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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

iCloud is a cloud storage service developed by Apple, designed to seamlessly integrate with Apple's ecosystem of devices. It provides users with the ability to store and synchronize data such as photos, documents, and application data across multiple Apple devices. iCloud's key features include automatic photo backup, iCloud Drive for file storage, and shared folders for collaboration. Additionally, it offers Find My iPhone integration, iCloud Keychain for password management, and real-time document editing. The service is particularly useful for individuals who rely on Apple's suite of products and services. iCloud also integrates with Mail, Calendar, and Contacts, ensuring that users have access to their essential information across all their Apple devices. It's important to note that iCloud is a US-based service, and user data is stored in the United States under US jurisdiction, subject to laws such as the CLOUD Act and FISA 702. iCloud offers a tiered pricing model, with a free tier providing 5GB of storage and additional storage available through paid subscriptions.

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

🇨🇭

Proton Drive is a robust cloud storage service designed to meet the needs of individuals and businesses seeking secure and reliable file hosting. Based in Switzerland, Proton Drive ensures that your data is stored under some of the world's strictest privacy laws. This service is particularly beneficial for users within the European Union, as it guarantees EU-hosted data storage, aligning with GDPR compliance and data sovereignty requirements. Key features of Proton Drive include end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you have access to your files, and seamless file sharing capabilities that maintain privacy. The platform is ideal for privacy-conscious users, businesses handling sensitive information, and anyone looking to store their data within the EU. Proton Drive offers a transparent pricing model with various plans to accommodate different storage needs, making it accessible for both personal and professional use. By choosing Proton Drive, users benefit from the peace of mind that their data is protected by Swiss privacy laws and hosted within the EU, ensuring compliance with GDPR standards.

EU-hostedEU-BasedOpen SourceGDPR CompliantSwiss hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • GDPR-compliant: Ensures EU data protection standards.
  • Swiss hosting: Strong privacy laws protect user data.
  • Open Source: Transparent code for security audits.

Consider

  • No automatic photo backup: Manual uploads needed.
  • Missing Find My iPhone: No device tracking feature.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Proton Drive
pCloud logo

pCloud

🇨🇭

pCloud is a file hosting service from Switzerland with good prices and with apps for many platforms.

EU-hostedEU-BasedGDPR CompliantSwiss hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • EU-hosted data centers ensure GDPR compliance.
  • Client-side encryption offers enhanced data security.
  • Lifetime storage plans eliminate recurring fees.

Consider

  • Migration from iCloud may be time-consuming.
  • No native integration with Apple ecosystem.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
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. Pricing starts with a free Basic plan, with paid plans from around EUR11/month for individuals and EUR14/user/month for business teams.

Swiss hostedISO 27001GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27017ISO 27018EU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Zero-knowledge encryption ensures only you can access your files.
  • ISO 27001:2022 certification guarantees high security standards.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection in the EU.

Consider

  • Migration from iCloud to Tresorit can be time-consuming.
  • Lacks native integration with Apple ecosystem like Find My iPhone.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Tresorit
Internxt logo

Internxt

🇪🇸

Internxt is a European cloud storage service that prioritizes privacy and security, offering a robust platform for storing and sharing files with peace of mind. Utilizing end-to-end encryption, Internxt ensures that your files remain confidential, accessible only to you, and never shared with third parties. The service is fully GDPR compliant, with data centers located within the EU, providing users with the assurance of data sovereignty and adherence to strict privacy regulations. Key features include zero-knowledge file access, meaning even Internxt cannot view your files, and cross-platform file synchronization, allowing seamless access across multiple devices. Users can securely share files through encrypted links and benefit from version history to track changes. Internxt is ideal for individuals and businesses that value privacy and need reliable, secure cloud storage. While specific pricing details are not mentioned, Internxt typically offers a range of plans to accommodate different storage needs, ensuring flexibility and affordability. With a focus on privacy and compliance, Internxt stands out as a trustworthy choice for secure cloud storage.

EU-hostedEU-BasedGDPR CompliantOpen Source
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • End-to-end encryption ensures file privacy.
  • GDPR compliance guarantees data protection.
  • EU-based servers reduce latency for EU users.

Consider

  • Migration from iCloud can be time-consuming.
  • Lacks integration with Apple ecosystem features.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Internxt

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸iCloud
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇨🇭Proton DriveCHYesYesYesfreemium
🇨🇭pCloudCHYesYesYesfreemium
🇨🇭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 DropboxGDPR Alternative to AWSGDPR Alternative to Google DriveGDPR Alternative to OneDriveGDPR Alternative to Box

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