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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Railway logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Railway

🇺🇸Railway Corp · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Railway is a web application that simplifies the process of deploying and managing applications in the cloud. It provides a user-friendly interface for developers to connect their code repositories, set up environments, and run services seamlessly. With Railway, you can focus on building your application without worrying about infrastructure management.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Railway

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Railway, 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

4 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

4 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Railway

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Platform.sh logo

Platform.sh

🇫🇷

by Platform.sh

Platform.sh is a cloud-based development platform that enables teams to build, deploy, and manage web applications seamlessly. It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks, offering features like version control, automated deployments, and integrated testing. Ideal for developers seeking efficient workflow management.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27001SOC 2SOC 2 Type IIOpen Source
paidMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Multi-cloud support allows for deployment across various providers.
  • Git-based workflow enables easier version control and collaboration.
  • Instant cloning of environments speeds up testing and development.

Consider

  • Migration from Railway may require significant reconfiguration.
  • Learning curve for Git-based workflow can slow initial deployment.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Platform.sh
GitLab logo

GitLab

🇳🇱

by GitLab B.V.

GitLab is a web-based DevOps platform that provides tools for software development, version control, CI/CD, and project management. It supports collaborative workflows, enabling teams to manage code repositories, track issues, and automate testing and deployment processes. It integrates with various tools and services for streamlined development.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27001SOC 2Open SourceSelf-Hostable
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • GitLab offers integrated CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.
  • GitLab's issue tracking supports Agile methodologies with sprints.
  • GitLab is GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection for EU users.

Consider

  • Migration from Railway may require data transfer and setup time.
  • GitLab's learning curve may slow down teams used to Railway's UI.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit GitLab
fortrabbit logo

fortrabbit

🇩🇪

by fortrabbit GmbH

fortrabbit is a cloud hosting platform designed for developers and businesses, offering scalable solutions for web applications. It supports various programming languages and frameworks, providing fast deployment and management tools. Users can easily set up and maintain their applications with built-in features for performance monitoring and security.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
paidMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • PHP optimized environment tailored for Laravel applications.
  • Git push deploy simplifies code updates and version control.
  • Full GDPR compliance ensures legal data handling in the EU.

Consider

  • Migration may require reconfiguring apps for PHP optimization.
  • Learning curve for Git deploy compared to Railway's one-click deploy.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit fortrabbit
Codeberg logo

Codeberg

🇩🇪

by Codeberg e.V.

Codeberg is a collaborative platform for developers that allows users to host and manage Git repositories. It provides version control, issue tracking, and project management tools in a single interface. Codeberg is designed to support open-source projects and foster community collaboration while ensuring user privacy and data ownership.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceEU-hostedSelf-Hostable
freeMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Codeberg is GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection standards.
  • Codeberg is open source, allowing for community-driven improvements.
  • No ads or tracking on Codeberg enhances user experience and privacy.

Consider

  • Migration from Railway may require manual data transfer and setup.
  • Codeberg lacks built-in database provisioning features like Railway.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Codeberg

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Railway
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇫🇷Platform.shFRYesYesYespaid
🇳🇱GitLabNLYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇪fortrabbitDEYesYesYespaid
🇩🇪CodebergDEYesYesYesfree

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Railway GDPR compliant?

Railway is a US-based service operated by Railway Corp. 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 Railway?

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 Railway?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Railway include Platform.sh, GitLab, fortrabbit. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026