Is your data really safe in the EU?
How US surveillance laws still reach into European servers — and why Projectfusion keeps you safe
Your data might be stored in Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s protected.
If you’re using a US-based cloud provider, your company could be exposed to foreign surveillance, regulatory risk, and silent breaches — even if your data never leaves the EU.
Here’s why.
The CLOUD Act: A Silent Threat to European Data
The CLOUD Act (Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data) is a US law passed in 2018 that gives American authorities the power to demand access to data from any US company, regardless of where that data is stored.
That means if your organisation uses US providers like Microsoft, Google, Dropbox, or Amazon Web Services, your data could be handed over to US law enforcement, without your knowledge, and in direct conflict with GDPR (Stanford Law Review).
And this isn’t theoretical.
4 Real-World Cases That Prove the Risk
Meta (Facebook): €1.2 billion GDPR fine
In May 2023, Meta was fined €1.2 billion by Ireland’s DPC for transferring EU user data to the US without proper protections. Although some data was hosted in Europe, it was still accessible under US surveillance laws like FISA 702, a violation of GDPR (EDPB).
Microsoft: Access to Irish servers
The US government demanded access to emails stored in a Microsoft data centre in Dublin. Microsoft contested the warrant, but after the CLOUD Act was passed, it became clear that US companies could be compelled to hand over foreign-stored data (Stanford Law Review).
Google Analytics: Found unlawful by EU regulators
Between 2022 and 2023, Austria, France, and Italy ruled that Google Analytics unlawfully transferred EU user data to the US. EU data protection authorities concluded that the service lacked adequate safeguards, exposing businesses to non-compliance (Plausible.io).
Amazon Web Services (AWS): Hybrid storage risks
Although AWS offers data centres in Europe, its US ownership makes it subject to CLOUD Act demands. This means even data stored in Frankfurt or Dublin could be accessed by US authorities, raising GDPR and data sovereignty concerns (AP News).
Why this matters for professional firms
If your business handles client data, legal documents, financial reports, or health records, you may be:
- In breach of GDPR without realising it
- Violating data sovereignty principles
- Exposing clients to surveillance without consent
You may not even be legally allowed to notify affected individuals — a nightmare scenario for compliance teams, clients, and regulators alike.
How Projectfusion keeps you safe
Unlike US providers, Projectfusion isn’t affected by the CLOUD Act. Here’s how we protect you:
- UK-owned and operated: We are a UK company, not a US subsidiary or reseller.
- EU or UK hosting – your choice: Your data never leaves your chosen jurisdiction. No vague “regions,” no cross-border backups.
- No US legal exposure: We’re outside the reach of the CLOUD Act, so your data can’t be silently accessed by foreign governments.
- Built for compliance: We’re ISO27001 certified, GDPR-aligned, and trusted by law firms, government bodies, and regulated industries across the UK and EU.
Quick self-check: Is your provider risk-free?
Ask your provider these 4 questions:
- Are they non-US owned and operated?
- Can you choose where your data is stored — UK or EU only?
- Are they free from CLOUD Act exposure?
- Do they hold ISO27001 certification?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” your organisation could be exposed and your clients left vulnerable.
Don’t take the risk. Take control.
Projectfusion gives you real data protection, not marketing spin. Trusted by professionals who care about privacy, compliance, and peace of mind.
Talk to us or visit www.projectfusion.com to learn more.