Privacy Policy

what data we collect and how we process it

Privacy Policy

Preamble

With the following privacy policy we would like to inform you which types of your personal data (hereinafter also abbreviated as “data”) we process for which purposes and in which scope. The privacy statement 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 services”).

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Last Update: 5. December 2024

Table of contents

Controller

devowl.io GmbH

Tannet 12

94539 Grafling

Germany

Authorised Representatives: Matthias Günter and Jan Karres

E-mail address:
[email protected]

Phone: +49 991 20098959

Legal Notice:
https://devowl.io/de/impressum/

Overview of processing operations

The following table summarises the types of data processed, the purposes for which they are processed and the concerned data subjects.

Categories of Processed Data

  • Inventory data.
  • Employee Data.
  • Payment Data.
  • Contact data.
  • Content data.
  • Contract data.
  • Usage data.
  • Meta, communication and process data.
  • Social data.
  • Job applicant details.
  • Images and/ or video recordings.
  • Audio recordings.
  • Log data.
  • Performance and behavioural data.
  • Working hours data.
  • Creditworthiness Data.
  • Salary data.

Special Categories of Data

  • Health Data.
  • Religious or philosophical beliefs.
  • Trade union membership.

Categories of Data Subjects

  • Service recipients and clients.
  • Employees.
  • Prospective customers.
  • Communication partner.
  • Users.
  • Job applicants.
  • Participants in sweepstakes and competitions.
  • Business and contractual partners.
  • Participants.
  • Persons depicted.
  • Third parties.
  • Customers.

Purposes of Processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Communication.
  • Security measures.
  • Direct marketing.
  • Web Analytics.
  • Targeting.
  • Office and organisational procedures.
  • Remarketing.
  • Conversion tracking.
  • Affiliate Tracking.
  • Affiliate Tracking.
  • Organisational and Administrative Procedures.
  • Job Application Process.
  • Conducting sweepstakes and contests.
  • Content Delivery Network (CDN).
  • Feedback.
  • Polls and Questionnaires.
  • Marketing.
  • Profiles with user-related information.
  • Provision of our online services and usability.
  • Assessment of creditworthiness.
  • Establishment and execution of employment relationships.
  • Information technology infrastructure.
  • Financial and Payment Management.
  • Public relations.
  • Sales promotion.
  • Business processes and management procedures.

Relevant legal bases

Relevant legal bases according to the GDPR: In the following, you will find an overview of the legal basis of the GDPR on which we base the processing of personal data. Please note that in addition to the provisions of the GDPR, national data protection provisions of your or our country of residence or domicile may apply. If, in addition, more specific legal bases are applicable in individual cases, we will inform you of these in the data protection declaration.

  • Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR) – The data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes.
  • Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR) – Performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR) – the processing is necessary for the protection of the legitimate interests of the controller or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights, and freedoms of the data subject, which require the protection of personal data, do not prevail.
  • Job application process as a pre-contractual or contractual relationship (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR) – If special categories of personal data within the meaning of Article 9 (1) GDPR (e.g. health data, such as severely handicapped status or ethnic origin) are requested from applicants within the framework of the application procedure, so that the responsible person or the person concerned can carry out the obligations and exercising specific rights of the controller or of the data subject in the field of employment and social security and social protection law, their processing shall be carried out in accordance with Article 9 (2)(b) GDPR , in the case of the protection of vital interests of applicants or other persons on the basis of Article 9 (2)(c) GDPR or for the purposes of preventive health care or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the employee’s ability to work, for medical diagnostics, care or treatment in the health or social sector or for the administration of systems and services in the health or social sector in accordance with Article 9 (2)(d) GDPR. In the case of a communication of special categories of data based on voluntary consent, their processing is carried out on the basis of Article 9 (2)(a) GDPR.
  • Healthcare, occupational and social security processing of special categories of personal data (Article 9 (2)(h) GDPR) – processing is necessary for the purposes of preventive or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the working capacity of the employee, medical diagnosis, the provision of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems and services on the basis of Union or Member State law or pursuant to contract with a health professional.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national regulations apply to data protection in Germany. This includes in particular the Law on Protection against Misuse of Personal Data in Data Processing (Federal Data Protection Act – BDSG). In particular, the BDSG contains special provisions on the right to access, the right to erase, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes and transmission as well as automated individual decision-making, including profiling. Furthermore, data protection laws of the individual federal states may apply.

Relevant legal basis according to the Swiss Data Protection Act: If you are located in Switzerland, we process your data based on the Federal Act on Data Protection (referred to as “Swiss DPA”). Unlike the GDPR, for instance, the Swiss DPA does not generally require that a legal basis for processing personal data be stated and that the processing of personal data is conducted in good faith, lawfully and proportionately (Art. 6 para. 1 and 2 of the Swiss DPA). Furthermore, we only collect personal data for a specific purpose recognizable to the data subject and process it only in a manner compatible with this purpose (Art. 6 para. 3 of the Swiss DPA).

Reference to the applicability of the GDPR and the Swiss DPA: These privacy policy serves both to provide information pursuant to the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For this reason, we ask you to note that due to the broader spatial application and comprehensibility, the terms used in the GDPR are applied. In particular, instead of the terms used in the Swiss FADP such as “processing” of “personal data”, “predominant interest”, and “particularly sensitive personal data”, the terms used in the GDPR, namely “processing” of “personal data”, as well as “legitimate interest” and “special categories of data” are used. However, the legal meaning of these terms will continue to be determined according to the Swiss FADP within its scope of application.

