Is Webflow GDPR compliant and suitable for European clients, considering factors such as hosting location, cookie usage, and collection of private data? What are the experiences of Webflow designers working with clients in Europe and how do they address GDPR compliance?
TL;DR
- Webflow requires additional steps for GDPR compliance, including third-party cookie consent tools and careful data handling.
- Site data is primarily stored on U.S. servers, so users must implement Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and a Data Processing Agreement (DPA).
- Forms should not store data in Webflow; instead, use GDPR-compliant third-party services for processing.
- Configure tracking scripts to load only after user consent and minimize third-party data collection.
- Hosting privacy policies and ensuring transparent data practices help maintain compliance.
Webflow can be configured to be GDPR compliant, but it requires extra steps to ensure data protection, consent management, and compliance with European regulations. Below are key factors to consider.
1. Hosting and Data Storage
- Webflow hosts sites on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Fastly, with servers primarily in the U.S.
- This may pose an issue for GDPR compliance since the General Data Protection Regulation requires that EU user data stays within the EU or follows appropriate legal safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)).
- A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) between Webflow and its users is available to cover legal requirements for data transfer.
2. Cookie Consent and Tracking
- Webflow does not provide built-in cookie consent tools. You must integrate third-party solutions like Cookiebot or OneTrust to manage cookie banners and consent.
- Tracking tools such as Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and Hotjar must be configured to load only after user consent.
3. Forms and Private Data Collection
- Webflow's native form submissions store data on U.S. servers, which requires additional compliance steps.
- To keep form data within the EU, designers often use third-party form handling services like Make (formerly Integromat), Zapier, or custom backend APIs.
4. Webflow Designers’ Practices for GDPR Compliance
- Use a third-party cookie consent tool to manage tracking.
- Avoid storing form submissions in Webflow; instead, send them to GDPR-compliant alternatives.
- Host privacy policies and terms of service on the site and clarify data handling practices.
- Minimize third-party scripts that might collect personal data.
Summary
Webflow can be made GDPR-compliant, but it requires extra steps such as third-party cookie consent management, careful handling of form data, and compliance verification for external tools. Designers in Europe often use external services to process user data legally within the EU.