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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

OpenDNS logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to OpenDNS

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

OpenDNS by Cisco enhances your internet security and performance by providing fast, reliable DNS resolution. Protect your network from online threats and customize web filtering with easy-to-use controls.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to OpenDNS

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by OpenDNS, 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 OpenDNS

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:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Quad9 blocks access to known malicious domains, enhancing security.
  • Quad9 servers are EU-based, ensuring GDPR compliance for EU users.
  • Quad9 offers optional end-to-end encryption for DNS queries.

Consider

  • Migration may require reconfiguring network settings on devices.
  • Quad9 lacks some advanced features available in OpenDNS, like filtering.
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 offers optional end-to-end encryption for enhanced security.
  • Switching to dns0.eu supports local EU businesses over US corporations.

Consider

  • OpenDNS has a larger user base, leading to more community support.
  • Migration may involve reconfiguring network settings and devices.
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 Sweden, ensuring EU data protection.
  • Full GDPR compliance enhances user privacy and data rights.
  • Optional end-to-end encryption protects DNS queries from eavesdropping.

Consider

  • Migration may require reconfiguring devices for new DNS settings.
  • Mullvad lacks some advanced features found in OpenDNS, like phishing protection.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Mullvad DNS

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OpenDNS GDPR compliant?

OpenDNS is a US-based service operated by Cisco. 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 OpenDNS?

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 OpenDNS?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to OpenDNS 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 OpenDNS to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like OpenDNS. 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 Cloudflare DNSGDPR Alternative to Google Public DNSGDPR Alternative to Amazon Route 53

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: February 6, 2026