TL;DR
Trello can be GDPR compliant, but compliance depends on how the platform is configured and used. Atlassian, Trello’s parent company, offers GDPR-aligned features like data access controls, signed Data Processing Agreements (DPAs), and support for data subject rights.
Is Trello GDPR Compliant?
Yes, Trello, as part of Atlassian’s suite of products, is designed to be GDPR compliant. However, simply using Trello does not guarantee that your usage complies with the GDPR. Organizations must implement appropriate data handling policies, configure security settings properly, and understand the shared responsibility model.
Key GDPR Compliance Features in Trello
Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) Atlassian offers a pre-signed DPA that customers can review and accept, outlining how Trello handles data, including roles, subprocessors, and security obligations. This agreement is essential for businesses using Trello to process EU personal data.
Subprocessor Transparency Trello relies on a network of subprocessors (like Amazon Web Services for hosting). Atlassian maintains a publicly available list of subprocessors and notifies users of changes, as required under GDPR Article 28.
Support for Data Subject Rights (DSARs) Atlassian provides tools and support for responding to Data Subject Access Requests (e.g., deletion, access, correction). Users can request data deletion or exports via support channels or platform tools, depending on their plan.
Data Security & Encryption Trello uses TLS encryption for data in transit and AES-256 encryption for data at rest. Admins on Business Class or Enterprise plans can also enable advanced permissions and enforce two-factor authentication (2FA) to further protect user data.
International Data Transfers As a global company, Atlassian may process data outside the EU. To comply with GDPR data transfer rules, Trello relies on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and participates in the EU–U.S. Data Privacy Framework, enabling lawful cross-border transfers.
Data Retention and Deletion Trello retains user data according to its data retention policy, but administrators can delete boards, cards, or entire workspaces manually. For Enterprise plans, admins may have more granular control over content retention.
Audit Logs and Admin Controls (Enterprise) Enterprise plans offer advanced audit logs, helping admins track activity across users and maintain compliance with Article 30 (Records of Processing Activities) and internal governance requirements.
Who Should Care About Trello’s GDPR Compliance?
EU-based Organizations If your organization processes personal data of EU citizens using Trello, GDPR compliance is mandatory.
Project Managers & Admins They must ensure that sensitive or personal data entered into Trello (e.g., customer emails, employee info) is protected and lawfully processed.
IT & Legal Teams Responsible for vetting the DPA, reviewing subprocessor lists, and ensuring Trello is configured to meet internal compliance standards.
Best Practices for Using Trello Under GDPR Review and sign Atlassian’s DPA.
Avoid storing sensitive personal data in Trello unless necessary and permitted.
Use labels and cards for project info, not personal identifiers.
Implement access controls and two-factor authentication.
Regularly review boards for outdated or unnecessary personal data.
Respond promptly to DSARs using export or deletion tools.
Final Thoughts
Trello offers GDPR-aligned infrastructure and tools, especially for Business and Enterprise users. However, as with any SaaS tool, compliance isn’t automatic, it requires conscious configuration and proper data handling by users.