GDPR Compliance Risk

Airbnb 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 Airbnb

🇺🇸Airbnb Inc. · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Airbnb is an online platform that connects travelers with hosts offering accommodations around the world. Users can search for and book unique lodging options, including homes, apartments, and shared spaces. The service allows hosts to list their properties and manage bookings, facilitating direct communication between guests and hosts.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Airbnb

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Airbnb, 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 Airbnb

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Booking

🇳🇱

by Booking

Booking.com is a comprehensive travel and booking platform based in the Netherlands, designed to make travel planning seamless and efficient. It offers a wide array of accommodations, from hotels and apartments to unique stays, all accessible through an intuitive interface. Key features include flexible cancellation policies, ensuring peace of mind for travelers, and a price match guarantee that ensures competitive pricing. Users can benefit from genuine reviews and ratings, helping them make informed decisions. The platform supports multiple languages, catering to a global audience, and provides instant booking confirmations for a hassle-free experience. The mobile app enhances convenience with offline access and customizable search filters, allowing users to tailor their search to specific needs. Booking.com is ideal for travelers seeking a reliable and user-friendly booking experience, whether for leisure or business. Privacy and security are prioritized, with GDPR-compliant data handling and EU-based data hosting, ensuring users' information is protected under stringent European regulations. While the platform primarily operates on a commission-based model, users can enjoy the benefits of competitive pricing and a wide range of options without upfront costs.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantEU-hosted

freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

Booking offers price match guarantee for competitive rates.
Multi-language support helps non-English speakers navigate easily.
Instant booking confirmation reduces waiting time for reservations.

Consider

Missing Airbnb's Superhost program may reduce trust in hosts.
Learning curve for Booking's customizable search filters may be steep.

View Details Compare Switch Guide

Visit Booking

BlaBlaCar

🇫🇷

by BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is a trusted travel and booking platform from France, specializing in carpooling services that connect drivers with empty seats to passengers looking for a ride. Utilizing an advanced trip matching algorithm, BlaBlaCar efficiently pairs users based on their travel needs, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective journey. Key features include a robust user rating and review system, in-app payment processing, and real-time trip tracking, all designed to enhance user experience and safety. The platform also supports integrated messaging between riders and drivers, allowing for clear communication. BlaBlaCar caters to a diverse audience, including budget-conscious travelers, eco-friendly commuters, and those seeking convenient travel options. With a strong emphasis on privacy and security, BlaBlaCar is GDPR compliant, ensuring user data is handled with the utmost care and hosted within the EU, providing peace of mind regarding data sovereignty. The platform offers a flexible cancellation policy and supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a broad user base. Pricing is typically based on the distance traveled and is shared between the driver and passengers, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional travel methods.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantEU-hosted

freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

BlaBlaCar offers real-time trip tracking for safety and transparency.
User rating system helps ensure reliable drivers and riders.
In-app payment processing simplifies transactions without cash.

Consider

Missing vacation rental options limits accommodation choices.
Learning curve for users unfamiliar with carpooling logistics.

View Details Compare Switch Guide

Visit BlaBlaCar

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

Service	HQ Location	GDPR Native	EU Data Centers	CLOUD Act Free	Pricing
🇺🇸Airbnb	United States	No	Partial	No	freemium
🇳🇱Booking	NL	Yes	Yes	Yes	freemium
🇫🇷BlaBlaCar	FR	Yes	Yes	Yes	freemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb GDPR compliant?

Airbnb is a US-based service operated by Airbnb Inc.. 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 Airbnb?

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 Airbnb?

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

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

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

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

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Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026