Security Precautions

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

The measures include, in particular, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data as well as access to, input, transmission, securing and separation of the data. In addition, we have established procedures to ensure that data subjects’ rights are respected, that data is erased, and that we are prepared to respond to data threats rapidly. Furthermore, we take the protection of personal data into account as early as the development or selection of hardware, software and service providers, in accordance with the principle of privacy by design and privacy by default.

Securing online connections through TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): To protect the data of users transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we employ 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 that is transferred between the website or app and the user’s browser (or between two servers), thereby safeguarding the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the more advanced and secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions conform to the highest security standards. When a website is secured with an SSL/TLS certificate, this is indicated by the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is being securely and encryptedly transmitted.

Transmission of Personal Data

In the course of processing personal data, it may happen that this data is transmitted to or disclosed to other entities, companies, legally independent organizational units, or individuals. Recipients of this data may include service providers tasked with IT duties or providers of services and content that are integrated into a website. In such cases, we observe the legal requirements and particularly conclude relevant contracts or agreements that serve to protect your data with the recipients of your data.

International data transfers

Data Processing in Third Countries: If we process data in a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)), or if the processing is done within the context of using third-party services or the disclosure or transfer of data to other individuals, entities, or companies, this is only done in accordance with legal requirements. If the data protection level in the third country has been recognized by an adequacy decision (Article 45 GDPR), this serves as the basis for data transfer. Otherwise, data transfers only occur if the data protection level is otherwise ensured, especially through standard contractual clauses (Article 46 (2)(c) GDPR), explicit consent, or in cases of contractual or legally required transfers (Article 49 (1) GDPR). Furthermore, we provide you with the basis of third-country transfers from individual third-country providers, with adequacy decisions primarily serving as the foundation. “Information regarding third-country transfers and existing adequacy decisions can be obtained from the information provided by the EU Commission:
https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en. Within the context of the so-called “Data Privacy Framework” (DPF), the EU Commission has also recognized the data protection level for certain companies from the USA as secure within the adequacy decision of 10th July 2023. The list of certified companies as well as additional information about the DPF can be found on the website of the US Department of Commerce at
https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/s/. We will inform you which of our service providers are certified under the Data Privacy Framework as part of our data protection notices.

Disclosure of Personal Data Abroad: In accordance with the Swiss Data Protection Act (Swiss DPA), we only disclose personal data abroad when an appropriate level of protection for the affected persons is ensured (Art. 16 Swiss DPA). If the Federal Council does not determine that there is an adequate level of protection (list of states:
https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/staat/datenschutz/internationales/anerkennung-staaten.html), we implement alternative security measures. These measures may include international agreements, specific guarantees, data protection clauses in contracts, standard data protection clauses approved by the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC), or internal company data protection regulations previously recognised by the FDPIC or a competent data protection authority of another country. Under Art. 16 of the Swiss DSG, exceptions can be made for the disclosure of data abroad if certain conditions are met, including the consent of the affected person, contract execution, public interest, protection of life or physical integrity, publicly made data or data from a legally provided register. Such disclosures always comply with the legal requirements. As part of the so-called “Data Privacy Framework” (DPF), the Switzerland has recognized the data protection level for certain companies from the USA as adequate under the adequacy decision dated June 7, 2024. You can find the list of certified companies and additional information about the DPF on the website of the U.S. Department of Commerce at
https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/ (in English). We inform you in our privacy notice about which service providers we use are certified under the Data Privacy Framework.

General Information on Data Retention and Deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with legal regulations as soon as the underlying consents are revoked or no further legal bases for processing exist. This applies to cases where the original purpose of processing is no longer applicable or the data is no longer needed. Exceptions to this rule exist if statutory obligations or special interests require a 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 prosecution or 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 specifically applicable to certain processing processes.

In cases where multiple retention periods or deletion deadlines for a date are specified, the longest period always prevails.

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

Data that is no longer stored for its originally intended purpose but due to legal requirements or other reasons are processed exclusively for the reasons justifying their retention.

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Data Retention and Deletion: The following general deadlines apply for the retention and archiving according to German law:
    • 10 Years – Fiscal Code/Commercial Code – Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheet as well as the necessary work instructions and other organisational documents, booking receipts and invoices (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 1, 4 and 4a of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 14b Paragraph 1 of the German VAT Act (UStG), Section 257 Paragraph 1 Numbers 1 and 4, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
    • 6 Years – Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, copies of dispatched commercial or business letters, and other documents to the extent that they are significant for taxation purposes, for example, hourly wage slips, operating accounting sheets, calculation documents, price tags, as well as payroll accounting documents, provided they are not already accounting vouchers and cash register tapes Section (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 2, 3, 5 of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 2 and 3, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
    • 3 Years – Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experiences and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years. This period begins at the end of the year in which the relevant contractual transaction took place or the contractual relationship ended in the case of ongoing contracts (Sections 195, 199 of the German Civil Code).
  • Data Retention and Deletion: The following general retention and archiving periods apply under Swiss law:
    • 10 years – Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balances, accounting vouchers and invoices, as well as all necessary working instructions and other organizational documents (Article 958f of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR)).
    • 10 years – Data necessary to consider potential claims for damages or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as for the processing of related inquiries based on previous business experiences and usual industry practices, will be stored for the statutory limitation period of ten years, unless a shorter period of five years is applicable, which is relevant in certain cases (Articles 127, 130 OR). Claims for rent, lease, and interest on capital, as well as other periodic services, for the delivery of food, for board and lodging, for innkeeper debts, as well as for craftsmanship, small-scale sales of goods, medical care, professional services by lawyers, legal agents, procurators, and notaries, and from the employment relationship of employees, expire after five years (Article 128 OR).

