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The essentials at a glance
- Geopolitical uncertainties and the US CLOUD Act threaten Europe’s digital sovereignty.
- Denmark is taking proactive steps by recommending that businesses avoid using US services.
- European companies and authorities should increasingly rely on data protection-compliant European solutions.
- As a secure and GDPR-compliant platform, Conceptboard offers a future-proof alternative to US services.
- Adopting European collaboration solutions enhances both data security and Europe’s digital independence.
The global landscape is changing, and long-standing certainties are fading. Ongoing debates about the reliability of the United States — fueled by developments in Washington — are undermining trust among European nations. At the same time, there are concerns that tech giants from Silicon Valley may face increasingly fewer regulations regarding data protection and security. These geopolitical upheavals, amplified by the US CLOUD Act, are forcing Europe to unite its efforts and resolutely defend its data sovereignty.
Denmark takes action: Europe first!
Awareness of digital sovereignty is growing in Scandinavia — and once again, Denmark is taking the lead. The Danish Data Protection Authority is urging companies to prepare to move away from services provided by the US. For decades, US providers have dominated the digital collaboration market. Now, Danish data regulators are advising companies and public authorities to explore alternative, data protection-compliant collaboration solutions — a clear signal for the necessary shift towards “Europe First.” The reason is clear: data control has become a matter of national and economic security.
More and more European countries are questioning whether their data is truly safe in US clouds. And perhaps you’ve also wondered what exactly happens to your data. Maybe your company uses Microsoft Teams, Miro, or Mural — and you’re considering which European alternatives are available.
How can you be sure that your sensitive data is processed in compliance with the GDPR? And how can you maintain control to ensure your data remains on national soil?
Europe’s digital future: alternatives from the EU
Europe must become digitally independent to remain competitive. This is not only about complying with data protection regulations but also about achieving strategic independence. Although Europe still trails behind in certain technological areas, it needs secure and sustainable alternatives to US services.
With Conceptboard’s online whiteboard and its hosting infrastructure, there is already a platform available that fully covers many essential functionalities.
“Cloud? Yes, but securely please!” A key concern for many
Many cloud services store data outside the EU, leaving you with little control over who can access it. This poses a significant challenge for leaders managing teams and projects. You don’t know what happens to your data, where it’s stored, or who can view it.
At the same time, you want to work flexibly in the cloud or in hybrid setups, securely and without compromise. If these concerns sound familiar, Conceptboard offers the solution: an online whiteboard, designed specifically for security-critical organisations and public authorities.
With innovative cloud solutions and secure tools for public administration, Conceptboard simplifies hybrid collaboration and integrates digital processes seamlessly into your daily work. Our intuitive and interactive collaboration platform enables effective communication at all levels, across teams, departments, and projects.
Conceptboard: secure, GDPR-compliant, and hosted in Europe
Conceptboard offers a shared visual platform that is consistently tailored to the needs of European organisations. With its strong focus on public administration, it has the potential to become Europe’s leading digital collaboration tool.
- GDPR-compliant & hosted in Europe – full control over your data
- Ideal for hybrid teams – collaborate in real time, regardless of location or device
- Seamless integration – easily connects with existing project management tools
- Easy onboarding – with numerous templates and ready-to-use building blocks
Why now is the perfect time to switch
Political and regulatory developments make it clear: digital sovereignty has become a core issue in Europe’s IT strategy.
If you are responsible for your company or organisation, now is the time to act. Regulatory requirements are increasing, and the risks are growing. Businesses and public authorities must ensure that their collaboration solutions comply with the GDPR — and political uncertainties in the United States are adding to the pressure.
The US CLOUD Act and potential political shifts create uncertainty in handling sensitive data — a risk no organisation can afford to ignore.
Secure and seamlessly integrable alternatives to US platforms
The Scandinavian countries are driving the development of digital alternatives forward. For example, public administrations in Finland and Sweden are already using the virtual collaboration tool Conceptboard. By doing so, they successfully avoid exposure to the US CLOUD Act while also strengthening public trust in state institutions.
