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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Heroku logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Heroku

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

Cloud platform for deploying, managing, and scaling applications with support for multiple languages.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Heroku

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Heroku, 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

1 GDPR-compliant European alternative available with full EU data residency.

1 GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Heroku

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Uberspace logo

Uberspace

🇩🇪

by Uberspace

Uberspace is a web hosting service that offers flexible and scalable solutions for individuals and businesses. It provides users with the ability to host websites, applications, and databases, along with tools for managing domains and email. The platform supports various programming languages and frameworks, ensuring compatibility with diverse projects.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Uberspace offers a pay-what-you-want model, enhancing cost control.
  • 100% renewable energy used by Uberspace aligns with eco-friendly goals.
  • Full control over server configurations allows for customized setups.

Consider

  • Migration from Heroku may involve complex data transfer processes.
  • Uberspace lacks built-in CI/CD pipelines, requiring manual setup.
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Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Heroku
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇩🇪UberspaceDEYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Heroku GDPR compliant?

Heroku is a US-based service operated by Salesforce 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 Heroku?

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 Heroku?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Heroku include Uberspace. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Heroku. 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 Developer Tools

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026