Rights of Data Subjects

Rights of the Data Subjects under the GDPR: As 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, on grounds arising from your particular situation, to object at any time to the processing of your personal data which is based on letter (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. Where personal data are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of the personal data concerning you for the purpose of such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.
  • Right of withdrawal for consents: You have the right to revoke consents at any time.
  • Right of access: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether the data in question will be processed and to be informed of this data and to receive further information and a copy of the data in accordance with the provisions of the law.
  • Right to rectification: You have the right, in accordance with the law, to request the completion of the data concerning you or the rectification of the incorrect data concerning you.
  • Right to Erasure and Right to Restriction of Processing: In accordance with the statutory provisions, you have the right to demand that the relevant data be erased immediately or, alternatively, to demand that the processing of the data be restricted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive data concerning you which you have provided to us in a structured, common and machine-readable format in accordance with the legal requirements, or to request its transmission to another controller.
  • Complaint to the supervisory authority: In accordance with the law and without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection supervisory authority, in particular a supervisory authority in the Member State where you habitually reside, the supervisory authority of your place of work or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

Rights of the data subjects under the Swiss DPA:

As the data subject, you have the following rights in accordance with the provisions of the Swiss DPA:

  • Right to information: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether personal data concerning you are being processed, and to receive the information necessary for you to assert your rights under the Swiss DPA and to ensure transparent data processing.
  • Right to data release or transfer: You have the right to request the release of your personal data, which you have provided to us, in a common electronic format, as well as its transfer to another data controller, provided this does not require disproportionate effort.
  • Right to rectification: You have the right to request the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning you.
  • Right to object, deletion, and destruction: You have the right to object to the processing of your data, as well as to request that personal data concerning you be deleted or destroyed.

License activation and telemetry data

We offer software products that can or must be activated with a license key. In any case, a license must be activated to access the license server license.devowl.io and the download server assets.devowl.io . A license key may constitute personal data and, like telemetry data, may be processed in various contexts to ensure the availability and security of our products and our customers, e.g., during plug-in activation or deactivation. Our products are largely personalized for security reasons, which is why it is also possible to draw conclusions about the company or the person concerned from parts of the product, such as the source code or the issued templates. In various contexts of the ordering process and the use of our products, further data, in particular the IP address, can and must be processed, e.g. during license activation or deactivation. From the license server, the products can obtain and store the following information:

  • Verification of the license key and lawful use of the software Updates for products (with verification that the product is compatible with the requesting software environment)
  • Announcements about this or other vendor’s products (e.g., notices of serious security breaches or discount promotions)
  • Telemetry data about the software user’s usage patterns (excluding specific non-public content or personal data created with the software)
  • Language pack ZIP files, which hold translation files (.po, .mo files) for the plugin to keep the ZIP file as small as possible.

In addition, if a license is successfully activated, the
Real Cookie Banner product may receive and store the following information from rcb.devowl.io:

  • Download of service templates and service logos (only with active license)
  • Download of content blocker templates (only with active license)
  • Download of Global Vendor List (GVL) to use TCF standard (only when feature is active)
  • Geo-restriction database (only when feature is active)

When activating a license and checking for a new software version, the following data must always be transmitted and stored, if known, to ensure the functionality of the license server:

  • Version of the operating system
  • Browser version
  • Host name of the e.g. website in which the software is used
  • WordPress version
  • WordPress language
  • PHP version.

The above data is used to provide updates to the software that are compatible with the requesting software environment. Allocation of licenses for support cases to provide customers with professional information. In addition, the transfer of telemetry data can be optionally agreed to. Telemetry data is data that reflects the usage behavior of the software user, whereby sensitive data (e.g. access data or non-public content of a website) is never transmitted. Telemetry data is used to improve the software and help us better identify missing features for future releases.

The following products may collect telemetry data as described below:

Real Cookie Banner

    • Number of created service groups
    • Number of created services
    • Number of created content blockers
    • Name and identifier of public visible services
    • Name and identifier of public visible content blockers
    • Hostname (but not full URL) of external URLs found by the service scanner including the number of subpages on which this external URL was found
    • Number of documented consents in the last 30 days
    • Number of documented consents by clicked button in the last 30 days
    • Number of documented consents by kind of consent (e.g. given by user or implicit given by geographic position of the website visitor) in the last 30 days
    • Active plugins in WordPress installation
    • Active themes in WordPress installation
    • “Load services after consent via” setting value
    • “Automatically accept all services for bots” setting value
    • “Respect ‘Do Not Track’” setting value
    • “Consent for data processing in unsecure third countries” setting value
    • “Age notice for consent” setting value
    • “Naming of all services in first view” setting value
    • “Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) Compatibility” setting value
    • “Consent Forwarding” setting value
    • Type of “accept all“-buttons/links
    • Type of “continue without consent”-buttons/links
    • Type of “individual privacy preferences”-buttons/links
    • “Geo-restriction“-setting value

“Google Consent Mode”-setting value

“Banner-less consent”-setting value

Count of essential services

Count of non-essential services with the legal basis “Consent”

Count of non-essential services with the legal basis “Legitimate interest”

Count of non-essential services with the legal basis “Consent”, which are referenced in at least one active visual content blocker

Count of non-essential services with the legal basis “Legitimate interest”, which are referenced in at least one active visual content blocker

Real Media Library

  • No telemetry data is collected yet.

