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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

BigCommerce logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to BigCommerce

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

Enterprise e-commerce platform for growing businesses with built-in features and headless capabilities.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to BigCommerce

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by BigCommerce, 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 BigCommerce

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Shopware logo

Shopware

🇩🇪

by shopware AG

German e-commerce platform offering open-source and enterprise solutions for online stores of all sizes.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceISO 27001SOC 2 Type IISOC 2Self-Hostable
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Shopware's open source allows full customization of the platform.
  • GDPR compliance ensures legal safety for EU customers and businesses.
  • API-first architecture enables easier integration with third-party services.

Consider

  • Migration from BigCommerce may require significant data transfer efforts.
  • Learning curve for Shopware can slow down initial setup and usage.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Shopware
Lightspeed logo

Lightspeed

🇳🇱

by Lightspeed Commerce

Lightspeed by Lightspeed Commerce is a cloud-based retail and restaurant management platform. It offers tools for inventory management, sales tracking, customer relationship management, and reporting. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, it streamlines operations and enhances the customer experience through integrated solutions.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedISO 27001SOC 2 Type IISOC 2
paidMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Lightspeed offers POS integration for in-person sales tracking.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
  • Multi-location support allows management of various store inventories.

Consider

  • Migration from BigCommerce may require data reformatting.
  • Lightspeed lacks multi-storefront capabilities like BigCommerce.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Lightspeed

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸BigCommerce
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🇩🇪ShopwareDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇳🇱LightspeedNLYesYesYespaid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BigCommerce GDPR compliant?

BigCommerce is a US-based service operated by BigCommerce 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 BigCommerce?

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 BigCommerce?

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

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like BigCommerce. 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 E-commerce Platforms

GDPR Alternative to WooCommerceGDPR Alternative to WixGDPR Alternative to SquarespaceGDPR Alternative to Shopify

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026