Skip to main content
BuiltInEu

GDPR Compliance Risk

Auth0 is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

Auth0 logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Auth0

🇺🇸Okta · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Auth0 by Okta is a flexible identity management platform that provides secure authentication and authorization services for applications. It simplifies user login, enhances security, and improves user experience. Ideal for developers and businesses.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Auth0

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Auth0 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 authentication is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Auth0, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Auth0, 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

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

3 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Auth0

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Keycloak logo

Keycloak

🇪🇺

by Keycloak

Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management solution developed in Europe. It provides features such as single sign-on (SSO), user federation, identity brokering, and social login. Keycloak enables secure authentication and authorization for applications, enhancing user management and security protocols. Visit keycloak.org for more information.

Open SourceSelf-HostableEU-hosted
Migration:●●●1-2 weeks

Why switch?

  • Keycloak is open source, allowing for full code customization.
  • Keycloak supports GDPR compliance with EU-based servers.
  • Self-hosting Keycloak can reduce long-term operational costs.

Consider

  • Migration from Auth0 to Keycloak may require significant data transfer.
  • Keycloak's user interface may have a steeper learning curve.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Keycloak
Zitadel logo

Zitadel

🇨🇭

by Zitadel

Zitadel is an open-source identity and access management platform developed by the European company Zitadel. It provides developers with tools for user authentication, authorization, and secure data management. The platform supports various protocols and integrates easily with existing applications, ensuring a streamlined user experience.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantOpen SourceSelf-HostableSwiss hosted
Migration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Zitadel is EU-based, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.
  • Zitadel offers open-source code, allowing for custom modifications.
  • Data is stored in EU servers, reducing data transfer risks.

Consider

  • Migration from Auth0 may require significant data transfer efforts.
  • Zitadel's feature set may lack some advanced options found in Auth0.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Zitadel
Authentik logo

Authentik

🇩🇪

by Authentik

Authentik is an open-source identity provider designed for user authentication and authorization. Developed by a European company, it supports various protocols including OAuth2 and SAML, enabling secure access management for applications. Authentik offers a customizable user interface and integrates easily with existing systems.

EU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-HostableSource AvailableEU-hostedGDPR Compliant
Migration:●●●Several days to a week, depending on the complexity of your setup

Why switch?

  • Authentik is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection.
  • Authentik's servers are located in the EU, enhancing data sovereignty.
  • Authentik is open-source, allowing for custom modifications and audits.

Consider

  • Migrating from Auth0 may require significant data and configuration effort.
  • Authentik's feature set may lack some advanced options found in Auth0.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Authentik

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Auth0
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇪🇺KeycloakEUYesYesYes-
🇨🇭ZitadelCHYesYesYes-
🇩🇪AuthentikDEYesYesYes-

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auth0 GDPR compliant?

Auth0 is a US-based service operated by Okta. 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 Auth0?

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 Auth0?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Auth0 include Keycloak, Zitadel, Authentik. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Auth0 to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Auth0 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 Auth0?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Auth0. 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 Authentication

GDPR Alternative to Firebase AuthGDPR Alternative to FusionAuthGDPR Alternative to Okta

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: February 6, 2026