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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Squarespace logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Squarespace

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

Squarespace is a website building and hosting platform that allows users to create and manage their own websites without needing coding skills. It offers customizable templates, drag-and-drop functionality, e-commerce capabilities, and built-in analytics to track site performance. Users can integrate various tools for SEO and social media management.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Squarespace

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Squarespace 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 Squarespace, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Squarespace, 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

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

4 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Squarespace

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:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Shopware is open source, allowing full customization of your store.
  • Shopware's B2B Suite supports complex B2B transactions and pricing.
  • GDPR compliance is built-in, ensuring data protection for EU customers.

Consider

  • Migration from Squarespace to Shopware can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Shopware's learning curve is steeper due to advanced features and options.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Shopware
PrestaShop logo

PrestaShop

🇫🇷

by PrestaShop SA

French open-source e-commerce platform powering over 300,000 shops worldwide with extensive customization options.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • PrestaShop is open source; customize code as needed for unique features.
  • Multilingual support allows selling in multiple languages, expanding reach.
  • Large module marketplace offers over 3,000 add-ons for enhanced functionality.

Consider

  • Migration from Squarespace may require technical skills and time investment.
  • PrestaShop has a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with coding.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit PrestaShop
Saleor logo

Saleor

🇵🇱

by Saleor Commerce

Saleor by Saleor Commerce is an open-source e-commerce platform designed for building and managing online stores. It offers features such as customizable storefronts, product management, order processing, and payment integration. Developers can utilize GraphQL APIs for flexibility and scalability in e-commerce solutions.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSOC 2
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Saleor's GraphQL API allows for custom integrations and flexibility.
  • Open source nature enables full code access for customization and control.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers and businesses.

Consider

  • Migration from Squarespace may require significant data transfer effort.
  • Steeper learning curve for non-developers compared to Squarespace's UI.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Saleor
Medusa logo

Medusa

🇩🇰

by Medusa Commerce

Danish open-source headless commerce engine built with Node.js for developers building custom storefronts.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freeMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Open source allows for custom modifications to fit specific needs.
  • Headless architecture enables flexibility in frontend technology choices.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection aligned with EU regulations.

Consider

  • Migration from Squarespace may require significant data transfer effort.
  • Learning curve for developers unfamiliar with Node.js and APIs.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Medusa

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Squarespace
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🇩🇪ShopwareDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇫🇷PrestaShopFRYesYesYesfreemium
🇵🇱SaleorPLYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇰MedusaDKYesYesYesfree

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Squarespace GDPR compliant?

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

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 Squarespace?

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

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Squarespace. 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 ShopifyGDPR Alternative to BigCommerce

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026