Real Physical Media

  • No telemetry data is collected yet.

Real Category Management

  • No telemetry data is collected yet.

Real Thumbnail Generator

  • No telemetry data is collected yet.

You can stop the collection of the data mentioned in this section at any time by disabling the license in the software you are using.

Business services

We process data of our contractual and business partners, e.g. customers and interested parties (collectively referred to as “contractual partners”) within the context of contractual and comparable legal relationships as well as associated actions and communication with the contractual partners or pre-contractually, e.g. to answer inquiries.

We process this data in order to fulfill our contractual obligations. These include, in particular, the obligations to provide the agreed services, any update obligations and remedies in the event of warranty and other service disruptions. In addition, we process the data to protect our rights and for the purpose of administrative tasks associated with these obligations and company organization. Furthermore, we process the data on the basis of our legitimate interests in proper and economical business management as well as security measures to protect our contractual partners and our business operations from misuse, endangerment of their data, secrets, information and rights (e.g. for the involvement of telecommunications, transport and other auxiliary services as well as subcontractors, banks, tax and legal advisors, payment service providers or tax authorities). Within the framework of applicable law, we only disclose the data of contractual partners to third parties to the extent that this is necessary for the aforementioned purposes or to fulfill legal obligations. Contractual partners will be informed about further forms of processing, e.g. for marketing purposes, within the scope of this privacy policy.

Which data are necessary for the aforementioned purposes, we inform the contracting partners before or in the context of the data collection, e.g. in online forms by special marking (e.g. colors), and/or symbols (e.g. asterisks or the like), or personally.

We delete the data after expiry of statutory warranty and comparable obligations, i.e. in principle after expiry of 4 years, unless the data is stored in a customer account or must be kept for legal reasons of archiving. The statutory retention period for documents relevant under tax law as well as for commercial books, inventories, opening balance sheets, annual financial statements, the instructions required to understand these documents and other organizational documents and accounting records is ten years and for received commercial and business letters and reproductions of sent commercial and business letters six years. The period begins at the end of the calendar year in which the last entry was made in the book, the inventory, the opening balance sheet, the annual financial statements or the management report was prepared, the commercial or business letter was received or sent, or the accounting document was created, furthermore the record was made or the other documents were created.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Prospective customers. Business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Security measures; Communication; Office and organisational procedures; Organisational and Administrative Procedures. Business processes and management procedures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Software and Platform Services: We process the data of our users, registered and any test users (hereinafter uniformly referred to as “users”) in order to provide them with our contractual services and on the basis of legitimate interests to ensure the security of our offer and to develop it further. The required details are identified as such within the context of the conclusion of the agreement, order or comparable contract and include the details required for the provision of services and invoicing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any further consultations. Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • Online shop, order forms, e-commerce and delivery.: We process the data of our customers in order to enable them to select, purchase or order the selected products, goods and related services, as well as their payment and delivery, or performance of other services. If necessary for the execution of an order, we use service providers, in particular postal, freight and shipping companies, in order to carry out the delivery or execution to our customers. For the processing of payment transactions we use the services of banks and payment service providers. The required details are identified as such in the course of the ordering or comparable purchasing process and include the details required for delivery, or other way of making the product available and invoicing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultation;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).

Business processes and operations

Personal data of service recipients and clients – including customers, clients, or in specific cases, mandates, patients, or business partners as well as other third parties – are processed within the framework of contractual and comparable legal relationships and pre-contractual measures such as the initiation of business relations. This data processing supports and facilitates business processes in areas such as customer management, sales, payment transactions, accounting, and project management.

The collected data is used to fulfil contractual obligations and make business processes efficient. This includes the execution of business transactions, the management of customer relationships, the optimisation of sales strategies, and ensuring internal invoicing and financial processes. Additionally, the data supports the protection of the rights of the controller and promotes administrative tasks as well as the organisation of the company.

