Privacy policy

The protection of your personal data is of particular concern to us. We therefore process your data exclusively on the basis of the statutory provisions (GDPR). In the following data protection information, we inform you about the most important aspects of data processing on our website.

I. Name and address of the controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation and other national data protection laws of the member states as well as other data protection regulations is

II General information on data processing

1. Scope of the processing of personal data
We only process our users’ personal data to the extent necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services. The processing of our users’ personal data only takes place regularly with the user’s consent. An exception applies in cases where prior consent cannot be obtained for factual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by law.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data
Insofar as we obtain the consent of the data subject for the processing of personal data, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.
When processing personal data that is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations that are necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures.
Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR serves as the legal basis.
In the event that vital interests of the data subject or another natural person require the processing of personal data, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. d GDPR serves as the legal basis.
If the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and if the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the first-mentioned interest, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

3. Data erasure and storage duration
The personal data of the data subject will be erased or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage no longer applies. Data may also be stored if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in EU regulations, laws or other provisions to which the controller is subject. The data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless there is a need for further storage of the data for the conclusion or fulfillment of a contract.

III Provision of the website and creation of log files
1. description and scope of data processing

Each time our website is accessed, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing computer.

The following data is collected:

Information about the browser type and version used
The user’s operating system
The user’s internet service provider
The IP address of the user
Date and time of access
Websites from which the user’s system accesses our website
Websites that are accessed by the user’s system via our website
The data is also temporarily stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user.

2. Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

3. Purpose of the data processing
The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable the website to be delivered to the user’s computer. For this purpose, the user’s IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.
The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. We also use the data to optimize the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not analyzed for marketing purposes in this context. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

4. Duration of storage
The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of the collection of data for the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended.

5. Possibility of objection and removal
The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, the user has no option to object.

IV. Use of cookies

1. Description and scope of data processing
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the Internet browser or by the Internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user accesses a website, a cookie may be stored on the user’s operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string of characters that enables the browser to be uniquely identified when the website is called up again. We use the following cookies:
Cookie preference – Name: catAccCookies (cookie duration: 30 days)
This cookie is used to save a user’s selection in our cookie notice. This means that the corresponding notice does not have to be displayed again each time you change pages.
In addition, cookies are used on this website that enable an analysis of the user’s surfing behavior. In any case, please note our explanations on the use of web analysis services under point VI. The following data can be transmitted in this way:

– Search terms entered
– Frequency of page views
– Use of website functions

The user data collected in this way is pseudonymized by technical precautions. It is therefore no longer possible to assign the data to the accessing user. The data is not stored together with other personal data of the user. When accessing our website, the user is informed about the use of cookies for analysis purposes and their consent to the processing of the personal data used in this context is obtained. In this context, reference is also made to this privacy policy.

2. Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically necessary cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies for analysis purposes is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has given consent to this.

3. Purpose of data processing
The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary for the browser to be recognized even after a page change. The user data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles. Analysis cookies are used for the purpose of improving the quality of our website and its content. Through the analysis cookies, we learn how the website is used and can thus constantly optimize our offer. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

4. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal
Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted by it to our website. As a user, you therefore have full control over the use of cookies. You can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies by changing the settings in your Internet browser. Cookies that have already been saved can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to use all functions of the website to their full extent.

5. Deactivate cookies via the browser configuration
The procedure for deactivating cookies differs depending on which browser you use. Below is an overview of the procedure in the most popular browsers:

Chrome

– Open Chrome on your computer.
– Click on the “More” settings icon at the top right.
– Click Advanced at the bottom.
– Under “Privacy and security”, select the Content settings option.
– Click on Cookies.
– Cookies can now be deactivated/activated here

Mozilla Firefox

– Click on the menu button and select Settings.
– Select Privacy & Security and go to the History section.
– In the selection list next to Firefox will create a history, select the option according to user-defined settings.
– Remove the tick next to Accept cookies from websites.
– Close the settings, the changes you have made will be saved automatically.

Internet Explorer

– In Internet Explorer, select the Tools button.
-Then select Internet Options.
– Select the Privacy tab and under Settings select the Advanced option
– Finally, select whether you want to allow or block first-party or third-party cookies or whether you want to be prompted to accept them.

Safari

– Open Safari and click on Safari in the menu bar at the top left.
– Click on Settings in the menu.
– Select the Privacy section.
– In the Cookies and website data section, you can choose whether cookies should be deactivated in general or only from certain websites. The settings you make are effective immediately and do not need to be saved.
In addition, many online advertising cookies from companies can be deactivated via the US site www.aboutads.info/choices/oder the EU site www.youronlinechoices.com/uk/your-ad-choices/verwaltet.

