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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Disney+ logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Disney+

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธThe Walt Disney Company ยท US-based ยท Subject to CLOUD Act

Disney+ is a streaming service offering a vast library of movies and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Subscribers can access content on various devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones. The platform enables downloading for offline viewing and provides parental controls.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Disney+

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Disney+ 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 โ€” 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 streaming & entertainment is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Disney+, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Disney+, 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 Disney+

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Viaplay logo

Viaplay

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ

by Viaplay

Stream de nieuwste hitseries en films, klassieke films, live sport en kindershows op Viaplay. Zoveel te kijken - altijd en overal.

GDPR CompliantEU-hosted
paidMigration:โ—โ—โ—

Why switch?

  • Viaplay offers live sports streaming, unlike Disney+.
  • Personalized recommendations engine improves content discovery.
  • Kid-friendly content library includes popular European series.

Consider

  • Missing Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars exclusives.
  • Migration may involve losing downloaded content from Disney+.
Mubi logo

Mubi

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ

by Mubi

Watch truly great cinema. Wherever you are. From iconic, award-winning directors to emerging auteurs. Transformative films from all over the world. Stream Now. Download to watch Offline. Start your free 7 day trial now.

paidMigration:โ—โ—โ—

Why switch?

  • Mubi features a curated selection of 30 films at a time, emphasizing quality.
  • Focus on independent and international films not available on Disney+.
  • Mubi offers a 7-day free trial to explore its unique content.

Consider

  • Limited library compared to Disney+'s extensive catalog of franchises.
  • Mubi's rotating selection means favorite films may disappear quickly.

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธDisney+
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บViaplayEUYesYesYespaid
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บMubiEUYesYesYespaid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Disney+ GDPR compliant?

Disney+ is a US-based service operated by The Walt Disney Company. 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 Disney+?

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 Disney+?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Disney+ include Viaplay, Mubi. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Disney+. 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 Streaming & Entertainment

Last updated: January 29, 2026