Personal data may be transferred to third parties if necessary for fulfilling the mentioned purposes or legal obligations. After legal retention periods expire or when the purpose of processing no longer applies, the data will be deleted. This also includes data that must be stored for longer periods due to tax law and legal obligations to provide evidence.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Log data (e.g. log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times.); Creditworthiness Data (e.g. received credit score, estimated default probability, risk classification based on this, historical payment behaviour). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Prospective customers; Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.); Business and contractual partners; Third parties. Customers.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Office and organisational procedures; Business processes and management procedures; Communication; Assessment of creditworthiness. Financial and Payment Management.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Customer Account: Customers need to create an account within our online offer (e.g. customer or user account, “customer account” for short). If the registration of a customer account is required, customers will be informed of this as well as of the details required for registration. The customer accounts are not public and cannot be indexed by search engines. In the course of registration and subsequent registration and use of the customer account, we store the IP addresses of the contractual partners along with the access times, in order to be able to prove the registration and prevent any misuse of the customer account. If the customer account has been terminated, the customer account data will be deleted after the termination date, unless it is retained for purposes other than provision in the customer account or must be retained for legal reasons (e.g. internal storage of customer data, order transactions or invoices). It is the customers’ responsibility to back up their data when terminating the customer Account. Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Customer Management and Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Processes required in the context of customer management and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) include customer acquisition in compliance with data protection regulations, measures to promote customer retention and loyalty, effective customer communication, complaint management and customer service with consideration of data protection, data management and analysis to support the customer relationship, management of CRM systems, secure account management, customer segmentation and targeting;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Contact management and contact maintenance: Processes required in the context of organizing, maintaining, and securing contact information (e.g., setting up and maintaining a central contact database, regular updates of contact information, monitoring data integrity, implementing data protection measures, ensuring access controls, conducting backups and restorations of contact data, training employees in effective use of contact management software, regular review of communication history and adjustment of contact strategies);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • General Payment Transactions: Procedures required for carrying out payment transactions, monitoring bank accounts, and controlling payment flows (e.g., creation and verification of transfers, processing of direct debit transactions, checking of account statements, monitoring of incoming and outgoing payments, management of chargebacks, account reconciliation, cash management);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable: Procedures required for the collection, processing, and control of business transactions in the area of accounts payable and receivable accounting (e.g., creation and verification of incoming and outgoing invoices, monitoring and management of outstanding items, execution of payment transactions, handling of dunning processes, account reconciliation within the scope of receivables and payables, accounts payable accounting, and accounts receivable accounting);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Financial Accounting and Taxes: Procedures required for the collection, management, and control of finance-related business transactions as well as for the calculation, reporting, and payment of taxes (e.g., accounting and posting of business transactions, preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, execution of payment transactions, handling of dunning processes, account reconciliation, tax consulting, preparation and submission of tax returns, management of tax affairs);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Use of online platforms for listing and sales purposes

We offer our services on online platforms operated by other service providers. In addition to our privacy policy, the privacy policies of the respective platforms apply. This is particularly true with regard to the payment process and the methods used on the platforms for performance measuring and behaviour-related marketing.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients. Business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Marketing. Business processes and management procedures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Paddle.com: Online platform for quotation and sales purposes;
    Service provider: Paddle.com Market Limited (company number 08172165), 70 Wilson St, Finsbury, London EC2A 2DB, UK;
    Website:
    https://paddle.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://paddle.com/privacy-buyers/.
  • Envato Market: Online platform for quotation and sales purposes;
    Service provider: Envato Pty Ltd (ABN 11 119 159 741) 1. Floor, 121 King Street Melbourne, 3000, Australia;
    Website:
    https://envato.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://envato.com/privacy/.
  • Affiliate tracking: Our own affiliate tracking in the context of the use of our online platform for offer and sales purposes allows us to pay commissions to e.g. bloggers or YouTubers for referring traffic to our website when a purchase is successfully completed. The tracking is used for billing purposes and no adjustments are made to the content or prices on our website. Cookies are used in case of consent to remember from which affiliate and affiliate link you were directed to our website.

Providers and services used in the course of business

As part of our business activities, we use additional services, platforms, interfaces or plug-ins from third-party providers (in short, “services”) in compliance with legal requirements. Their use is based on our interests in the proper, legal and economic management of our business operations and internal organization.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.). Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Prospective customers. Business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Office and organisational procedures. Business processes and management procedures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Payment Procedure

Within the framework of contractual and other legal relationships, due to legal obligations or otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests, we offer data subjects efficient and secure payment options and use other service providers for this purpose in addition to banks and credit institutions (collectively referred to as “payment service providers”).

The data processed by the payment service providers includes inventory data, such as the name and address, bank data, such as account numbers or credit card numbers, passwords, TANs and checksums, as well as the contract, total and recipient-related information. The information is required to carry out the transactions. However, the data entered is only processed by the payment service providers and stored with them. I.e. we do not receive any account or credit card related information, but only information with confirmation or negative information of the payment. Under certain circumstances, the data may be transmitted by the payment service providers to credit agencies. The purpose of this transmission is to check identity and creditworthiness. Please refer to the terms and conditions and data protection information of the payment service providers.

The terms and conditions and data protection information of the respective payment service providers apply to the payment transactions and can be accessed within the respective websites or transaction applications. We also refer to these for further information and the assertion of revocation, information and other data subject rights.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients. Business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Business processes and management procedures. Office and organisational procedures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Paddle: Processing of payments, handling of subscriptions, provision of analytics and reports for sellers, management of buyer inquiries and refunds;
    Service provider: Paddle.com Inc, 3811 Ditmars Blvd, 1071, Astoria, NY 11105-1803, USA;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.paddle.com/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.paddle.com/legal/privacy;
    Data Processing Agreement: Provided by the service provider.
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Standard Contractual Clauses (Provided by the service provider), Switzerland – Standard Contractual Clauses (Provided by the service provider).

Provision of online services and web hosting

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

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties); Log data (e.g. log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times.). Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and usability; Information technology infrastructure (Operation and provision of information systems and technical devices, such as computers, servers, etc.).); Security measures. Content Delivery Network (CDN).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Provision of online offer on rented hosting space: For the provision of our online services, we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also referred to as a “web hoster”);

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Collection of Access Data and Log Files: Access to our online service is logged in the form of so-called “server log files”. Server log files may include the address and name of the accessed web pages and files, date and time of access, transferred data volumes, notification of successful retrieval, browser type along with version, the user’s operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and typically IP addresses and the requesting provider. The server log files can be used for security purposes, e.g., to prevent server overload (especially in the case of abusive attacks, known as DDoS attacks), and to ensure server load management and stability;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