Organisations that adopt these solutions now can secure their data and take a leading role in Europe’s digital transformation. Platforms like Conceptboard, which are both technologically advanced and 100% privacy-compliant, empower institutions to accelerate digital transformation while maintaining their independence.
Conceptboard: maximum data security without compromise
Conceptboard offers flexible hosting options, allowing you to choose the best solution based on your team size, work environment, and security requirements.
The European alternative to AWS with IONOS allows companies and organisations to store their data within the European Union, ensuring compliance with strict European data protection regulations such as the GDPR. This hosting option is particularly attractive for institutions that prioritize data protection and security and want to ensure their sensitive information is managed exclusively within Europe. This secure hosting solution ensures optimal protection for confidential or highly sensitive data.
- Hosting with IONOS in Europe: Your data remains in the EU, protected from third-party access
- Highest Data Protection Standards: 100% GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001 certified
- Independent from US Companies: No exposure to the US CLOUD Act
- Available as Dedicated or Private Cloud: Hosted in an ISO 27001-certified IONOS data center or on-premises
For more information about hosting options, visit our website at the following link: https://conceptboard.com/hosting/
Try Conceptboard now for free and experience secure digital collaboration in Europe — create your account today and get started!
Europe’s digital awakening with Conceptboard
Geopolitical uncertainties and growing concerns about protecting sensitive data make one thing clear: digital sovereignty is not a luxury for Europe, it’s a necessity. Denmark has demonstrated how important it is to reduce reliance on American services and adopt European alternatives.
Platforms like Conceptboard offer a secure and GDPR-compliant solution that helps businesses and public authorities maintain control over their data while enabling modern and flexible collaboration. Now is the time to take action and shape Europe’s digital future securely, independently and with a forward-thinking approach.
Background: data at risk? What European companies need to know about the US CLOUD Act
Did you know that US authorities can access your cloud data — even when stored in the EU?
Since 2018, the CLOUD Act has granted US authorities access to data from US-based companies worldwide, regardless of where that data is stored. This also affects international customers, even if their data is technically protected by regulations like the GDPR.
What’s particularly concerning is that under certain conditions, US authorities can request access to data without the affected companies or users being automatically informed.
Consequences for European companies and organisations
This means that even if companies comply with the GDPR, their data could still be accessed by US authorities, with unpredictable consequences. Through the CLOUD Act, US authorities may gain access to trade secrets, patents and other competitive information.
- Conflict with the GDPR: The CLOUD Act undermines the data protection rights of European citizens
- Legal uncertainty: Companies face a dilemma between complying with American or European data protection regulations
- Loss of digital sovereignty: Dependence on US providers weakens European companies in the competitive market
Action steps for European companies
To minimize data protection risks, companies should actively seek alternatives:
Choose cloud providers carefully
- Especially important for companies and public institutions with high security requirements
- The provider’s headquarters and data centres should be located in the EU
- European providers with EU data centres offer legal advantages — Conceptboard meets these criteria
Avoid US cloud providers
- Recommended for organisations with strict data protection requirements
- Ensures legal certainty by relying exclusively on EU-based cloud services
Use encrypted cloud services
- Protects against unauthorised access by foreign authorities
- While there is no general obligation to decrypt data, US authorities may pressure providers
Change is well underway
Conceptboard is a trusted alternative with headquarters and hosting based in the EU. It guarantees data sovereignty and privacy, stands as a trusted partner for data protection and European values, and has the capacity to actively shape this transformation while elevating virtual collaboration to a new level.
If you want to ensure secure and independent digital collaboration, now is the time to explore GDPR-compliant alternatives like Conceptboard. Companies and public authorities that choose secure and GDPR-compliant platforms not only reduce legal risks but also strengthen customer trust.
How are you protecting your company or institution from the CLOUD Act?
