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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Cloudflare DNS logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Cloudflare DNS

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

Cloudflare DNS offers fast, secure, and private DNS resolution. With a focus on speed and privacy, it blocks malware and phishing threats, ensuring a safer browsing experience. Access it easily at 1.1.1.1.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Cloudflare DNS

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Cloudflare DNS, 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

3 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

3 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Cloudflare DNS

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Quad9 logo

Quad9

🇨🇭

by Quad9

Quad9 is a European cybersecurity service that provides a free DNS resolver to enhance internet security and privacy. By blocking access to malicious sites, it protects users from cyber threats. The service is easy to set up on various devices and networks, ensuring safer browsing without compromising speed or performance. Visit https://quad9.net for more information.

EU-BasedSwiss hostedOpen SourceGDPR Compliant
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Quad9 has servers in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance for users.
  • Quad9 blocks access to known malicious domains, enhancing security.
  • Quad9's DNS queries are encrypted via DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) option.

Consider

  • Migrating DNS settings may require technical knowledge and time.
  • Quad9 lacks some advanced features like DNS filtering offered by Cloudflare.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Quad9
dns0.eu logo

dns0.eu

🇪🇺

by dns0.eu

dns0.eu is a European-based DNS management service that provides reliable domain name resolution. With an intuitive interface, users can easily manage their DNS records, ensuring efficient website accessibility and email delivery. The platform supports various record types and offers robust security features to protect against DNS attacks.

EU-hostedGDPR Compliant
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • dns0.eu servers are located in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance.
  • dns0.eu is open source, allowing for community audits and transparency.
  • E2E encryption is optional, enhancing security for sensitive queries.

Consider

  • Migration from Cloudflare may involve downtime and configuration changes.
  • dns0.eu lacks known features like DNSSEC and advanced analytics.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit dns0.eu
Mullvad DNS logo

Mullvad DNS

🇸🇪

by Mullvad DNS

Mullvad DNS is a secure, privacy-focused DNS resolver provided by the Swedish company Mullvad. It supports DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, ensuring encrypted communication for your DNS queries. This service helps prevent data tracking and enhances your online privacy while browsing.

EU-BasedOpen SourceGDPR CompliantEU-hosted
Migration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Mullvad DNS servers are located in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance.
  • Mullvad offers optional end-to-end encryption for enhanced security.
  • Mullvad does not log user data, ensuring greater privacy protection.

Consider

  • Migration may require reconfiguring devices and settings.
  • Mullvad DNS lacks some advanced features of Cloudflare DNS.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Mullvad DNS

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Cloudflare DNS
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇨🇭Quad9CHYesYesYes-
🇪🇺dns0.euEUYesYesYes-
🇸🇪Mullvad DNSSEYesYesYes-

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cloudflare DNS GDPR compliant?

Cloudflare DNS is a US-based service operated by Cloudflare. 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 Cloudflare DNS?

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 Cloudflare DNS?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Cloudflare DNS include Quad9, dns0.eu, Mullvad DNS. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Cloudflare DNS 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 Cloudflare DNS?

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

GDPR Alternative to OpenDNSGDPR Alternative to Google Public DNSGDPR Alternative to Amazon Route 53

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: February 6, 2026