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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

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GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Evernote

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

Evernote is a US-based note-taking and knowledge management application designed to help users organize and manage their information across various devices. It offers a range of features including a web clipper for saving articles, document scanning with optical character recognition (OCR), and task management with checklists. Users can organize their notes into notebooks and use tags for efficient categorization. Additionally, Evernote supports audio note recording, PDF annotation, and markup, and provides a template library for quick note creation. The product is primarily used by individuals and professionals who require a robust tool for managing notes, tasks, and documents. It is important to note that Evernote stores user data in the United States and is subject to US data laws, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702. Evernote operates on a freemium pricing model, offering both free and premium subscription tiers with additional features.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Evernote

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Evernote, 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

1 GDPR-compliant European alternative available with full EU data residency.

1 GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Evernote

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Anytype logo

Anytype

🇨🇭

by Anytype

Create notes, tasks, databases, and chats that only you can access. Your data stays on your device — fully owned, secure, and private. Free to start.

EU-BasedSelf-HostableOpen SourceSwiss hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Local data storage ensures notes are not stored on third-party servers.
  • End-to-end encryption protects all notes from unauthorized access.
  • Customizable database templates allow tailored organization of information.

Consider

  • Migration from Evernote may involve manual transfer of notes.
  • Fewer built-in templates compared to Evernote's extensive library.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Anytype

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Evernote
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇨🇭AnytypeCHYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Evernote GDPR compliant?

Evernote is a US-based service operated by Evernote. 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 Evernote?

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 Evernote?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Evernote include Anytype. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 26, 2026