Choose European Hosting Over US-Based Providers?

Looking at the distinction between Choosing European hosting and US-based hosting is more important than ever when looking for reliable and secure web hosting, location matters — not just for speed and performance, but also for data protection and legal compliance. With increasing concerns around privacy and data sovereignty. 

If your business is located in Europe or you serve European customers, here’s why choosing a truly European hosting provider like 040Hosting is not just a good idea — it’s essential.

1. True GDPR Compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is one of the strictest privacy laws in the world. While many US companies claim to be “GDPR-compliant”, the reality is more complex.

Even if a hosting provider physically places servers in the EU, if the company is based in the US (or owned by a US entity), it falls under US jurisdiction — and can be legally required to hand over data to US government agencies, even if that data is stored on European soil.

This directly contradicts the principles of GDPR, which prioritize individual privacy and explicit consent.

At 040Hosting, we are based in the Netherlands, fully European-owned, and our infrastructure is managed entirely within Europe. That means your data is never subject to foreign surveillance laws or extraterritorial legal demands — but only when you choose our Europe-based hosting locations.

🔒 Please note: This level of GDPR protection only applies to our Europe-based servers. While we also offer hosting in Singapore and the USA for clients with global needs, these specific locations are not fully covered under EU data protection laws, as the infrastructure and hardware are owned and operated by foreign-based data centers. This means data stored there may still be subject to US or Singapore legislation such as the CLOUD Act.

2. No Cloud Act Concerns (in Europe)

The US Cloud Act allows American authorities to access data stored by US companies, regardless of where the data is physically located. This has major implications for businesses using US-based providers with data centers in Europe.

So even if your website is hosted “in Germany” by a US-owned company, your data isn’t truly safe from foreign access.

With 040Hosting, this is not an issue when you host with us in Europe. We are not subject to the US Cloud Act, ensuring your data is truly yours — and only accessible under EU law.

3. Better Legal Protection for Your Clients

If you’re handling customer data — especially in sectors like healthcare, legal, education, or e-commerce — you have a legal and ethical responsibility to safeguard that information.

European-based hosting ensures that:

• Data is stored under European jurisdiction.

• Clients’ rights under GDPR are fully respected.

• There’s no ambiguity in case of legal audits or compliance reviews.

This helps you build trust with your customers and avoid costly legal pitfalls.

4. Data Locality = Better Performance

Aside from privacy, location also plays a key role in website speed. Hosting your website in Europe when your audience is primarily European means:

• Lower latency

• Faster load times

• Improved user experience

• Better SEO rankings in local search engines

040Hosting operates data centers across Europe, so your data stays close to your customers — where it belongs.

5. Transparent Ownership & Values

At 040Hosting, we are completely independent and transparent. We’re not owned by a conglomerate with headquarters on another continent. We’re a European business, operating under European values, and we put privacy, reliability, and customer service at the core of everything we do.

With us, what you see is what you get — no hidden agendas.

What is the best thing to do?

Choosing a European hosting provider like 040Hosting is not just about performance — it’s about privacy, sovereignty, and trust.

By keeping your data in Europe, with a provider that is truly based in Europe, you can:
✅ Guarantee full GDPR compliance
✅ Avoid risks from foreign data laws like the Cloud Act
✅ Protect your customers and your business
✅ Benefit from faster performance across Europe
✅ Sleep better at night knowing your data is safe

🗺️ Need hosting outside of Europe? We also offer services in the USA and Singapore for clients with international needs — just be aware that these locations do not offer the same level of data protection, as the infrastructure may subject to laws of foreign nations.