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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Hulu logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Hulu

🇺🇸The Walt Disney Company · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Hulu is a streaming service offering a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and original content. Users can access current episodes of popular series, a library of classic shows, and films across different genres. Hulu also provides options for live TV and add-on channels, allowing for customizable viewing experiences.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Hulu

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Hulu, 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 Hulu

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Viaplay logo

Viaplay

🇪🇺

by Viaplay

Stream de nieuwste hitseries en films, klassieke films, live sport en kindershows op Viaplay. Zoveel te kijken - altijd en overal.

GDPR CompliantEU-hosted
paidMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Viaplay offers live sports streaming, including soccer and hockey.
  • Kid-friendly content library on Viaplay includes popular animated series.
  • Personalized recommendations engine helps discover new shows tailored to you.

Consider

  • Viaplay lacks Hulu Originals, which have critical acclaim and popularity.
  • Switching requires learning a new interface, which may take time.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Viaplay
Mubi logo

Mubi

🇪🇺

by Mubi

Watch truly great cinema. Wherever you are. From iconic, award-winning directors to emerging auteurs. Transformative films from all over the world. Stream Now. Download to watch Offline. Start your free 7 day trial now.

paidMigration:●●●30 minutes

Why switch?

  • Mubi offers a curated selection of 30 films each month.
  • Focuses on classic and independent cinema, unlike Hulu's mainstream content.
  • Allows offline viewing, similar to Hulu's download feature.

Consider

  • Lacks next-day TV episodes, limiting current show access.
  • No live TV option, missing real-time sports and news.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Mubi

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Hulu
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇪🇺ViaplayEUYesYesYespaid
🇪🇺MubiEUYesYesYespaid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hulu GDPR compliant?

Hulu is a US-based service operated by The Walt Disney Company. 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 Hulu?

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 Hulu?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Hulu include Viaplay, Mubi. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Hulu. 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 Streaming & Entertainment

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026