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GDPR Compliance Risk

AWS is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

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GDPR-Compliant Alternative to AWS

🇺🇸AWS · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Amazon Web Services is the world's largest cloud platform, powering roughly a third of global cloud infrastructure. Data stored on AWS is subject to US jurisdiction under the CLOUD Act regardless of server location — including EU regions — as ruled in the Schrems II decision.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to AWS

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like AWS 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 cloud storage is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to AWS, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by AWS, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

1 GDPR-compliant European alternative available with full EU data residency.

1 GDPR-Compliant Alternative to AWS

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Elastx logo

Elastx

🇸🇪

by Elastx

Elastx is a robust cloud storage solution designed to meet the needs of businesses seeking secure and compliant data management in Europe. With its data residency firmly established in Sweden, Elastx ensures that all data handling processes are fully compliant with GDPR, providing peace of mind for organizations concerned with data privacy and sovereignty. The platform offers scalable storage solutions that can grow with your business, supported by seamless API integration for easy connectivity with existing systems. Elastx's multi-cloud support capabilities allow for flexible deployment across various cloud environments, while automated backup and recovery features ensure data integrity and availability. Role-based access control further enhances security by allowing businesses to manage permissions effectively. Targeted at European businesses and organizations that prioritize data privacy and compliance, Elastx provides a reliable and secure storage option. While specific pricing details are not mentioned, the service is designed to offer competitive and flexible pricing models to suit different business needs.

GDPR CompliantEU-hosted
contactMigration:●●●Several days to a week, depending on data volume and complexity

Why switch?

  • GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards.
  • Data residency in Sweden enhances local data control.
  • End-to-end encryption available for secure data transfer.

Consider

  • Migration from AWS may require significant time and resources.
  • Potential learning curve for Elastx-specific tools and APIs.
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Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸AWS
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇸🇪ElastxSEYesYesYescontact

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AWS GDPR compliant?

AWS is a US-based service operated by AWS. 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.

What are the GDPR risks of using AWS?

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.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to AWS?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to AWS include Elastx. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from AWS to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from AWS 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.

Can EU companies legally use AWS?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like AWS. 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.

Other GDPR Alternatives in Cloud Storage

GDPR Alternative to DropboxGDPR Alternative to OneDriveGDPR Alternative to Google DriveGDPR Alternative to iCloudGDPR Alternative to Box

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 26, 2026