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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

iCloud logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to iCloud

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

Apple's cloud storage and sync service for photos, documents, passwords, and device backups across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to iCloud

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like iCloud 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 iCloud, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by iCloud, 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

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

4 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to iCloud

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Proton Drive logo

Proton Drive

🇨🇭

by Proton

Proton Drive is an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service from Proton AG, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Launched in 2022, it encrypts all files and metadata client-side before upload — Proton has zero access to your data. It integrates with the Proton ecosystem (Mail, Calendar, VPN, Pass) and offers photo backup, file versioning, and secure sharing links. Free tier includes 5 GB; paid plans up to 3 TB.

EU-hostedEU-BasedOpen SourceGDPR CompliantSwiss hostedISO 27001SOC 2 Type IIHIPAA Compliant
freemium
View Details
Visit Proton Drive
pCloud logo

pCloud

🇨🇭

by pCloud

5.0 (1)

pCloud is a Swiss-based cloud storage solution that prioritizes data privacy and security. Offering various plans, it allows users to store, access, and manage files with strong encryption and flexible sharing options.

GDPR CompliantSwiss hosted
paid
View Details
Visit pCloud
Tresorit logo

Tresorit

🇨🇭

by Tresorit AG

Tresorit is a Swiss-Hungarian end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and collaboration platform founded in 2011 by Istvan Lam, Szilveszter Szebeni, and Gyorgy Szilagyi. Headquartered in Zurich and acquired by Swiss Post in 2021 (while remaining independently operated), Tresorit uses zero-knowledge RSA-4096 encryption — meaning even Tresorit staff cannot access your files. The platform serves businesses that handle sensitive data: legal firms, healthcare, finance, and government. Beyond basic cloud storage, Tresorit offers secure data rooms (Tresorit Engage), electronic signatures (eSign), and email encryption.

Swiss hostedISO 27001GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27017ISO 27018EU-hosted
freemium
View Details
Visit Tresorit
Internxt logo

Internxt

🇪🇸

by Internxt

Internxt is a Spanish privacy-first cloud storage service offering post-quantum encrypted storage, VPN, antivirus, and more. All files are end-to-end encrypted with zero-knowledge architecture — only you can access your data. Independently audited by Securitum, fully GDPR compliant, and open source on GitHub. Recognized by Forbes, Fortune, and TechRadar as a leading European alternative to Big Tech cloud services. Plans include lifetime options starting at €285 for 1 TB.

EU-hostedEU-BasedGDPR CompliantOpen SourceEnd-to-End EncryptionZero KnowledgeISO 27001
freemium
View Details
Visit Internxt

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸iCloud
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇨🇭Proton DriveCHYesYesYesfreemium
🇨🇭pCloudCHYesYesYespaid
🇨🇭TresoritCHYesYesYesfreemium
🇪🇸InternxtESYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iCloud GDPR compliant?

iCloud is a US-based service operated by Apple. 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 iCloud?

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 iCloud?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to iCloud include Proton Drive, pCloud, Tresorit. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like iCloud. 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 OneDriveGDPR Alternative to BoxGDPR Alternative to SharePointGDPR Alternative to Veeam BackupGDPR Alternative to DropboxGDPR Alternative to Google Drive

Related Pages

Migration Resources

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