    Retention period: Log file information is stored for a maximum period of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data, the further storage of which is necessary for evidence purposes, are excluded from deletion until the respective incident has been finally clarified.
  • Content-Delivery-Network: We use a so-called “Content Delivery Network” (CDN). A CDN is a service with whose help contents of our online services, in particular large media files, such as graphics or scripts, can be delivered faster and more securely with the help of regionally distributed servers connected via the Internet;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • MaxMind (self-hosted): geolocation and fraud prevention services, helping businesses identify user locations and detect fraudulent activities for enhanced security; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);
    Service provider: MaxMind, Inc., 14 Spring Street, 3rd Floor, Waltham, MA 02451, USA;
    Website:
    https://www.maxmind.com.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.maxmind.com/en/privacy-policy.
  • Cloudflare: Content-Delivery-Network (CDN) – service with whose help contents of our online services, in particular large media files, such as graphics or scripts, can be delivered faster and more securely with the help of regionally distributed servers connected via the Internet;
    Service provider: Cloudflare, Inc., 101 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.cloudflare.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy/;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://www.cloudflare.com/cloudflare-customer-dpa/.
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • New Relic: Server monitoring und error detection; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Standard Contractual Clauses: Provided by the service provider; Data Processing Agreement: https://newrelic.com/termsandconditions/terms; Retention period: The aggregated data are deleted after three months, the pseudonymised data after seven days;
    Service provider: New Relic, Inc. Attn: Legal Department 188 Spear Street, Suite 1200 San Francisco, CA 94105, USA;
    Website:
    https://newrelic.com.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://newrelic.com/termsandconditions/privacy.
  • netcup: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacities);
    Service provider: netcup GmbH, Daimlerstraße 25, D-76185 Karlsruhe, Germany;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.netcup.de/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.netcup.de/kontakt/datenschutzerklaerung.php;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://www.netcup-wiki.de/wiki/Zusatzvereinbarung_zur_Auftragsverarbeitung.
    Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Germany).
  • Scaleway: Cloud hosting, provision of virtual servers and dedicated servers, storage of data in the cloud, Content Delivery Network (CDN) services, management and scaling of applications, network services including load balancing and DNS management;
    Service provider: SCALEWAY SAS BP, 8 rue de la Ville l’Evêque, 75008 Paris, France;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.scaleway.com/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.scaleway.com/en/privacy-policy/;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://www.scaleway.com/en/contracts/.
    Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland – Adequacy decision (France).

Use of Cookies

The term “cookies” refers to functions that store information on users’ devices and read it from them. Cookies can also be used for different purposes, such as ensuring the functionality, security, and convenience of online services, as well as analyzing visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with legal regulations. If necessary, we obtain users’ consent in advance. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies when storing and reading information is essential to provide explicitly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, saving settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online services. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. We clearly inform users about the scope of the consent and which cookies are used.

Information on legal data protection bases: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on users’ consent. If consent is given, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, as outlined in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.

Storage duration: The following types of cookies are distinguished based on their storage duration:

  • Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user leaves an online service and closes 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 revisits a website. Additionally, the user data collected with cookies may be used for audience measurement. Unless we provide explicit information to users about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., when obtaining consent), users should assume that these are permanent and may have a storage duration of up to two years.

General information on withdrawal and objection (opt-out): Users can withdraw their consent at any time and also object to the processing according to legal regulations, including through the privacy settings of their browser.

  • Processed data types: Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and usability.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Processing Cookie Data on the Basis of Consent: We implement a consent management solution that obtains users’ consent for the use of cookies or for the processes and providers mentioned within the consent management framework. This procedure is designed to solicit, log, manage, and revoke consents, particularly regarding the use of cookies and similar technologies employed to store, read from, and process information on users’ devices. As part of this procedure, user consents are obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including specific processing and providers named in the consent management process. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consents. Consent declarations are stored to avoid repeated queries and to provide proof of consent according to legal requirements. The storage is carried out server-side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies in order to associate the consent with a specific user or their device.If no specific details about the providers of consent management services are provided, the following general notes apply: The duration of consent storage is up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored along with the time of consent, details on the scope of consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), as well as information about the browser, system, and device used;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Cookie-Opt-Out: In the footer of our website you will find a link that allows you to change your cookie settings as well as revoke corresponding consents.
  • Real Cookie Banner: Cookie Consent Management: Procedures for obtaining, recording, managing, and revoking consents, particularly for the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing, accessing, and processing information on users’ devices as well as their processing;
    Service provider: Executed on servers and/or computers under our controllership;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://devowl.io/de/wordpress-real-cookie-banner/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://devowl.io/de/datenschutzerklaerung/.

Registration, Login and User Account

Users can create a user account. Within the scope of registration, the required mandatory information is communicated to the users and processed for the purposes of providing the user account on the basis of contractual fulfilment of obligations. The processed data includes in particular the login information (name, password and an e-mail address).

Within the scope of using our registration and login functions as well as the use of the user account, we store the IP address and the time of the respective user action. The storage is based on our legitimate interests, as well as the user’s protection against misuse and other unauthorized use. This data will not be passed on to third parties unless it is necessary to pursue our claims or there is a legal obligation to do so.