V. Contact form and e-mail contact

1. Description and scope of data processing
Contact forms are available on our website which can be used to contact us electronically. If a user makes use of this option, the data entered in the input mask will be transmitted to us and stored. These data are

– First name, surname
– E-mail address
– Telephone number
– Company name

The following data is also stored at the time the message is sent:

– The IP address of the user
– Date and time of use

Your consent to the processing of the data is obtained during the sending process and reference is made to this privacy policy. Alternatively, you can contact us via the email address provided. In this case, the user’s personal data transmitted with the e-mail will be stored. Irrespective of the type of contact/transmission, the data will not be passed on to third parties under any circumstances. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.

2 Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the processing of the data is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has given consent. The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If the e-mail contact is aimed at the conclusion of a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR.

3 Purpose of the data processing
The processing of the personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact. If you contact us by email, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data. The other personal data processed during the sending process serves to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

4. Duration of storage
The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the input screen of the contact form and those sent by email, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified. The additional personal data collected during the sending process will be deleted after a period of seven days at the latest.

5. Possibility of objection and removal
The user has the option to withdraw their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.
The revocation of consent and storage is possible at any time by sending an informal e-mail stating the relevant data to the e-mail address given under the menu item Contact. Please use “Withdrawal of consent” or “Withdrawal of storage” as the subject line.
All personal data stored in the course of making contact will be deleted in this case.

VI Web analysis

1. Scope of the processing of personal data
This website uses the web analysis service “Google Analytics”, which is offered by Google Inc. (1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA 94043, USA). The service (Google Analytics) uses “cookies” – text files that are stored on your end device. The information collected by the cookies is generally sent to a Google server in the USA and stored there.

Google LLC complies with European data protection law and is certified under the Privacy Shield Agreement: www.privacyshield.gov/participant

We have concluded a corresponding contract with the provider for commissioned data processing. Your IP address is recorded, but immediately pseudonymized by deleting the last 8 bits. This shortening eliminates the personal reference of your IP address and only a rough localization is possible. The user’s IP address transmitted by the browser is not combined with other data stored by Google. As part of the contract data agreement that we as the website operator have concluded with Google Inc., Google uses the information collected to analyze website usage and website activity and provides services related to Internet usage. The data collected by Google on our behalf is used to evaluate the use of our online offering by individual users, e.g. to compile reports on website activity in order to improve our online offering.

2. Legal basis for data processing
Data processing is carried out on the basis of the legal provisions of § 96 para. 3 TKG and Art. 6 para. 1 lit a (consent) and/or f (legitimate interest) of the GDPR.

3. Purpose of the data processing
The data collected by Google on our behalf is used to evaluate the use of our online offer by individual users, for example to create reports on the activity on the website, which enables us to improve our online offer. Improvement is also our concern within the meaning of the GDPR (legitimate interest) pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f of the GDPR.

4. Duration of storage
The pseudonymized usage data is stored by Google for a period of 24 months.

5. Google analytics cookies
Google Analytics sets the following cookies:
Cookie Name Cookie duration Description
_ga 2 years Used to distinguish users.
_gid 24 hours Used to distinguish users.
_gat 1 minute Used to throttle the request rate.

6. Objection and removal option
You have the option of preventing the storage of cookies on your device by making the appropriate settings in your browser. Please note our detailed information on this under point IV. There is no guarantee that you will be able to access all functions of this website without restrictions if your browser does not allow cookies.
Furthermore, you can use a browser plug-in to prevent the information collected by cookies (including your IP address) from being sent to Google Inc. and used by Google Inc.

The following link will take you to the corresponding plugin: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Alternatively, you can prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about you within this website by clicking on the following link:
Activate opt-out cookie for Google Analytics!
Click on the link above to download an “opt-out cookie”. Your browser must therefore allow the storage of cookies. If you delete your cookies regularly, you will need to click on the link again each time you visit this website.

You can find more information on the use of data by Google Inc. here: policies.google.com/privacy/partners collected by Google partners) adssettings.google.com/authenticated (settings about advertising that is displayed to you) policies.google.com/technologies/ads of cookies in ads)

VII Integration of third-party services and content

In some cases, various third-party content is integrated into our website. This includes, for example, the integration of so-called social media buttons, videos hosted on YouTube or map material from Google Maps. The basic prerequisite for the integration of some of this content is the at least temporary storage of the IP address by the system in order to enable delivery of the website to the user’s computer. We always endeavor to only integrate content from providers who only use the IP address for the aforementioned delivery of content. However, we have no influence on whether the third-party providers store the IP address for other purposes. Insofar as we are aware of this, we will inform users of this.

Legal basis and purpose
We use within our online offer on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in the analysis, optimization and economic operation of our online offer within the meaning of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f. GDPR). GDPR) content or service offers from third-party providers in order to integrate their content and services.

