the EU? Is this just a messaging app or are the messages in some sort of "business" context (a marketplace for example where money and thus fraud could be involved)? Do you make any guarantees about the identity of your users (For example an app that allows potential patients to talk to doctors how do you guarantee that a dr is who they say they are)?
So for anyone here to even offer any kind of advice you'll need to elaborate a bit. However I getting actual legal advice form a lawyer on here is unlikely as if a lawyer gives you legal advice they are now liable for what you do with it.
Your best course of action is to go to a lawyer in your area and get some actual advice. It would be unwise to stake what could be your businesses on advice from armchair internet "lawyers".
Other considerations would be GDPR if doing anything within the EU.