UK News Now

UK News Now is a personal safety and wellbeing app disguised as a standard UK news reader.
Behind the news headlines lies a secure, private space designed to
support individuals navigating difficult circumstances — particularly domestic abuse and narcissistic abuse survivors.

The app appears as a normal news reader to anyone who might check the user's phone. Only the user knows the real functionality hidden inside.
This discreet design is critical for users in situations where their phone may be monitored by an abuser.

The app combines:
- A real UK news reader (cover functionality using NewsAPI)
- An encrypted evidence vault (photos, audio, documents)
- A private journal with photo and voice entries
- An AI companion for emotional support (OpenAI GPT + ElevenLabs voice)
- A personal safety plan builder
- Quick-access emergency contacts and helplines
- Covert recording capabilities
- Legal export functionality
- Family safety plan sharing


1. DISCREET DESIGN (COVER APP)
- App appears as "UK News" — a standard UK news reader
- Real news content from BBC and other UK sources via NewsAPI
- Only the user knows the hidden functionality
- Hidden navigation buttons (Silver+ tier) that are invisible to casual
observers
- Perfect for situations where the phone may be checked by others

2. NEWS READER (COVER FUNCTIONALITY)
- Breaking news from trusted UK sources (BBC, etc.)
- News categories: politics, business, sports, technology, entertainment
- Search functionality for specific topics
- Clean, readable interface
- Regular content updates throughout the day
- Location-tagged news

3. PRIVATE JOURNAL
- Secure, encrypted journal for documenting thoughts, feelings, and experiences
- Text entries with timestamps
- Photo attachments (Bronze+)
- Voice recordings (Bronze+)
- Location tagging for entries
- PIN-protected access
- Free tier: 5 entries, Bronze: 10 entries, Silver+: unlimited

4. EVIDENCE VAULT
- Encrypted storage for photos, voice recordings, and documents
- PIN-protected and encrypted
- Photo capture directly within the app
- Voice recording for documentation
- Import messages and photos (Silver+)
- Download and share vault files (Silver+)
- Server backup (Gold)
- Suitable for legal proceedings

5. AI COMPANION (Silver+)
- Chat with an AI companion for emotional support and guidance
- Powered by OpenAI GPT-4o
- Voice interaction via ElevenLabs TTS
- Real-time WebSocket voice connection
- Process thoughts, get coping strategies
- Available 24/7 — a listening ear any time of day or night
- Discreet — accessed from within the "news" app

6. SAFETY PLANNING
- Create and manage a personal safety plan
- Customisable steps
- Important contacts
- Safe locations
- Emergency procedures
- Private and secure
- Share with family members (Gold, up to 5 people)

7. EMERGENCY ACCESS
- One-tap access to National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247)
- Police and emergency exit buttons (all tiers)
- Immediate help when needed most
- Quick-dial 999 capability

8. COVERT RECORDING (Gold)
- Discreet photo capture using SilentCamera native module
- Silent voice recording
- No shutter sound or visible recording indicator
- For safety and documentation in sensitive situations

9. LEGAL EXPORT (Gold)
- Export journal, evidence vault, and safety plan
- Format suitable for legal proceedings
- Professional documentation output

10. DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
- Start each day with a positive affirmation
- Reminds users of their strength and worth
- Available on all tiers

11. SUPPORT RESOURCES
- Resource library with helpful information
- Support hub with direct access to assistance
- Domestic abuse support resources
- Helpline numbers and websites

12. LOCATION SERVICES
- GPS location tagging for journal entries and evidence
- Location history for safety planning
- Background location tracking capability
- Expo Location integration