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GDPR Compliance Risk

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

YouTube Premium logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to YouTube Premium

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

YouTube Premium offers an ad-free experience on YouTube, allowing users to watch videos without interruptions. Subscribers can also download content for offline viewing and access YouTube Music for streaming music. It includes background play, enabling audio to continue while using other apps.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to YouTube Premium

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

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by YouTube Premium, 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 YouTube Premium

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Viaplay logo

Viaplay

🇪🇺

by Viaplay

Stream de nieuwste hitseries en films, klassieke films, live sport en kindershows op Viaplay. Zoveel te kijken - altijd en overal.

GDPR CompliantEU-hosted
paidMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Viaplay offers live sports streaming, including football and hockey.
  • Wide selection of hit series, including exclusive local content.
  • Kid-friendly content library with age-appropriate shows and films.

Consider

  • YouTube Music is not included; separate subscription needed.
  • Limited availability of YouTube Originals and exclusive content.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Viaplay
Mubi logo

Mubi

🇪🇺

by Mubi

Watch truly great cinema. Wherever you are. From iconic, award-winning directors to emerging auteurs. Transformative films from all over the world. Stream Now. Download to watch Offline. Start your free 7 day trial now.

paidMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Mubi offers a curated selection of 30 films each month.
  • Focus on independent and classic cinema, unlike YouTube's vast content.
  • Mubi provides a free 7-day trial to explore its offerings.

Consider

  • Lacks YouTube Music; no music streaming included with Mubi.
  • Limited content library compared to YouTube's billions of videos.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Mubi

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸YouTube Premium
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🇪🇺ViaplayEUYesYesYespaid
🇪🇺MubiEUYesYesYespaid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is YouTube Premium GDPR compliant?

YouTube Premium 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 YouTube Premium?

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 YouTube Premium?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to YouTube Premium include Viaplay, Mubi. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

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

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

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like YouTube Premium. 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 Streaming & Entertainment

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026