Data processing / duration of storage
No data processing is carried out by the website operator in connection with the integration of third-party services.

Objection and removal option
You have the option of preventing the storage of cookies on your device by making the appropriate settings in your browser. Please note our detailed information on this under point IV. There is no guarantee that you will be able to access all functions of this website without restrictions if your browser does not allow cookies.

Social media buttons in a two-stage process
To integrate social media buttons that allow you to recommend and share articles on social networks such as Facebook, Google+ or Twitter, we protect your privacy using a two-stage process. All share buttons are only integrated as a graphic that contains a link to the respective social network. A data transfer between our users and the social network only takes place when a corresponding share button is actively clicked. We have no influence or access to the cookies set by the social networks.
We integrate the following social networks on our website: Facebook, Google+, Twitter

VIII Rights of the data subject

If your personal data is processed, you are a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR and you have the following rights vis-à-vis the controller

1. Right to information
You can request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by us. If such processing is taking place, you can request the following information from the controller

– the purposes for which the personal data are processed
– the categories of personal data being processed
– the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed
– the envisaged period for which the personal data concerning you will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
– determination of the storage period;
– the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning you, a right to restriction of processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing
– the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
– all available information about the origin of the data if the personal data is not collected from the data subject
– the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Art. 22 (1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to request information as to whether the personal data concerning you is transferred to a third country or to an international organization. In this context, you may request to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 GDPR in connection with the transfer. This right of access may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

2. Right to rectification
You have a right to rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the controller if the processed personal data concerning you is incorrect or incomplete. The controller must carry out the rectification without undue delay. Your right to rectification may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

3. Right to restriction of processing
You may request the restriction of the processing of your personal data under the following conditions

– if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data
– the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of their use instead
. the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by you for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims, or
. if you have objected to processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override your grounds.

If the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, this data – apart from its storage – may only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or of a Member State. If the restriction of processing has been restricted in accordance with the above conditions, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.

Your right to restriction of processing may be limited to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

4. Right to erasure

4.1. Obligation to erasure
You have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning you without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:

– The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
– You revoke your consent on which the processing was based pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
– You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) GDPR.
– The personal data concerning you has been processed unlawfully.
– The deletion of personal data concerning you is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
– The personal data concerning you have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Art. 8 (1) GDPR.

4.2 Information to third parties
If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to erase it pursuant to Art. 17 (1) GDPR, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers which are processing the personal data that you as the data subject have requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data.

4.3 Exceptions
The right to erasure does not apply if the processing is necessary

– for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
– for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller
– for reasons of public interest in the area of public health pursuant to Art. 9 (2) (h) and (i) and Art. 9 (3) GDPR
– for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Art. 89 para. 1 GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing, or
– for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.

5. Right to information
If you have asserted the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to notify all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been disclosed of this rectification or erasure of the data or restriction of processing, unless this proves impossible or involves a disproportionate effort. You have the right vis-à-vis the controller to be informed about these recipients.

6. Right to data portability
You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you, which you have provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data has been provided, where

– the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR and
– the processing is carried out by automated means

In exercising this right, you also have the right to obtain that the personal data concerning you be transferred directly from one controller to another controller, insofar as this is technically feasible. The freedoms and rights of other persons must not be affected by this. The right to data portability does not apply to the processing of personal data necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

7. Right to object
You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. The controller will no longer process the personal data concerning you unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims. If your personal data is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of your personal data for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.

If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for these purposes.
You have the possibility to exercise your right to object in relation to the use of information society services – notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC – by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.
You also have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 (1) GDPR. Your right to object may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

8. Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law
You have the right to withdraw your declaration of consent under data protection law at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

9. Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the GDPR. The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant on the progress and the outcome of the complaint including the possibility of a judicial remedy pursuant to Art. 78 GDPR.

Sources:
The following sources were used to create this privacy policy, which were supplemented and adapted accordingly:

Sample data protection declaration for website operators in accordance with the requirements of the GDPR by Professor Dr. Thomas Hoeren, developed with employees of the DFN Association’s Legal Research Unit.
Privacy policy guide from Datenschutz.org
Datenschutz-Generator.de (https://datenschutz-generator.de/) from attorney Dr. Thomas Schwenke
Sample for the fulfillment of data protection information obligations for websites of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (https://www.wko.at/service/wirtschaftsrecht-gewerberecht/muster-informationspflichten-website-datenschutzerklaerung.html)
Sample data protection declaration (https://www.ratgeberrecht.eu/leistungen/muster-datenschutzerklaerung.html) from the law firm Weiß & Partner (https://www.ratgeberrecht.eu/)