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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Intercom logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Intercom

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

Intercom is a customer communication platform that enables businesses to interact with customers through messaging. It offers features like live chat, automated responses, and help desk tools, allowing companies to provide support, engage users, and manage customer relationships efficiently. The platform integrates with various applications for streamlined communication.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Intercom

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Intercom, 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 Intercom

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Tidio logo

Tidio

🇵🇱

by Tidio LLC

Tidio is a customer support tool that integrates live chat and chatbot functionalities to enhance user engagement on websites. It allows businesses to communicate with visitors in real-time, automate responses, and gather customer insights. Tidio supports various messaging platforms for seamless communication.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedSOC 2
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Tidio offers a free tier for startups, unlike Intercom's paid-only model.
  • Tidio's servers are EU-based, ensuring GDPR compliance for EU users.
  • Tidio integrates easily with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

Consider

  • Migrating customer data from Intercom to Tidio can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Tidio lacks advanced product tours and user onboarding features found in Intercom.
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Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Intercom
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🇵🇱TidioPLYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Intercom GDPR compliant?

Intercom is a US-based service operated by Intercom 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 Intercom?

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 Intercom?

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

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Intercom. 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 Customer Support

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026