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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

Trello logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Trello

🇺🇸Atlassian · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Trello is a project management tool developed by Atlassian, based in the United States, designed to help teams organize tasks and projects using visual boards. It utilizes a Kanban-style interface where users can create boards to represent projects, and within those boards, they can create and manage cards that represent tasks. Trello's key features include drag-and-drop cards, customizable checklists, due dates, labels, and filters, which allow users to organize and prioritize their tasks efficiently. The platform also offers Power-Ups, which are integrations and add-ons that extend Trello's functionality, such as calendar views and third-party app integrations. Trello is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, providing flexibility for users on the go. The tool is commonly used by teams of various sizes across different industries, from small startups to large enterprises, seeking a straightforward way to manage projects and collaborate. Trello operates on a freemium pricing model, offering basic features for free with the option to upgrade for additional capabilities. It is important to note that Trello stores user data in the United States, making it subject to US data laws, including the CLOUD Act and FISA 702.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Trello

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Trello, 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

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

5 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Trello

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

MeisterTask logo

MeisterTask

🇩🇪

by Meister

MeisterTask is a German-made intuitive project and task management tool built on Kanban boards. Offers seamless collaboration with time tracking, automation, and integrations. GDPR compliant with EU data hosting. Integrates well with MindMeister for mind mapping.

GDPR CompliantISO 27001EU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • MeisterTask is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection in the EU.
  • Data is hosted on EU servers, enhancing control over data residency.
  • Built-in time tracking feature helps monitor project progress efficiently.

Consider

  • Migrating data from Trello may require manual effort and time.
  • MeisterTask lacks some Power-Ups available in Trello for extended features.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit MeisterTask
Wekan logo

Wekan

🇫🇮

by Wekan Team

Wekan is an open-source Kanban board application, often called the open-source Trello alternative. Self-hosted solution with full data ownership. Features include boards, lists, cards, checklists, and labels. Active community development.

EU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freeMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Wekan is open source, allowing for customization and community support.
  • Full data ownership with self-hosting; no vendor lock-in with Wekan.
  • Wekan supports REST API for easy integration with other tools.

Consider

  • Migration from Trello may require manual card transfer and setup.
  • Wekan lacks Power-Ups; fewer integrations compared to Trello.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Wekan
Kanboard logo

Kanboard

🇫🇷

by Kanboard

Kanboard is a free and open-source Kanban project management software. Self-hosted solution giving complete control over your data. Lightweight and focused on simplicity with essential project management features. No tracking or data collection.

EU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freeMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Kanboard is open source, allowing for custom modifications and control.
  • Self-hosting on EU servers enhances data sovereignty and GDPR compliance.
  • No tracking means user data is not collected or sold, ensuring privacy.

Consider

  • Migration from Trello may require manual data transfer, causing delays.
  • Kanboard lacks Power-Ups, limiting integrations with other tools.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Kanboard
Zenkit logo

Zenkit

🇩🇪

by Axonic Informationssysteme

Zenkit is a German flexible project management and database platform. Offers multiple views including Kanban, table, calendar, and mind map. Built with privacy in mind with GDPR compliance and German data hosting. Modular suite of productivity tools.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Zenkit offers multiple views like list, calendar, and mind map.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU users.
  • Custom fields in Zenkit allow tailored data management per project.

Consider

  • Migrating from Trello requires manual transfer of boards and cards.
  • Zenkit lacks some Trello Power-Ups, limiting integrations.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Zenkit
Freedcamp logo

Freedcamp

🇳🇱

by Freedcamp

Freedcamp is a feature-rich project management platform with a generous free tier. Offers task lists, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and time tracking. Good alternative for budget-conscious teams looking for comprehensive project management.

EU-Based
freemiumMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Freedcamp offers a free tier with unlimited users and projects.
  • Gantt charts in Freedcamp provide visual project timelines.
  • Time tracking feature helps monitor task durations and productivity.

Consider

  • Migration from Trello may require manual transfer of tasks and data.
  • Freedcamp lacks some Power-Ups available in Trello, limiting integrations.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Freedcamp

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Trello
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇩🇪MeisterTaskDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇫🇮WekanFIYesYesYesfree
🇫🇷KanboardFRYesYesYesfree
🇩🇪ZenkitDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇳🇱FreedcampNLYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trello GDPR compliant?

Trello is a US-based service operated by Atlassian. 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 Trello?

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 Trello?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Trello include MeisterTask, Wekan, Kanboard. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

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

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Last updated: January 26, 2026