GDPR Compliance Risk
Zoom is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.
Video conferencing platform for meetings, webinars, and virtual events. Supports screen sharing, recording, breakout rooms, and chat.
Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Zoom has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.
While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.
For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based video conferencing is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Zoom, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.
US authorities can access your data stored by Zoom, even if servers are located in Europe.
Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.
5 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.
European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
by Infomaniak Network SA
Infomaniak kMeet offers secure video conferencing with end-to-end encryption, designed for enterprises seeking privacy-focused communication solutions. Based in Switzerland, it stands out by providing a GDPR-compliant platform that ensures data sovereignty and privacy for European businesses.
by Whereby
Whereby is a Norwegian video conferencing platform founded in 2013 (originally as appear.in) in Oslo. Its key differentiator is simplicity — participants join via a permanent room URL with no downloads or account required. Whereby offers both a standalone meeting product and an embeddable video API/SDK for developers building video into their own apps. The company is ISO 27001 certified and HIPAA compliant, with data processed in the EU.
by Livestorm
Experience the all-in-one video engagement platform to create and manage your virtual meetings, video conferencing, webinars, virtual events, and screen sharing.
by Proton
Proton Meet is end-to-end encrypted video conferencing from Swiss privacy company Proton AG. Uses MLS encryption so even Proton cannot access your calls. Free for up to 50 participants. Also bundled with Proton Mail Plus, Proton Unlimited, Proton Duo, and Proton Family plans.
by Wire
Wire is a secure collaboration platform founded in 2012 by Janus Friis (Skype co-founder) and headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, and file sharing for teams. Wire is open source, independently audited, and used by government agencies and enterprises across Europe for classified communications. It supports self-hosted deployment for organizations requiring full data sovereignty.
| Service | HQ Location | GDPR Native | EU Data Centers | CLOUD Act Free | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸Zoom | United States | No | Partial | No | - |
| 🇨🇭Infomaniak kMeet | CH | Yes | Yes | Yes | Freemium |
| 🇳🇴Whereby | NO | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇫🇷Livestorm | FR | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇨🇭Proton Meet | CH | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇨🇭Wire | CH | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
Zoom is a US-based service operated by Zoom. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.
The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.
The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Zoom include Infomaniak kMeet, Whereby, Livestorm. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.
Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Zoom using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.
Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Zoom. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission to promote European alternatives. Our recommendations are based on objective criteria.
Last updated: January 26, 2026
