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US-based service - Your data may be subject to US CLOUD Act and accessed by US authorities

Twitter/X logo

Twitter/X

🇺🇸US Company

by X Corp

Twitter/X, operated by X Corp, is a social networking platform based in the United States that facilitates the sharing of short-form content. Users can post updates, known as tweets, with a character limit, allowing for concise communication. The platform is known for its real-time trending topics feature, which highlights popular discussions as they unfold globally. Twitter/X offers a customizable news feed, enabling users to tailor their content consumption according to their interests. Key features include integrated multimedia sharing, user verification badges, hashtag tracking, poll creation and voting, and direct messaging with media capabilities. The platform primarily attracts individuals, businesses, and public figures who wish to engage with a broad audience through quick updates and interactions. It is important to note that user data on Twitter/X is stored in the United States and is subject to US data laws, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702. While the basic use of the platform is free, Twitter/X may offer additional features or services through a subscription model.

EU Alternatives to Twitter/X

3 privacy-focused, GDPR-compliant alternatives

Mastodon logo

Mastodon

🇪🇺

Mastodon is an open source federated microblogging service/social media platform. A federated social network is decentralized, similar to how email works. Since Mastodon is open source, anyone with enough technical know-how can create their own Mastodon server where users can register. A Mastodon server is comparable to the email provider in the email system. Mastodon servers can communicate with each other via a standardized and open protocol called ActivityPub. Thanks to this protocol it is possible that users from one Mastodon server can for example follow users from other server or like their content.

Open SourceSelf-HostableEU-hosted
freeMigration:1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • No ads; user-funded instances reduce noise
  • Decentralized; choose servers with specific rules
  • GDPR compliance; strong EU data protection

Consider

  • Migration; manual follower and content transfer
  • Learning curve; unfamiliar federated model
PixelFed logo

PixelFed

🇪🇺

by PixelFed

Learn more about Pixelfed, the free and open-source decentralized photo sharing social media platform

Open SourceEU-hosted
freeMigration:2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Decentralized servers reduce single-point failures
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection in EU
  • Open-source code allows for community-driven improvements

Consider

  • Migration may lead to loss of Twitter/X followers
  • Learning curve for decentralized platform setup
Pleroma logo

Pleroma

🇪🇺

Pleroma is a European messaging app designed to enhance communication through a federated network, allowing users to connect across various platforms. It offers a customizable user interface and supports rich media, ensuring a dynamic and personalized user experience. Pleroma stands out with its commitment to privacy, utilizing GDPR-compliant data handling and offering self-hosting capabilities for complete user control. The app is built on the ActivityPub protocol, ensuring seamless integration with other federated services. Ideal for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations, Pleroma provides robust user-controlled content moderation and secure data management. Hosting data within the EU ensures compliance with stringent privacy regulations, offering peace of mind to users concerned about data sovereignty. Pleroma's pricing model is flexible, catering to both individual users and larger organizations seeking a secure and customizable messaging solution.

GDPR CompliantEU-hostedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freemiumMigration:1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Federated network allows diverse server connections.
  • User interface customization offers personalized experience.
  • GDPR compliance ensures strict data protection standards.

Consider

  • Migration can be complex without direct import tools.
  • Lacks real-time trending topic tracking feature.

Why switch from Twitter/X?

US CLOUD Act

US authorities can access your data stored by US companies, even if stored in Europe.

Privacy Concerns

US companies may collect and use your data in ways not compliant with EU standards.

EU Alternatives

EU-based services must comply with GDPR, giving you stronger privacy protections.

Other Messaging Apps you might want to replace

Ready to switch to a privacy-focused alternative?

Protect your data by moving to an EU-based service. Our migration guides make switching easy.