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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Help Scout logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Help Scout

🇺🇸Help Scout · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Help Scout is a customer support software designed to streamline communication between businesses and their customers. It offers a shared inbox, knowledge base, and reporting tools to help teams manage inquiries effectively. The platform integrates with various apps, enhancing workflow and improving response times.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Help Scout

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Help Scout, 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 Help Scout

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

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:●●●

Why switch?

  • Userlike offers live chat, enhancing real-time customer support.
  • Unified messaging integrates multiple channels, including WhatsApp.
  • Userlike is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection in the EU.

Consider

  • Migrating data from Help Scout may be complex and time-consuming.
  • Userlike lacks a dedicated knowledge base feature like Help Scout.
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Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Help Scout
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🇩🇪UserlikeDEYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Help Scout GDPR compliant?

Help Scout is a US-based service operated by Help Scout. 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 Help Scout?

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 Help Scout?

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

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

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

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