GDPR Compliance Risk
Google Meet is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.
Google Meet is a video conferencing service developed by Google, designed to facilitate virtual meetings and collaboration. It allows users to connect with up to 250 participants per call, making it suitable for both small and large group interactions. The platform integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace apps, enabling users to schedule meetings directly from Google Calendar and collaborate in real-time using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Key features include real-time captions and subtitles, screen sharing with multiple layout options, virtual backgrounds and effects, and the ability to live stream meetings to YouTube. Google Meet also offers breakout rooms for group discussions and the capability to record meetings, which are then saved to Google Drive. The service is primarily used by businesses, educational institutions, and individuals seeking a reliable video conferencing tool. It operates under a freemium pricing model, with additional features available through paid Google Workspace subscriptions. It is important to note that Google Meet is a US-based service, and user data is stored in the United States, subject to US data laws such as the CLOUD Act and FISA 702.
Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Google Meet 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 video conferencing is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Google Meet, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.
US authorities can access your data stored by Google Meet, even if servers are located in Europe.
Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.
2 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.
European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
by Whereby
Host quick instant meetings or embed video calls into your platform with Whereby’s video conferencing API and SDK.
Why switch?
Consider
by Livestorm
Experience the all-in-one video engagement platform to create and manage your virtual meetings, video conferencing, webinars, virtual events, and screen sharing.
Why switch?
Consider
| Service | HQ Location | GDPR Native | EU Data Centers | CLOUD Act Free | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸Google Meet | United States | No | Partial | No | - |
| 🇳🇴Whereby | NO | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇫🇷Livestorm | FR | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
Google Meet is a US-based service operated by Google. 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.
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.
The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Google Meet include Whereby, Livestorm. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.
Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Google Meet 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.
Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Google Meet. 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.
Last updated: January 26, 2026
