Privacy Policy

This privacy policy explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected when you visit this website.

Mostly generated using free privacy policy generator from Dr. Thomas Schwenke at Datenschutz-Generator.de

Preamble

With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to as "data") we process, for what purposes and to what extent. This privacy policy applies to all processing of personal data carried out by us, both in the context of providing our services and in particular on our websites, in mobile applications and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "online offering").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Last updated: March 1, 2026

Overview of Processing Activities

The following overview summarizes the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing, and refers to the data subjects.

Types of Data Processed

  • Master data.
  • Contact data.
  • Content data.
  • Usage data.
  • Meta, communication and procedural data.
  • Log data.

Categories of Data Subjects

  • Communication partners.
  • Users.
  • Third parties.

Purposes of Processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Communication.
  • Security measures.
  • Reach measurement.
  • Organizational and administrative procedures.
  • Feedback.
  • Profiles with user-related information.
  • Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Information technology infrastructure.
  • Public relations.

Applicable Legal Bases

Applicable legal bases under the GDPR: The following provides an overview of the legal bases of the GDPR on which we process personal data. Please note that, in addition to the provisions of the GDPR, national data protection regulations may apply in your or our country of residence or domicile. If more specific legal bases apply in individual cases, we will inform you of these in the privacy policy.

  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) – The data subject has given their consent to the processing of personal data relating to them for a specific purpose or several specific purposes.
  • Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. These include in particular the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG). The BDSG contains special provisions on the right of access, the right to erasure, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes, and automated individual decision-making including profiling. State data protection laws of the individual German federal states may also apply.

Security Measures

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures in accordance with the legal requirements, taking into account the state of the art, the implementation costs and the nature, scope, context and purposes of the processing, as well as the different likelihood and severity of the risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, in order to ensure a level of protection appropriate to the risk.

The measures include, in particular, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data as well as access to, input of, disclosure of, ensuring availability of and segregation of the data. Furthermore, we have established procedures that ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the deletion of data and responses to data threats. We also take privacy protection into account when developing or selecting hardware, software and processes in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and privacy-friendly defaults.

Securing online connections via TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): To protect the data of users transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we use TLS/SSL encryption technology. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are the cornerstones of secure data transmission on the internet. These technologies encrypt the information transmitted between the website or app and the user's browser (or between two servers), protecting the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the more advanced and secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions comply with the highest security standards. When a website is secured by an SSL/TLS certificate, this is indicated by the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator for users that their data is being transmitted securely and in encrypted form.

International Data Transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we transfer data to a third country (i.e. outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)), or if this takes place in the context of using third-party services or disclosing or transferring data to other persons, entities or companies (which is recognizable from the postal address of the respective provider or if the privacy policy expressly refers to data transfers to third countries), this is always done in compliance with legal requirements.

For data transfers to the USA, we primarily rely on the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), which was recognized as a safe legal framework by an adequacy decision of the EU Commission dated July 10, 2023. In addition, we have concluded Standard Contractual Clauses with the respective providers that comply with the requirements of the EU Commission and establish contractual obligations to protect your data.

This dual safeguard ensures comprehensive protection of your data: the DPF forms the primary level of protection, while Standard Contractual Clauses serve as additional security. Should changes occur within the DPF framework, the Standard Contractual Clauses serve as a reliable fallback option. This ensures that your data remains adequately protected even in the event of political or legal changes.

For individual service providers, we will inform you whether they are certified under the DPF and whether Standard Contractual Clauses are in place. Further information on the DPF and a list of certified companies can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/.

For data transfers to other third countries, corresponding safeguards apply, in particular Standard Contractual Clauses, explicit consents or legally required transfers. Information on third-country transfers and applicable adequacy decisions can be found in the EU Commission's information portal: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en?prefLang=de.

General Information on Data Retention and Erasure

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with the statutory provisions as soon as the underlying consents are revoked or no further legal grounds for processing exist. This applies to cases where the original purpose of processing no longer applies or the data is no longer required. Exceptions apply if statutory obligations or special interests require longer retention or archiving of the data.

In particular, data that must be retained for commercial or tax-law reasons, or whose storage is necessary for legal enforcement or for the protection of the rights of other natural or legal persons, must be archived accordingly.

Our privacy notices contain additional information on the retention and deletion of data that apply specifically to certain processing operations.

Where multiple retention periods or deletion deadlines apply to a piece of data, the longest period is always decisive. Data that is no longer retained for its originally intended purpose but due to statutory requirements or other reasons is processed exclusively for the reasons justifying its retention.