Users may be informed by e-mail of information relevant to their user account, such as technical changes.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Log data (e.g. log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Security measures; Organisational and Administrative Procedures; Provision of our online services and usability; Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities). Marketing.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”. Deletion after termination.
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Registration with a real name: Due to the nature of our community, we ask users to use our services only with their real names. This means that the use of pseudonyms is not permitted;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • Users’ profiles are public: The users’ profiles are not publicly visible or accessible.
  • Deletion of data after termination: If users have terminated their user account, their data relating to the user account will be deleted, subject to any legal permission, obligation or consent of the users;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • Google Ads and Conversion Tracking: Online marketing process for purposes of placing content and advertisements within the provider’s advertising network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on web pages, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the ads. Furthermore, we measure the conversion of the ads, i.e. whether the users took them as a reason to interact with the ads and make use of the advertised offers (so-called conversion). However, we only receive anonymous information and no personal information about individual users;
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://marketingplatform.google.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland);
    Further Information: Types of processing and data processed:
    https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Google Ads Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms and standard contractual clauses for data transfers to third countries:
    https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

Blogs and publication media

We use blogs or comparable means of online communication and publication (hereinafter “publication medium”). Readers’ data will only be processed for the purposes of the publication medium to the extent necessary for its presentation and communication between authors and readers or for security reasons. For the rest, we refer to the information on the processing of visitors to our publication medium within the scope of this privacy policy.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); Provision of our online services and usability. Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • VG Word / Scalable Central measurement method: VG Word / Scalable Central measurement method – We use the METIS access counting of VG WORT to measure accesses to online texts that we provide to you through our service. We do this so that the likelihood of copying these texts can be captured. The likelihood of a text being copied forms the basis of a lawful distribution of remunerations according to the Copyright Act (UrhG) by VG WORT to the authors and publishers of these texts. For this purpose, a “counting mark” is integrated into the source code of the respective online text as part of the METIS access counting. This counting mark is a unique ID assigned to this particular text and ensures that when a text marked in this way is visited, an access to this text can be counted. Furthermore, as part of the METIS access counting, a client ID is formed and a so-called “METIS Session Cookie” is set for the user of the marked text. With the help of this client ID and the session cookie, it can be recognized whether the text has already been accessed by this user within a browser session or not. This is to prevent unlawful multiple counts of this text in the determination of its likelihood of copying. Neither the session cookie nor any other data is processed at any time as part of the METIS access counting. No individual users are identified at any time. Your identity always remains protected. You will not receive any advertising through the system;
    Service provider: Verwertungsgesellschaft WORT (VG WORT), Untere Weidenstraße 5, 81543 Munich, Germany;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.vgwort.de;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.vgwort.de/datenschutz.html.
    Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Germany).

Contact and Inquiry Management

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

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.).
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Organisational and Administrative Procedures; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); Provision of our online services and usability. Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • E-mail Sending and Hosting: The web hosting services we use also include sending, receiving and storing e-mails. For these purposes, the addresses of the recipients and senders, as well as other information relating to the sending of e-mails (e.g. the providers involved) and the contents of the respective e-mails are processed. The above data may also be processed for SPAM detection purposes. Please note that e-mails on the Internet are generally not sent in encrypted form. As a rule, e-mails are encrypted during transport, but not on the servers from which they are sent and received (unless a so-called end-to-end encryption method is used). We can therefore accept no responsibility for the transmission path of e-mails between the sender and reception on our server; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Security information:
    https://cloud.google.com/security/privacy;
    Website:
    https://www.google.com/gmail/about/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.google.com/policies/privacy.
  • Sipgate: Internet-based communication platform that enables calls to be made, text messages or faxes to be sent, and other communication procedures to be carried out;
    Service provider: sipgate GmbH, Gladbacher Str. 74, 40219 Düsseldorf, Germany;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.sipgate.de/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.sipgate.de/datenschutz.
    Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Germany).
  • LinkedIn: Social network – We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of visitor data, which is used to create “Page Insights” (statistics) for our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. It also includes details about the devices used, such as IP addresses, operating systems, browser types, language settings, and cookie data, as well as profile details of users, such as job function, country, industry, seniority, company size, and employment status. Privacy information regarding the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn’s privacy policy:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.We have entered into a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland (“Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum,”
    https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which specifically regulates the security measures LinkedIn must comply with and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, direct requests for information or deletion directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (particularly the right to information, deletion, objection, and to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by our agreements with LinkedIn. The joint responsibility is limited to the collection of data and its transmission to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, particularly concerning the transfer of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA;
    Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.linkedin.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland).
    Opt-Out:
    https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) SES: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space, computing capacities for email delivery); Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Standard Contractual Clauses: https://aws.amazon.com/en/service-terms/; Data Processing Agreement: https://aws.amazon.com/compliance/gdpr-center/;
    Service provider: Amazon Web Services EMEA SARL, 38 avenue John F. Kennedy, 1855, Luxembourg;
    Website:
    https://aws.amazon.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://aws.amazon.com/privacy/.
  • Reamaze: Reamaze is a comprehensive customer service and support platform. Reamaze offers numerous uses, including multi-channel support (email, live chat, social media), ticketing systems, automations for common requests, real-time customer interactions, integration with third-party tools (such as Shopify, Slack, and other CRM systems), customer feedback tools, analytics and reporting capabilities, and customizable self-service portals for customers.Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR)Data processing agreement: https://www.reamaze.com/dpa;
    Service provider: Legal, Office of the Data Privacy Officer, Reamaze c/o WeWork, Friesenplatz 4, 50672 Köln, Germany;
    Website:
    https://www.reamaze.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.godaddy.com/legal/agreements/privacy-policy.
  • Cal.com: Cal.com is a flexible calendar tool for appointment booking and management. The service offers numerous capabilities including automated scheduling, integration with third-party tools (such as Google Calendar and Google Meet), support for multiple time zones, customizable booking pages, calendar synchronization, reminder features, and group and team scheduling. The service is hosted on our own server.Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a) GDPR).
  • Contact form: Upon contacting us via our contact form, email, or other means of communication, we process the personal data transmitted to us for the purpose of responding to and handling the respective matter. This typically includes details such as name, contact information, and possibly additional information provided to us that is necessary for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Slack: Team communication and collaboration, real-time messaging, file and document sharing, integration with third-party tools, video and voice calls, channels for topic-specific discussions, search function for messages and files;
    Service provider: Slack Technologies, Inc., 500 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://slack.com/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://slack.com/legal;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://slack.com/intl/de-de/terms-of-service/data-processing;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
    Further Information: Security measures:
    https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/security-practices.

