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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Zendesk logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Zendesk

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

Customer service platform providing ticketing, live chat, knowledge base, and call center solutions.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Zendesk

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Zendesk, 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 Zendesk

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

LiveAgent logo

LiveAgent

🌍

by Quality Unit s.r.o.

LiveAgent is a help desk software that combines multiple communication channels including email, live chat, and social media into a single platform. It allows businesses to manage customer inquiries efficiently, track interactions, and streamline support processes. Features include ticketing, automation, and reporting tools for improved customer service.

GDPR CompliantEU-Based
freemiumMigration:●●●3-5 hours

Why switch?

  • LiveAgent offers a free tier for up to 7 agents, reducing costs.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
  • LiveAgent servers are located in the EU, enhancing data residency.

Consider

  • Migration from Zendesk may require significant data transfer efforts.
  • LiveAgent lacks advanced AI automation features present in Zendesk.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit LiveAgent
Trengo logo

Trengo

🇳🇱

by Trengo B.V.

Trengo is a communication platform that integrates various messaging channels, including email, chat, and social media, into a single inbox. It allows teams to manage customer interactions efficiently, track conversations, and collaborate in real-time. Trengo improves response times and streamlines customer support processes.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
paidMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Trengo offers a unified inbox for all communication channels.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
  • Trengo integrates directly with WhatsApp Business for messaging.

Consider

  • Migrating data from Zendesk may require significant effort and time.
  • Trengo lacks a dedicated call center feature compared to Zendesk.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Trengo
Crisp logo

Crisp

🇫🇷

by Crisp IM SARL

Crisp is a customer messaging platform designed for businesses to communicate effectively with their users. It offers real-time chat, email integration, and chatbot functionalities to streamline customer support. The platform helps teams manage conversations from multiple channels in one place, enhancing response times and user engagement.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-3 days

Why switch?

  • Crisp offers a free tier, reducing initial costs for small teams.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
  • Crisp's shared inbox allows team collaboration on customer queries.

Consider

  • Zendesk's ticketing system is more advanced than Crisp's features.
  • Migration from Zendesk may require significant data transfer efforts.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Crisp
Userlike logo

Userlike

🇩🇪

by Userlike UG

Userlike is a customer messaging platform designed for businesses to enhance communication with website visitors. It enables real-time chat support, integrates with various tools, and allows users to manage conversations across different channels. The platform aims to improve customer engagement and support efficiency.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27001
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Userlike offers GDPR compliance with EU-based servers for data protection.
  • Unified messaging includes WhatsApp Business for broader customer reach.
  • Userlike's chatbot supports multiple languages, enhancing user experience.

Consider

  • Migrating from Zendesk may require significant data transfer efforts.
  • Userlike lacks a comprehensive ticketing system like Zendesk's.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Userlike

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Zendesk
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🌍LiveAgentSKYesYesYesfreemium
🇳🇱TrengoNLYesYesYespaid
🇫🇷CrispFRYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇪UserlikeDEYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zendesk GDPR compliant?

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

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 Zendesk?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Zendesk include LiveAgent, Trengo, Crisp. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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