Data retention and deletion: The following general retention periods apply for retention and archiving under German law:

  • 10 years — retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, and the operating manuals and other organizational documents required to understand them (§ 147(1) no. 1 in conjunction with para. 3 AO, § 14b(1) UStG, § 257(1) no. 1 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
  • 8 years — accounting records, such as invoices and expense receipts (§ 147(1) nos. 4 and 4a in conjunction with para. 3 sentence 1 AO, and § 257(1) no. 4 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
  • 6 years — other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents relevant for taxation, e.g. time sheets, cost accounting sheets, calculation documents, price tags, as well as payroll accounting documents where not already accounting records, and till rolls (§ 147(1) nos. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with para. 3 AO, § 257(1) nos. 2 and 3 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
  • 3 years — data required to take into account potential warranty and damage claims or similar contractual claims and rights, and to handle related inquiries, based on past business experience and customary industry practices, stored for the duration of the standard statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

Period starts at year-end: If a period does not expressly start on a specific date and is at least one year, it automatically starts at the end of the calendar year in which the triggering event occurred. In the case of ongoing contractual relationships in the context of which data is stored, the triggering event is the time the termination of the contract or other end of the legal relationship takes effect.

Rights of Data Subjects

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject, you are entitled to various rights under the GDPR, which arise in particular from Articles 15 to 21 of the GDPR:

  • Right to object: You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data relating to you which is based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. Where personal data relating to you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data relating to you for such marketing, including profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
  • Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning you is being processed and to receive information about this data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with the law.
  • Right to rectification: In accordance with the law, you have the right to request the completion of data concerning you or the correction of inaccurate data concerning you.
  • Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with the law, you have the right to request that data concerning you be erased without undue delay, or alternatively to request restriction of the processing of that data in accordance with the law.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive data concerning you, which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format in accordance with the law, or to request its transmission to another controller.
  • 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 provisions of the GDPR.

Provision of the Online Offering and Web Hosting

We process users' data in order to be able to provide them with our online services. For this purpose we process the user's IP address, which is necessary to transmit the contents and functions of our online services to the user's browser or device.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved). Log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers etc.)). Security measures.
  • Retention and erasure: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Erasure".
  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Provision of online offering on rented storage space: For the provision of our online offering we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also called "web host"); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
  • Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called "server log files". Server log files may include the address and name of the web pages and files accessed, the date and time of access, the volume of data transferred, a notification of successful retrieval, the browser type and version, the user's operating system, the referrer URL (the previously visited page) and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. Server log files may be used on the one hand for security purposes, e.g. to avoid server overload (in particular in the event of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and on the other to ensure the utilization of the servers and their stability; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Erasure of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further retention is necessary for evidentiary purposes is exempt from deletion until the final clarification of the relevant incident.
  • Vercel: Services in the area of provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: Vercel Inc., 340 Pine Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://vercel.com; Privacy policy: https://vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy. Data processing agreement: https://vercel.com/legal/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses ( https://vercel.com/legal/dpa).
  • netcup: Services in the area of provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: netcup GmbH, Daimlerstraße 25, D-76185 Karlsruhe, Germany; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.netcup.de/; Privacy policy: https://www.netcup.de/kontakt/datenschutzerklaerung.php. Data processing agreement: https://helpcenter.netcup.com/de/wiki/general/avv/.

Use of Cookies

The term "cookies" refers to functions that store information on users' devices and read it from them. Cookies may also be used for various purposes, for example for the functionality, security and comfort of online offerings and for creating analyses of visitor flows. We use cookies in accordance with legal requirements. Where necessary we obtain users' consent in advance. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies where storing and reading information is indispensable in order to be able to provide explicitly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, storing settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online offering. Consent may be withdrawn at any time. We provide clear information about the scope and which cookies are used.

Information on data protection legal bases: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on whether consent has been given. If consent has been given, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent we rely on our legitimate interests, which are explained above in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.

Storage duration: With regard to storage duration, the following types of cookies are distinguished:

  • Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online offering and closed their device (e.g. browser or mobile application).
  • Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after the device is closed. For example, the login status can be saved and preferred content can be displayed directly when the user visits a website again. Similarly, user data collected using cookies can be used for reach measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g. when obtaining consent), they should assume that they are permanent and that the storage duration can be up to two years.

General information on withdrawal and objection (opt-out): Users may withdraw consents they have given at any time and may also object to processing in accordance with statutory requirements, including via the privacy settings of their browser.

  • Types of data processed: Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Registration, Login and User Account

Users may create a user account. During registration, users are informed of the required mandatory information, which is processed for the purposes of providing the user account on the basis of contractual performance. The data processed includes in particular the login information (username, password, and an email address).

As part of the use of our registration and login functions and the use of the user account, we store the IP address and the time of the respective user action. Storage takes place on the basis of our legitimate interests as well as those of the users in protection against misuse and other unauthorized use. These data are not passed on to third parties as a rule unless it is necessary for the pursuit of our claims or there is a statutory obligation to do so.

Users may be informed by email about events relevant to their user account, such as technical changes.

