Proton VPN is a Swiss-based VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail — the same CERN scientists who created the world's largest encrypted email service in 2014. With 12,000+ servers across 120+ countries, it offers both a genuinely free tier (no ads, no logs, unlimited bandwidth) and a paid plan with streaming optimization, ad/tracker blocking (NetShield), and advanced routing through privacy-friendly countries (Secure Core). All apps are open source and the no-logs policy is independently audited with public reports. Rated 4.6 on both the App Store and Google Play.
GDPR Compliance Risk
Norton Secure VPN is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.
GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Norton Secure VPN
Norton Secure VPN provides online privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection. Access content safely on public Wi-Fi, protect your personal information, and browse anonymously.
Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Norton Secure VPN
Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Norton Secure VPN 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 vpn services is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Norton Secure VPN, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.
CLOUD Act Exposure
US authorities can access your data stored by Norton Secure VPN, 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
6 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.
6 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Norton Secure VPN
European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
Mullvad
🇸🇪by Mullvad
Free the internet from mass surveillance and censorship. Fight for privacy with Mullvad VPN and Mullvad Browser.
NordVPN
🇱🇹by NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network service provided by Nord Security, a Lithuanian cybersecurity company founded in Vilnius. While registered in Panama for jurisdictional privacy benefits, the company's development team and headquarters are based in Lithuania. NordVPN offers users the ability to secure their internet connection by encrypting online traffic, enhancing privacy and security. Key features include Double VPN, which routes traffic through two servers for added security, and obfuscated servers that help bypass internet censorship. The CyberSec feature provides protection against malware and intrusive ads. NordVPN supports peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on all its servers and includes an automatic kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Additional features include DNS leak protection, split tunneling for directing specific traffic through the VPN, and an option for a dedicated IP address. NordVPN operates under a subscription-based pricing model, offering various plans to accommodate different user needs. The service benefits from Panama's strong privacy laws, with no mandatory data retention requirements.
IVPN
🌍by IVPN
IVPN is a robust VPN service designed to protect your online privacy and security. It offers multi-hop VPN connections, allowing users to route their internet traffic through multiple servers for enhanced anonymity. With support for both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, IVPN ensures fast and secure connections tailored to your needs. Key features include a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your data is never stored or shared, and comprehensive leak protection for both IPv6 and DNS. The service also includes a kill switch functionality to prevent data exposure if the VPN connection drops. IVPN is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals, remote workers, and anyone seeking to safeguard their online activities. With its EU-based data hosting, IVPN complies with GDPR regulations, offering users the benefits of data sovereignty and enhanced privacy protections. The service supports P2P file sharing and offers an optional dedicated IP address for users requiring a consistent online presence. IVPN operates on a subscription-based pricing model, providing flexibility with monthly and annual plans.
Surfshark is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service developed by Surfshark, a Lithuanian cybersecurity company that merged with Nord Security in 2022. Founded in Vilnius, Lithuania, the company is registered in the Netherlands for its legal entity. Surfshark is designed to provide users with secure and private internet browsing. It offers over 4500 servers across more than 100 countries, allowing users to connect from various global locations. A notable feature of Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous device connections, which enables users to protect multiple devices under a single account. The service employs a RAM-only server infrastructure, ensuring that no data is stored on hard drives, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. Additional features include CleanWeb, which blocks malware and ads, Whitelister for split tunneling, Camouflage mode for stealth browsing, and MultiHop for double VPN connections. Surfshark operates on a subscription-based pricing model, offering various plans to suit different user needs.
AirVPN
🇮🇹by AirVPN
AirVPN, based in Italy, offers a robust VPN service designed to protect your online privacy and security. Utilizing OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, AirVPN ensures secure and reliable connections. The service is ideal for privacy-conscious users, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking to safeguard their internet activities. Key features include dynamic IP address assignment, port forwarding, and a no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. AirVPN also supports IPv6 and provides leak protection to maintain your anonymity. With custom DNS servers and a multi-hop VPN routing option, users can enhance their privacy further. The kill switch feature offers additional security by preventing data leaks if the VPN connection drops. AirVPN's servers are hosted in the EU, benefiting from stringent GDPR compliance and data sovereignty laws, providing peace of mind regarding data protection. AirVPN offers flexible pricing plans, catering to different user needs without compromising on service quality.
Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison
| Service | HQ Location | GDPR Native | EU Data Centers | CLOUD Act Free | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸Norton Secure VPN | United States | No | Partial | No | - |
| 🇨🇭ProtonVPN | CH | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇸🇪Mullvad | SE | Yes | Yes | Yes | subscription |
| 🇱🇹NordVPN | LT | Yes | Yes | Yes | - |
| 🌍IVPN | GI | Yes | Yes | Yes | subscription |
| 🇱🇹Surfshark | LT | Yes | Yes | Yes | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norton Secure VPN GDPR compliant?
Norton Secure VPN is a US-based service operated by Gen Digital. 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 Norton Secure VPN?
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 Norton Secure VPN?
The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Norton Secure VPN include ProtonVPN, Mullvad, NordVPN. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.
How do I migrate from Norton Secure VPN to a GDPR-compliant alternative?
Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Norton Secure VPN 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 Norton Secure VPN?
Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Norton Secure VPN. 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 VPN Services
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Last updated: February 15, 2026