GDPR Compliance Risk
Dropbox is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.
Dropbox is a cloud storage service based in the United States that allows users to store and manage their files online. It offers features such as file version history tracking, which enables users to access previous versions of their documents, and smart sync, allowing selective storage on local devices. Dropbox also supports collaborative document editing and provides advanced sharing permissions to control access to files. The service integrates with various third-party applications and offers automatic backup for photos and videos. Team folders facilitate group access to shared resources, and users can recover files from deleted items. Dropbox is utilized by individuals and businesses seeking a centralized platform for file storage and collaboration. It operates under a freemium pricing model, with a basic free tier available. It is important to note that Dropbox stores user data in the United States and is subject to US data laws, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702.
Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Dropbox 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 cloud storage is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Dropbox, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.
US authorities can access your data stored by Dropbox, even if servers are located in Europe.
Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.
5 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.
European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
pCloud is a file hosting service from Switzerland with good prices and with apps for many platforms.
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by Tresorit AG
Tresorit is a Swiss-Hungarian end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and collaboration platform founded in 2011 by Istvan Lam, Szilveszter Szebeni, and Gyorgy Szilagyi. Headquartered in Zurich and acquired by Swiss Post in 2021 (while remaining independently operated), Tresorit uses zero-knowledge RSA-4096 encryption — meaning even Tresorit staff cannot access your files. The platform serves businesses that handle sensitive data: legal firms, healthcare, finance, and government. Beyond basic cloud storage, Tresorit offers secure data rooms (Tresorit Engage), electronic signatures (eSign), and email encryption. Pricing starts with a free Basic plan, with paid plans from around EUR11/month for individuals and EUR14/user/month for business teams.
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Filen is a European cloud storage service designed to provide secure and private data storage solutions. It allows users to store, share, and access their files from anywhere, ensuring that all data is encrypted and protected. With Filen, users benefit from a robust set of features that prioritize privacy and compliance with EU regulations. Key features include end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the user has access to their data, and zero-knowledge architecture, meaning Filen cannot access or view your files. Filen is hosted entirely within the EU, offering data sovereignty and compliance with GDPR standards, making it an ideal choice for individuals and businesses concerned about data privacy. The service is suitable for anyone from personal users needing secure storage for personal files to businesses requiring reliable and compliant cloud storage solutions. Filen offers a straightforward pricing model with options for both free and premium plans, allowing users to choose the level of storage and features that best fit their needs.
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Koofr is a safe, reliable, and user-friendly file hosting service from Slovenia with open-source, zero-knowledge encryption Koofr Vault add-on.
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Jottacloud is a robust cloud storage service designed to meet the needs of individuals and businesses seeking secure and reliable data management. Hosted in EU data centers, Jottacloud ensures compliance with GDPR regulations, offering peace of mind regarding data privacy and security. With end-to-end encryption, your files remain confidential and protected from unauthorized access. Key features include automatic photo backup, cross-platform synchronization, and version history for seamless file recovery. Jottacloud supports unlimited file size uploads, making it ideal for users with large data storage needs. Secure sharing with password protection further enhances data safety. Jottacloud is perfect for privacy-conscious individuals, photographers, and businesses that prioritize data sovereignty and security. While specific pricing details are available on their website, Jottacloud offers various plans to suit different storage needs, ensuring flexibility and affordability. By choosing Jottacloud, users benefit from the assurance of EU-hosted data centers, which uphold strict data handling standards.
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| Service | HQ Location | GDPR Native | EU Data Centers | CLOUD Act Free | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸Dropbox | United States | No | Partial | No | freemium |
| 🇨🇭pCloud | CH | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇨🇭Tresorit | CH | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇩🇪Filen | DE | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🌍Koofr | SI | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
| 🇳🇴Jottacloud | NO | Yes | Yes | Yes | freemium |
Dropbox is a US-based service operated by Dropbox. 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.
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.
The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Dropbox include pCloud, Tresorit, Filen. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.
Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Dropbox 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.
Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Dropbox. 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.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission to promote European alternatives. Our recommendations are based on objective criteria.
Last updated: January 26, 2026
