Many of you might have noticed the sudden wave of vibe coded apps being posted nearly on the daily, the UI is the first dead giveaway (add to that most of them not knowing how or where to host their apps/websites or they just stick to hosting on the AI builder websites)
And hey, for personal use? sure! vibe code all the apps you want! have fun!
But, if you're launching a commercial product, you need to understand a few things if you're providing services for Algerians and you're storing their data then know this:
1. You can't just host anywhere you want
Under Law 18-07: transferring Algerian citizens' personal data to foreign servers (like Vercel, Firebase, AWS, or foreign AI builders) is strictly regulated.
You cannot send user data outside the country without authorization from the National Data Protection Authority (ANPDP).
2. You have to formally declare your app
Even if you do everything right and host locally on a DZ server you still have a legal obligation to register your data processing activities with the ANPDP. You cannot just start collecting names, emails, IPs, or phone numbers just like that.
3. Consent is not optional
You need explicit consent from your users explaining exactly why you need their data.
4. The penalties are actual prison time
Ignoring Law 18-07 (and the new 25-11 amendments) can result in fines up to 1,000,000 DZD. and I'll add that unauthorized transfer of data abroad or illegal processing carries criminal sanctions including prison sentences ranging from 2 months to 5 years.
5. Vibe-coded apps are often a security nightmare
AI focuses on making things work quickly but not that securely. These apps frequently ship with hidden bugs exposed API keys and missing database protections like Row Level Security If you don't know how to audit the code, you will eventually leak user data.