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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Monday.com logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Monday.com

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธmonday.com Ltd. ยท US-based ยท Subject to CLOUD Act

Monday.com is a US-based project management tool designed to help teams organize and manage their workflows through visual boards. It allows users to automate repetitive tasks, track time, and create custom dashboards to monitor project progress. The platform also serves as an integration hub, enabling users to connect with various third-party applications, and offers file management capabilities to streamline document handling. Monday.com is accessible via mobile apps, ensuring teams can collaborate on-the-go. The platform is primarily used by businesses and teams looking to enhance their project management efficiency. It operates on a subscription-based pricing model. Users should be aware that data is stored in the United States and is subject to US jurisdiction, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Monday.com

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Monday.com 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 โ€” 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 project management is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Monday.com, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Monday.com, 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

5 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

5 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Monday.com

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

MeisterTask logo

MeisterTask

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by Meister

MeisterTask is a German-made intuitive project and task management tool built on Kanban boards. Offers seamless collaboration with time tracking, automation, and integrations. GDPR compliant with EU data hosting. Integrates well with MindMeister for mind mapping.

GDPR CompliantISO 27001EU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:โ—โ—โ—2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards.
  • ISO 27001 certification guarantees strong security practices.
  • EU-based servers reduce latency for European users.

Consider

  • Migration from Monday.com may require manual data transfer.
  • Learning curve for users familiar with Monday.com's interface.
Teamwork logo

Teamwork

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ช

by Teamwork.com

Teamwork is an Irish project management platform designed for client work and agencies. Offers comprehensive features including time tracking, resource management, and billing. GDPR compliant with EU headquarters in Cork, Ireland.

GDPR CompliantISO 27001EU-BasedSOC 2 Type IIEU-hosted
subscriptionMigration:โ—โ—โ—2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection.
  • ISO 27001 certification enhances security.
  • Client billing feature aids financial tracking.

Consider

  • Migration from Monday.com may disrupt workflows.
  • Learning curve for Teamwork's Gantt charts.
Zenkit logo

Zenkit

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by Axonic Informationssysteme

Zenkit is a German flexible project management and database platform. Offers multiple views including Kanban, table, calendar, and mind map. Built with privacy in mind with GDPR compliance and German data hosting. Modular suite of productivity tools.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:โ—โ—โ—2-3 days

Why switch?

  • Zenkit offers multiple views like Kanban, list, and calendar for flexibility.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU users with German hosting.
  • Mind mapping feature allows for visual brainstorming and project planning.

Consider

  • Migration from Monday.com may require significant data reorganization.
  • Zenkit lacks advanced workflow automation compared to Monday.com.
Taskworld logo

Taskworld

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ

by Taskworld Inc.

Taskworld is a project management and team collaboration platform with European operations. Combines task management, visual timelines, and team messaging. Offers enterprise features with focus on security and GDPR compliance.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
subscriptionMigration:โ—โ—โ—1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Taskworld's GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards.
  • Team chat feature enhances communication within the platform.
  • Visual timelines help in tracking project progress effectively.

Consider

  • Migration from Monday.com may require data reformatting efforts.
  • Taskworld lacks some automation features available in Monday.com.
OpenProject logo

OpenProject

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by OpenProject GmbH

OpenProject is a German open-source project management software. Offers classical and agile project management with Gantt charts, Scrum boards, and time tracking. Self-hosted option available for complete data control. Strong focus on GDPR compliance.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-HostableEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:โ—โ—โ—2-3 days

Why switch?

  • OpenProject is open source, allowing for custom modifications.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU users.
  • Self-hosted option provides control over data and server location.

Consider

  • Migration from Monday.com may require extensive data transfer efforts.
  • OpenProject's interface has a steeper learning curve for new users.

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธMonday.com
United StatesNoPartialNosubscription
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ชMeisterTaskDEYesYesYesfreemium
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ชTeamworkIEYesYesYessubscription
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ชZenkitDEYesYesYesfreemium
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑTaskworldNLYesYesYessubscription
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ชOpenProjectDEYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monday.com GDPR compliant?

Monday.com is a US-based service operated by monday.com Ltd.. 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 Monday.com?

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 Monday.com?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Monday.com include MeisterTask, Teamwork, Zenkit. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Monday.com to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Monday.com 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 Monday.com?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Monday.com. 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 Project Management

Last updated: January 26, 2026