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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Acuity Scheduling logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Acuity Scheduling

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

Acuity Scheduling by Squarespace Inc. is an online appointment scheduling tool designed for businesses and professionals. It allows users to create customizable booking pages, manage appointments, and send automated reminders. The platform integrates with calendars, payment systems, and offers client management features to streamline scheduling processes.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Acuity Scheduling

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Acuity Scheduling, 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 Acuity Scheduling

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Doodle logo

Doodle

🇨🇭

by Doodle AG

Doodle is an online scheduling tool that simplifies the process of finding suitable meeting times for groups. Users can create a poll with multiple time options and invite participants to select their preferences. The platform integrates with calendars to streamline scheduling and reduce back-and-forth communication.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedSwiss hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Doodle offers a free tier for basic scheduling needs.
  • Group polls in Doodle simplify scheduling with multiple participants.
  • Doodle's servers are EU-based, ensuring GDPR compliance.

Consider

  • Migrating client data from Acuity to Doodle can be time-consuming.
  • Doodle lacks payment processing features present in Acuity.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Doodle
Cal.com logo

Cal.com

🇩🇪

by Cal.com Inc

Cal.com is an open-source scheduling platform designed to streamline appointment booking. Users can create custom booking links, manage availability, and integrate with calendars. The platform supports team collaboration and provides features for individual and group scheduling, making it suitable for various professional needs.

GDPR CompliantOpen SourceSelf-HostableEU-BasedISO 27001SOC 2 Type II
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Cal.com is open source, allowing for custom modifications and flexibility.
  • Full GDPR compliance ensures better data protection for EU clients.
  • Self-hosting option gives control over data and server location.

Consider

  • Migration from Acuity may require manual data transfer and setup.
  • Learning curve for Cal.com's workflows may slow initial adoption.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Cal.com

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Acuity Scheduling
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🇨🇭DoodleCHYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇪Cal.comDEYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acuity Scheduling GDPR compliant?

Acuity Scheduling is a US-based service operated by Squarespace 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 Acuity Scheduling?

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 Acuity Scheduling?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Acuity Scheduling include Doodle, Cal.com. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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

GDPR Alternative to Calendly

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Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026