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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

YouTube Music logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to YouTube Music

🇺🇸Google (Alphabet) · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

YouTube Music is a streaming service that allows users to listen to a vast library of songs, albums, and playlists. It offers personalized recommendations based on listening habits, along with features like offline playback and background listening. Users can explore official music videos and user-generated content.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to YouTube Music

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by YouTube 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

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

2 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to YouTube 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:●●●

Why switch?

  • Spotify offers a vast library with over 70 million songs.
  • Spotify's personalized playlists like 'Discover Weekly' enhance music discovery.
  • Spotify supports podcasts, integrating audio content in one app.

Consider

  • YouTube Music's music videos are not available on Spotify.
  • Switching requires re-creating playlists and preferences manually.
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:●●●

Why switch?

  • Deezer offers high-definition audio streaming at 16-bit/44.1 kHz.
  • Access to curated playlists by experts tailored to various genres.
  • Includes podcasts and radio stations, expanding audio content variety.

Consider

  • YouTube Music's music video feature is absent in Deezer.
  • Learning curve may be steep for users familiar with YouTube's interface.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Deezer

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸YouTube Music
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇸🇪SpotifySEYesYesYesfreemium
🇪🇺DeezerEUYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is YouTube Music GDPR compliant?

YouTube Music is a US-based service operated by Google (Alphabet). 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 YouTube 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 YouTube Music?

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

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

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

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

GDPR Alternative to Apple MusicGDPR Alternative to TidalGDPR Alternative to PandoraGDPR Alternative to Amazon Music

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026