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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Google Forms logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Google Forms

🇺🇸Google (Alphabet) · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Google Forms is a free online tool that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and forms for data collection. It enables customization of questions, response validation, and automatic data organization in Google Sheets. Responses can be collected in real-time, making it easy to analyze and share information efficiently.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Google Forms

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Google Forms, 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 Google Forms

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Tally logo

Tally

🇧🇪

by Tally BV

Tally by Tally BV is a no-code form builder designed for users to create and manage forms efficiently. It allows you to customize form fields, collect responses, and analyze data in real-time. The platform offers integrations with various tools, making it easy to streamline workflows and improve data collection processes.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Tally offers unlimited forms for free, unlike Google Forms' limits.
  • No branding on Tally's free version enhances professional appearance.
  • Tally's Notion-like interface simplifies form creation and management.

Consider

  • Migrating existing Google Forms may require manual data transfer.
  • Tally lacks advanced analytics features found in Google Forms.
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Visit Tally
Typeform logo

Typeform

🇪🇸

by Typeform SL

Spanish form builder known for conversational, one-question-at-a-time surveys and engaging user experience.

GDPR CompliantEU-Based
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Typeform offers conversational forms for improved user engagement.
  • Typeform's design templates are visually appealing and customizable.
  • Typeform provides advanced analytics for deeper response insights.

Consider

  • Migrating data from Google Forms to Typeform can be complex.
  • Typeform's free tier has limited responses compared to Google Forms.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Typeform

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Google Forms
United StatesNoPartialNofree
🇧🇪TallyBEYesYesYesfreemium
🇪🇸TypeformESYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Forms GDPR compliant?

Google Forms is a US-based service operated by Google (Alphabet). 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 Google Forms?

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 Google Forms?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Google Forms include Tally, Typeform. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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

GDPR Alternative to SurveyMonkeyGDPR Alternative to JotForm

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026