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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Box logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Box

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

Box is a cloud storage service based in the United States, designed to facilitate secure file storage, sharing, and collaboration for businesses and individuals. It offers a suite of features including automated workflow management, secure file sharing links, and granular access controls, allowing users to manage and collaborate on documents effectively. Box integrates with various third-party applications, enhancing its utility for users who rely on multiple digital tools. Real-time collaboration tools and version history tracking further support seamless teamwork and document management. Box is subject to US data laws, such as the CLOUD Act and FISA 702, meaning user data is stored in the US and under US jurisdiction. This service is typically used by businesses and organizations that require robust data management and collaboration capabilities. Box operates on a subscription-based pricing model, with different tiers available to accommodate varying storage and feature needs.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Box

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Box, 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 Box

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

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:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • E2E encryption ensures only you can access your files, enhancing security.
  • Full GDPR compliance protects user data within EU regulations.
  • Data stored on EU servers reduces risk of non-EU data access.

Consider

  • Migration from Box may require manual file transfer and setup.
  • Lacks third-party app integrations available in Box's ecosystem.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Tresorit
Cryptee logo

Cryptee

🇪🇪

by Cryptee

Cryptee is a secure, open-source cloud storage service based in Estonia, designed for individuals and organizations seeking privacy-focused file hosting. It offers a robust platform for storing and managing files with an emphasis on security and data sovereignty. Cryptee's key differentiator is its commitment to privacy, ensuring that all data is encrypted and stored within the EU, adhering to GDPR regulations. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize data protection and compliance with European privacy standards. The service is particularly suited for privacy-conscious individuals, businesses, and professionals who require secure data storage solutions. With a free pricing model, Cryptee provides accessible and reliable cloud storage without compromising on security. Users benefit from the peace of mind that their data is hosted in a jurisdiction known for strong privacy laws, offering a significant advantage over non-EU alternatives.

EU-hostedEU-BasedGDPR CompliantOpen Source
freeMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • E2E encryption on all plans ensures data is secure from unauthorized access.
  • Fully compliant with GDPR, providing strong data protection for EU users.
  • Data hosting in Estonia offers strong privacy laws and protections.

Consider

  • Migration from Box could involve significant data transfer challenges.
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to Box's extensive app ecosystem.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Cryptee
Filen logo

Filen

🇩🇪

Filen is a European cloud storage service designed to provide secure and private data storage solutions. It allows users to store, share, and access their files from anywhere, ensuring that all data is encrypted and protected. With Filen, users benefit from a robust set of features that prioritize privacy and compliance with EU regulations. Key features include end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the user has access to their data, and zero-knowledge architecture, meaning Filen cannot access or view your files. Filen is hosted entirely within the EU, offering data sovereignty and compliance with GDPR standards, making it an ideal choice for individuals and businesses concerned about data privacy. The service is suitable for anyone from personal users needing secure storage for personal files to businesses requiring reliable and compliant cloud storage solutions. Filen offers a straightforward pricing model with options for both free and premium plans, allowing users to choose the level of storage and features that best fit their needs.

EU-hostedEU-BasedISO 27001GDPR CompliantOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freemiumMigration:●●●1 day

Why switch?

  • Filen offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring only you access your files.
  • Data is stored in the EU, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.
  • Filen's zero-knowledge architecture means no one else can view your data.

Consider

  • Migration from Box may involve data transfer challenges and downtime.
  • Filen lacks some third-party app integrations available in Box.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Filen
Infomaniak kDrive logo

Infomaniak kDrive

🇨🇭

Infomaniak kDrive is a robust cloud storage solution designed to meet the needs of individuals and teams seeking secure and efficient file management. With its GDPR-compliant data handling and end-to-end encryption, kDrive ensures that your files are stored safely within EU-based data centers, offering peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and privacy. Key features include version history for easy file recovery, collaboration tools for seamless teamwork, and automatic file backups to prevent data loss. kDrive supports cross-platform synchronization, allowing users to access their files from any device, anywhere. Secure sharing links with expiration dates further enhance the safety of shared documents. Ideal for businesses, freelancers, and anyone prioritizing data privacy, kDrive provides a reliable and secure environment for storing and managing files. The pricing model is flexible, catering to different storage needs without compromising on security or compliance. With its focus on privacy and EU hosting, kDrive stands out as a trustworthy choice for those who value data protection and regulatory adherence.

EU-hostedEU-BasedGreen HostingGDPR CompliantSwiss hosted
subscriptionMigration:●●●1 day

Why switch?

  • GDPR compliance ensures legal data handling in the EU.
  • End-to-end encryption protects files during transfer and storage.
  • EU-based data centers reduce latency for European users.

Consider

  • Migration from Box may require manual file transfers and setup.
  • Fewer third-party integrations compared to Box's extensive options.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Infomaniak kDrive

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Box
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇨🇭TresoritCHYesYesYesfreemium
🇪🇪CrypteeEEYesYesYesfree
🇩🇪FilenDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇨🇭Infomaniak kDriveCHYesYesYessubscription

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Box GDPR compliant?

Box is a US-based service operated by Box. 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 Box?

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 Box?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Box include Tresorit, Cryptee, Filen. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Box. 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 iCloudGDPR Alternative to OneDrive

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