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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

JotForm logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to JotForm

🇺🇸JotForm Inc. · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Online form builder for creating registration forms, surveys, and payment forms with drag-and-drop editor.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to JotForm

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by JotForm, 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

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

2 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to JotForm

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Typeform logo

Typeform

🇪🇸

by Typeform SL

Spanish form builder known for conversational, one-question-at-a-time surveys and engaging user experience.

GDPR CompliantEU-Based
freemiumMigration:

Why switch?

  • Typeform offers conversational forms, enhancing user engagement.
  • Typeform's design is visually appealing, improving response rates.
  • Typeform provides advanced analytics for detailed response insights.

Consider

  • Migrating forms from JotForm to Typeform can be time-consuming.
  • Typeform lacks advanced payment form features available in JotForm.
Tally logo

Tally

🇧🇪

by Tally BV

Tally by Tally BV is a no-code form builder designed for users to create and manage forms efficiently. It allows you to customize form fields, collect responses, and analyze data in real-time. The platform offers integrations with various tools, making it easy to streamline workflows and improve data collection processes.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:

Why switch?

  • Tally offers free unlimited forms, unlike JotForm's limited free tier.
  • No branding on free forms in Tally, enhancing professionalism.
  • Tally's EU-based servers ensure GDPR compliance for EU users.

Consider

  • Migrating forms from JotForm to Tally may require manual adjustments.
  • Tally lacks advanced payment form features available in JotForm.

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸JotForm
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇪🇸TypeformESYesYesYesfreemium
🇧🇪TallyBEYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is JotForm GDPR compliant?

JotForm is a US-based service operated by JotForm Inc.. 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 JotForm?

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 JotForm?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to JotForm include Typeform, Tally. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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

Last updated: January 29, 2026