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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Apple Music logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Apple Music

🇺🇸Apple Music · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Apple Music is a US-based music streaming service that provides users with access to a vast library of millions of songs. It offers curated playlists and radio stations, aiming to deliver a comprehensive and diverse music experience to its users. The service is designed for music enthusiasts who appreciate a wide range of genres and enjoy discovering new music through expertly curated content. Apple Music operates on a freemium pricing model, allowing users to access basic features for free, with the option to upgrade for additional benefits. It is important to note that as a US-based service, Apple Music stores user data in the United States and is subject to US data laws, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702. This means that user data is handled under US jurisdiction, which may have implications for privacy and data protection.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Apple Music

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Apple Music, 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 Apple Music

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Spotify logo

Spotify

🇸🇪

by Spotify

Spotify is a web player that offers a vast library of music and podcasts, making it an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts. As a leading EU-based company, it provides a compelling alternative to US tech options.

EU-BasedGDPR Compliant
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Spotify offers a vast library of 100M+ tracks.
  • Access to exclusive podcasts not on Apple Music.
  • Spotify's Discover Weekly suggests new music.

Consider

  • Migration from Apple Music may lose playlists.
  • Spotify lacks Apple's lossless audio quality.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Spotify
Deezer logo

Deezer

🇪🇺

by Deezer

Discover our streaming app Deezer! Create an account, listen to your music for free and access millions of songs, playlists and podcasts. Sign up for free!

GDPR Compliant
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • High-definition audio for superior sound quality
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection in the EU
  • Lyrics display enhances music experience

Consider

  • Migration of playlists from Apple Music can be tedious
  • Learning new interface may take time
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Deezer
Qobuz logo

Qobuz

🇪🇺

by Qobuz

More than 100 million tracks available for high sound quality unlimited streaming. Qobuz is also the worldwide leader in 24-Bit Hi-Res downloads.

EU-hostedGDPR Compliant
subscriptionMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Access to 100 million tracks on Qobuz
  • Enjoy 24-Bit Hi-Res audio downloads
  • GDPR compliant data handling in EU

Consider

  • Migration from Apple Music can be tedious
  • Learning curve for new interface
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Qobuz
Idagio logo

Idagio

🇪🇺

by Idagio

The ultimate classical music collection in one app ✓Exclusive video concerts ✓Lossless sound quality ✓Best search ✓Curated by performers and experts ▷ Discover IDAGIO now

GDPR Compliant
subscriptionMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Access exclusive video concerts with Idagio.
  • Enjoy lossless audio streaming for classical music.
  • Advanced search tailored for classical music genres.

Consider

  • Limited to classical music; lacks other genres.
  • Migration may require re-curating playlists.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Idagio

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Apple Music
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇸🇪SpotifySEYesYesYesfreemium
🇪🇺DeezerEUYesYesYesfreemium
🇪🇺QobuzEUYesYesYessubscription
🇪🇺IdagioEUYesYesYessubscription

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Music GDPR compliant?

Apple Music is a US-based service operated by Apple Music. 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 Apple Music?

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 Apple Music?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Apple Music include Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Apple Music. 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 Music Streaming

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 26, 2026