  • Types of data processed: Master data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions and the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; security measures; organizational and administrative procedures. Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and erasure: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Erasure". Deletion upon cancellation.
  • Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • No obligation to retain data: It is the responsibility of users to back up their data prior to the end of the contract upon cancellation. We are entitled to irretrievably delete all data stored during the contract period; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Community Functions

The community functions we provide allow users to enter into conversations with one another or otherwise exchange views. Please note that the use of community functions is only permitted in compliance with the applicable legal situation, our terms and guidelines and the rights of other users and third parties.

  • Types of data processed: Master data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.). Usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; security measures. Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and erasure: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Erasure".
  • Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • User contributions are public: The contributions and content created by users are publicly visible and accessible; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).
  • Protection of own data: Users themselves decide which data they disclose about themselves within our online offering. For example, when users provide information about themselves or participate in conversations. We ask users to protect their data and to publish personal data only with care and only to the extent necessary. In particular, we ask users to note that they must protect their access data especially carefully and use secure passwords (i.e. above all as long and random character combinations as possible); Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Single Sign-On Login

The term "Single Sign-On" or "Single Sign-On login" or "-authentication" refers to procedures that allow users to log in to our online offering using a user account with a Single Sign-On provider (e.g. a social network). The prerequisite for Single Sign-On authentication is that users are registered with the respective Single Sign-On provider and have entered the required access data in the online form provided for this purpose, or are already logged in with the Single Sign-On provider and confirm the Single Sign-On login via a button.

Authentication takes place directly with the respective Single Sign-On provider. In the course of such authentication, we receive a user ID with the information that the user is logged in under this user ID with the respective Single Sign-On provider, and an ID that cannot be used by us for any other purposes (so-called "User Handle"). Whether additional data is transmitted to us depends solely on the Single Sign-On procedure used, the data shares selected during authentication, and what data users have shared in the privacy or other settings of their user account with the Single Sign-On provider. Depending on the Single Sign-On provider and the users' choices, this can be various data, but is typically the email address and username. The password entered during the Single Sign-On procedure with the Single Sign-On provider is neither visible to us, nor is it stored by us.

Users are asked to note that their data stored with us may be automatically synchronized with their user account with the Single Sign-On provider, but this is not always possible or actually occurs. If, for example, users' email addresses change, they must change them manually in their user account with us.

We may use Single Sign-On login, where agreed with users, as part of or prior to the performance of a contract, to the extent users have been requested to do so, process it within the framework of consent, and otherwise use it on the basis of our legitimate interests and the interests of users in an effective and secure login system.

If users decide that they no longer wish to use the link of their user account with the Single Sign-On provider for the Single Sign-On procedure, they must cancel this connection within their user account with the Single Sign-On provider. If users wish to delete their data with us, they must cancel their registration with us.

  • Types of data processed: Master data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; security measures; login procedures. Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and erasure: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Erasure". Deletion upon cancellation.

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

Contact and Inquiry Management

When contacting us (e.g. by post, contact form, email, telephone or via social media) as well as in the context of existing user and business relationships, the information of the persons making inquiries is processed to the extent necessary to respond to the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

  • Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions and the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and erasure: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Erasure".
  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Contact form: When contacting us via our contact form, by email or other communication channels, we process the personal data transmitted to us in order to answer and process the respective inquiry. This generally includes details such as name, contact information and, where applicable, further information communicated to us and necessary for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Web Analytics, Monitoring and Optimization

Web analytics (also referred to as "reach measurement") is used to evaluate the flow of visitors to our online offering and may include behavior, interests or demographic information about visitors, such as age or gender, as pseudonymous values. Using reach analysis we can, for example, identify at what time our online offering or its functions or content are most frequently used, or invite re-use. Similarly, we are able to identify which areas require optimization.

In addition to web analytics, we may also use testing procedures to test and optimize, for example, different versions of our online offering or its components.

Unless otherwise stated below, profiles — i.e. data aggregated for a usage process — may be created for these purposes, and information may be stored in a browser or on a device and read from it. The information collected includes in particular websites visited and elements used there, as well as technical information such as the browser used, the computer system used and information on usage times. If users have consented to the collection of their location data from us or from the providers of the services we use, location data may also be processed.

In addition, the IP addresses of users are stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e. pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear data of users (such as email addresses or names) is stored in the context of web analytics, A/B testing and optimization, but pseudonyms. This means that neither we nor the providers of the software used know the actual identity of the users, only the information stored in their profiles for the purposes of the respective procedures.

Information on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is the consent. Otherwise user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors). Profiles with user-related information (creating user profiles).
  • Retention and erasure: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Erasure". Storage of cookies of up to 2 years (unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.).
  • Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
  • Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

Presences on Social Networks (Social Media)

We maintain online presences within social networks and process user data in this context in order to communicate with the users active there or to offer information about us.

