Skip to main content

GDPR Compliance Risk

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

AWS CloudFront logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to AWS CloudFront

🇺🇸Amazon · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

AWS CloudFront is a fast content delivery network (CDN) that securely delivers data, videos, applications, and APIs to users worldwide with low latency and high transfer speeds. Optimize your web performance effortlessly.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to AWS CloudFront

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by AWS CloudFront, 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

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

3 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to AWS CloudFront

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Bunny.net logo

by Bunny.net

Bunny.net is a European content delivery network (CDN) that enhances website performance by reducing load times and improving user experience. It offers features such as global caching, real-time analytics, and secure file delivery. Trusted by businesses across Europe, Bunny.net optimizes content distribution efficiently.

EU-BasedGDPR Compliant
Migration:2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Bunny.net has a 99.9% uptime SLA, ensuring high availability.
  • Pricing starts at $0.01/GB, significantly cheaper than AWS's $0.085/GB.
  • Bunny.net's servers are located in 35+ countries, improving global reach.

Consider

  • Migration may require reconfiguring CDN settings and DNS records.
  • Bunny.net lacks advanced analytics compared to AWS CloudFront.
KeyCDN logo

KeyCDN

🇨🇭

by KeyCDN

KeyCDN is a robust cloud storage solution designed to enhance content delivery across Europe and beyond. It offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for businesses seeking efficient, secure, and compliant data handling. With its GDPR-compliant data management, KeyCDN ensures that your data is stored and processed in accordance with European regulations, providing peace of mind for privacy-conscious organizations. KeyCDN's real-time analytics dashboard allows users to monitor performance and make informed decisions quickly. The service supports HTTP/2 and Brotli compression, optimizing content delivery speed and efficiency. The origin shield feature enhances caching, reducing server load and improving response times. Additionally, KeyCDN supports custom SSL certificates, ensuring secure data transmission. Its pay-as-you-go pricing model offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. With a network of global Points of Presence (PoPs) and Web Application Firewall (WAF) integration, KeyCDN is ideal for businesses looking to improve their web performance and security. The product is particularly beneficial for European companies that prioritize data sovereignty and compliance with EU data protection laws.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantOpen SourceSwiss hosted
subscriptionMigration:2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • KeyCDN offers GDPR-compliant data handling for EU users.
  • Real-time analytics dashboard provides immediate traffic insights.
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing model can reduce costs for low-traffic sites.

Consider

  • Migrating data from AWS CloudFront may require significant effort.
  • KeyCDN lacks some advanced features like Lambda@Edge functions.
Gcore logo

Gcore

🇱🇺

by Gcore

Gcore by Gcore is a European-based cloud and edge computing solution designed for efficient data processing and storage. It offers a range of services including content delivery, cybersecurity, and server hosting, aiming to enhance performance for businesses across various industries. Visit their website for more information.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantEU-hosted
Migration:2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Gcore servers located in EU ensure compliance with GDPR regulations.
  • Gcore offers optional end-to-end encryption for enhanced security.
  • Gcore provides lower latency for EU users with local data centers.

Consider

  • Migration from AWS CloudFront may require significant reconfiguration.
  • Gcore may lack some advanced features available in CloudFront.

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸AWS CloudFront
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🌍Bunny.netSIYesYesYes-
🇨🇭KeyCDNCHYesYesYessubscription
🇱🇺GcoreLUYesYesYes-

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AWS CloudFront GDPR compliant?

AWS CloudFront is a US-based service operated by Amazon. 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 AWS CloudFront?

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 AWS CloudFront?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to AWS CloudFront include Bunny.net, KeyCDN, Gcore. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like AWS CloudFront. 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 CDN & Edge

Last updated: February 6, 2026