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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Twitter/X logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Twitter/X

🇺🇸X Corp · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Twitter/X, operated by X Corp, is a social networking platform based in the United States that facilitates the sharing of short-form content. Users can post updates, known as tweets, with a character limit, allowing for concise communication. The platform is known for its real-time trending topics feature, which highlights popular discussions as they unfold globally. Twitter/X offers a customizable news feed, enabling users to tailor their content consumption according to their interests. Key features include integrated multimedia sharing, user verification badges, hashtag tracking, poll creation and voting, and direct messaging with media capabilities. The platform primarily attracts individuals, businesses, and public figures who wish to engage with a broad audience through quick updates and interactions. It is important to note that user data on Twitter/X is stored in the United States and is subject to US data laws, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702. While the basic use of the platform is free, Twitter/X may offer additional features or services through a subscription model.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Twitter/X

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Twitter/X, 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 Twitter/X

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Mastodon logo

Mastodon

🇪🇺

Mastodon is an open source federated microblogging service/social media platform. A federated social network is decentralized, similar to how email works. Since Mastodon is open source, anyone with enough technical know-how can create their own Mastodon server where users can register. A Mastodon server is comparable to the email provider in the email system. Mastodon servers can communicate with each other via a standardized and open protocol called ActivityPub. Thanks to this protocol it is possible that users from one Mastodon server can for example follow users from other server or like their content.

Open SourceSelf-HostableEU-hosted
freeMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • No ads; user-funded instances reduce noise
  • Decentralized; choose servers with specific rules
  • GDPR compliance; strong EU data protection

Consider

  • Migration; manual follower and content transfer
  • Learning curve; unfamiliar federated model
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Mastodon
PixelFed logo

PixelFed

🇪🇺

by PixelFed

Learn more about Pixelfed, the free and open-source decentralized photo sharing social media platform

Open SourceEU-hosted
freeMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Decentralized servers reduce single-point failures
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection in EU
  • Open-source code allows for community-driven improvements

Consider

  • Migration may lead to loss of Twitter/X followers
  • Learning curve for decentralized platform setup
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit PixelFed
Pleroma logo

Pleroma

🇪🇺

Pleroma is a European messaging app designed to enhance communication through a federated network, allowing users to connect across various platforms. It offers a customizable user interface and supports rich media, ensuring a dynamic and personalized user experience. Pleroma stands out with its commitment to privacy, utilizing GDPR-compliant data handling and offering self-hosting capabilities for complete user control. The app is built on the ActivityPub protocol, ensuring seamless integration with other federated services. Ideal for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations, Pleroma provides robust user-controlled content moderation and secure data management. Hosting data within the EU ensures compliance with stringent privacy regulations, offering peace of mind to users concerned about data sovereignty. Pleroma's pricing model is flexible, catering to both individual users and larger organizations seeking a secure and customizable messaging solution.

GDPR CompliantEU-hostedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Federated network allows diverse server connections.
  • User interface customization offers personalized experience.
  • GDPR compliance ensures strict data protection standards.

Consider

  • Migration can be complex without direct import tools.
  • Lacks real-time trending topic tracking feature.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Pleroma

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Twitter/X
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇪🇺MastodonEUYesYesYesfree
🇪🇺PixelFedEUYesYesYesfree
🇪🇺PleromaEUYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Twitter/X GDPR compliant?

Twitter/X is a US-based service operated by X Corp. 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 Twitter/X?

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 Twitter/X?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Twitter/X include Mastodon, PixelFed, Pleroma. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Twitter/X to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Twitter/X 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 Twitter/X?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Twitter/X. 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 Messaging Apps

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 26, 2026