We point out that user data may be processed outside the European Union in this context. This may give rise to risks for users, as it could, for example, make it more difficult to enforce users' rights.

Furthermore, user data within social networks is usually processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created based on users' usage behavior and the resulting interests. These may in turn be used to place advertisements within and outside the networks that presumably match users' interests. Therefore, cookies are usually stored on users' computers in which the usage behavior and interests of the users are stored. Furthermore, data independent of the devices used by the users may also be stored in the usage profiles (in particular if the users are members of the respective platforms and logged in there).

For a detailed presentation of the respective processing types and opt-out options, we refer to the privacy policies and information provided by the operators of the respective networks.

In the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we also point out that these can be asserted most effectively with the providers. Only the latter have access to user data in each case and can take appropriate measures and provide information directly. Should you nevertheless need help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  • Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions and the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation). Usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Public relations.
  • Retention and erasure: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Erasure".
  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • LinkedIn: Social network — we are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of visitor data used to create "Page Insights" (statistics) for our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content that users view or interact with, and the actions they take. It also captures details about the devices used, such as IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings and cookie data, as well as information from user profiles such as job function, country, industry, seniority level, company size and employment status. Privacy information on the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's privacy notice: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.
    We have entered into a specific agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum", https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which in particular regulates which security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill data subject rights (i.e. users can, for example, send information or deletion requests directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (in particular the right of access, erasure, objection and to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. The joint responsibility is limited to the collection and transmission of data to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. The further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, in particular with regard to the transmission of the data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa). Opt-out option: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

Amendment and Update

We ask you to inform yourself regularly about the content of our privacy policy. We adapt the privacy policy as soon as the changes to the data processing carried out by us make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require an action on your part (e.g. consent) or any other individual notification.

Where we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this privacy policy, please note that the addresses may change over time and we ask you to check the information before contacting us.

Definitions

In this section you will find an overview of the terms used in this privacy policy. Where terms are defined by law, their statutory definitions apply. The following explanations, however, are primarily intended to aid understanding.

  • Master data: Master data comprises essential information necessary for the identification and administration of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles and similar assignments. This data may include, among other things, personal and demographic details such as names, contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses), dates of birth and specific identifiers (user IDs). Master data forms the basis for any formal interaction between persons and services, institutions or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.
  • Content data: Content data comprises information generated during the creation, editing and publication of content of all kinds. This category of data may include texts, images, videos, audio files and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the actual content itself, but also includes metadata that provides information about the content, such as tags, descriptions, author information and publication dates.
  • Contact data: Contact data is essential information that enables communication with persons or organizations. It includes, among other things, telephone numbers, postal addresses and email addresses, as well as means of communication such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
  • Meta, communication and procedural data: Meta, communication and procedural data are categories that contain information about the way in which data is processed, transmitted and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information describing the context, origin and structure of other data. It may include details about file size, creation date, author of a document and change histories. Communication data records the exchange of information between users via various channels, such as email traffic, call logs, messages on social networks and chat histories, including the persons involved, timestamps and transmission routes. Procedural data describes processes and procedures within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, transaction and activity logs, and audit logs used to track and review operations.
  • Usage data: Usage data refers to information that records how users interact with digital products, services or platforms. This data covers a wide range of information showing how users use applications, which functions they prefer, how long they dwell on certain pages and what paths they take through an application. Usage data may also include the frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information and location data. It is particularly valuable for analyzing user behavior, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content and improving products or services. In addition, usage data plays a crucial role in identifying trends, preferences and potential problem areas within digital offerings.
  • Personal data: "Personal data" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter "data subject"); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier (e.g. cookie) or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
  • Profiles with user-related information: The processing of "profiles with user-related information", or "profiles" for short, encompasses any type of automated processing of personal data that consists of using that personal data to evaluate, analyse or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include different information relating to demographics, behaviour and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.) or to predict them (e.g. interests in certain content or products, click behaviour on a website or location). Cookies and web beacons are frequently used for profiling purposes.
  • Log data: Log data is information about events or activities that have been logged in a system or network. This data typically contains information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages and other details about the use or operation of a system. Log data is often used for analyzing system problems, security monitoring or creating performance reports.
  • Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also referred to as web analytics) is used to evaluate the flow of visitors to an online offering and may include behavior or interests of visitors in relation to certain information, such as website content. Using reach analysis, operators of online offerings can, for example, identify at what time users visit their websites and what content they are interested in. This allows them, for example, to better tailor the content of their websites to the needs of their visitors. Pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are frequently used for reach analysis in order to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more accurate analyses of the use of an online offering.
  • Controller: "Controller" means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.
  • Processing: "Processing" means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and covers virtually any handling of data, whether collecting, evaluating, storing, transmitting or deleting it.