GDPR Compliance Risk
Trello is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.
Trello is a Kanban-style project management tool owned by Atlassian (acquired 2017). Board data is stored on US/Australian servers, and Atlassian's cloud products have faced scrutiny from EU regulators over data transfer mechanisms post-Schrems II.
Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Trello 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 project management is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Trello, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.
US authorities can access your data stored by Trello, even if servers are located in Europe.
Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.
9 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.
European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
by Meister
MeisterTask is a German-made intuitive project and task management tool built on Kanban boards. Offers seamless collaboration with time tracking, automation, and integrations. GDPR compliant with EU data hosting. Integrates well with MindMeister for mind mapping.
by Wekan Team
Wekan is an open-source Kanban board application, often called the open-source Trello alternative. Self-hosted solution with full data ownership. Features include boards, lists, cards, checklists, and labels. Active community development.
by Kanboard
Kanboard is a free and open-source Kanban project management software. Self-hosted solution giving complete control over your data. Lightweight and focused on simplicity with essential project management features. No tracking or data collection.
by Axonic Informationssysteme
Zenkit is a versatile project management tool that enables teams to collaborate effectively through various methodologies, providing features like Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and resource management all in one platform.
by Freedcamp
Freedcamp is a feature-rich project management platform with a generous free tier. Offers task lists, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and time tracking. Good alternative for budget-conscious teams looking for comprehensive project management.
by Taskworld Inc.
Taskworld is a project management and team collaboration platform with European operations. Combines task management, visual timelines, and team messaging. Offers enterprise features with focus on security and GDPR compliance.
by Teamwork.com
Teamwork is an Irish project management platform designed for client work and agencies. Offers comprehensive features including time tracking, resource management, and billing. GDPR compliant with EU headquarters in Cork, Ireland.
by Stackfield GmbH
Stackfield is an all-in-one project management tool designed for organizations that handle sensitive data. It provides features for secure communication and collaboration, making it ideal for sectors like government, banking, and education.
by OpenProject GmbH
OpenProject is an open source project management software providing powerful classic, agile, or hybrid project management solutions in a secure environment. It enhances team productivity and allows for seamless collaboration across various project methodologies.
| Service | HQ Location | GDPR Native | EU Data Centers | CLOUD Act Free | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸Trello | United States | No | Partial | No | freemium |
| 🇩🇪MeisterTask | DE | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇫🇮Wekan | FI | Yes | Yes | Yes | free |
| 🇫🇷Kanboard | FR | Yes | Yes | Yes | free |
| 🇩🇪Zenkit | DE | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇳🇱Freedcamp | NL | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
Trello is a US-based service operated by Atlassian. 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.
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.
The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Trello include MeisterTask, Wekan, Kanboard. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.
Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Trello 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.
Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Trello. 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.
Last updated: January 26, 2026