Communication via Messenger

We use messenger services for communication purposes and therefore ask you to observe the following information regarding the functionality of the messenger services, encryption, use of the metadata of the communication and your objection options.

You can also contact us by alternative means, e.g. telephone or e-mail. Please use the contact options provided to you or use the contact options provided within our online services.

In the case of encryption of content (i.e. the content of your message and attachments), we point out that the communication content (i.e. the content of the message and attachments) is encrypted end-to-end. This means that the content of the messages is not visible, not even by the messenger service providers themselves. You should always use a current version of the messenger service with activated encryption, so that the encryption of the message contents is guaranteed.

However, we would like to point out to our communication partners that although messenger service providers do not see the content, they can find out that and when communication partners communicate with us and process technical information on the communication partner’s device used and, depending on the settings of their device, also location information (so-called metadata).

Information on Legal basis: If we ask communication partners for permission before communicating with them via messenger services, the legal basis of our processing of their data is their consent. Otherwise, if we do not request consent and you contact us, for example, voluntarily, we use messenger services in our dealings with our contractual partners and as part of the contract initiation process as a contractual measure and in the case of other interested parties and communication partners on the basis of our legitimate interests in fast and efficient communication and meeting the needs of our communication partners for communication via messenger services. We would also like to point out that we do not transmit the contact data provided to us to the messenger service providers for the first time without your consent.

Withdrawal, objection and deletion: You can withdraw your consent or object to communication with us via messenger services at any time. In the case of communication via messenger services, we delete the messages in accordance with our general data retention policy (i.e. as described above after the end of contractual relationships, archiving requirements, etc.) and otherwise as soon as we can assume that we have answered any information provided by the communication partners, if no reference to a previous conversation is to be expected and there are no legal obligations to store the messages to prevent their deletion.

Reservation of reference to other means of communication: For your security, we kindly ask for your understanding that we may not respond to enquiries via messenger for specific reasons. This applies in situations where contract details require heightened confidentiality or a response via messenger does not meet formal requirements. In such cases, we recommend using more appropriate communication channels.

  • Processed data types: Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.).
  • Purposes of processing: Communication. Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Slack: Team communication and collaboration, real-time messaging, file and document sharing, integration with third-party tools, video and voice calls, channels for topic-specific discussions, search function for messages and files;
    Service provider: Slack Technologies, Inc., 500 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://slack.com/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://slack.com/legal;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://slack.com/intl/de-de/terms-of-service/data-processing;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
    Further Information: Security measures:
    https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/security-practices.
  • LinkedIn: Social network – We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of visitor data, which is used to create “Page Insights” (statistics) for our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. It also includes details about the devices used, such as IP addresses, operating systems, browser types, language settings, and cookie data, as well as profile details of users, such as job function, country, industry, seniority, company size, and employment status. Privacy information regarding the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn’s privacy policy:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.We have entered into a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland (“Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum,”
    https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which specifically regulates the security measures LinkedIn must comply with and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, direct requests for information or deletion directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (particularly the right to information, deletion, objection, and to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by our agreements with LinkedIn. The joint responsibility is limited to the collection of data and its transmission to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, particularly concerning the transfer of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA;
    Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.linkedin.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland).
    Opt-Out:
    https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

Chatbots and chat functions

We provide online chats and chatbot functions as a means of communication (together referred to as “Chat Services”). A chat is an online conversation that is conducted with a certain degree of immediacy. A chatbot is software that answers users’ questions or informs them about messages. If you use our chat functions, we may process your personal data.

If you use our Chat Services within an online platform, your identification number is also stored within the respective platform. We may also collect information about which users interact with our Chat Services and when. Furthermore, we store the content of your conversations via the Chat Services and log registration and consent processes in order to be able to prove these in accordance with legal requirements.

We would like to inform users that the respective platform provider can find out that and when users communicate with our Chat Services and can collect technical information about the user’s device used and, depending on the settings of their device, also location information (so-called metadata) for the purpose of optimising the respective services and for security purposes. Likewise, the metadata of communication via Chat Services (i.e., information about who has communicated with whom) could be used by the respective platform providers for marketing purposes or to display advertising tailored to users in accordance with their regulations, to which we refer for further information.

If users agree to activate information with regular messages to a chatbot, they have the possibility to unsubscribe from the information for the future at any time. The chatbot points out to users how and with which terms they can unsubscribe the messages. By unsubscribing from the chatbot messages, Users’ data is deleted from the directory of message recipients.

We use the aforementioned information to operate our Chat Services, e.g. to address users personally, to answer their inquiries, to transmit any requested content and also to improve our Chat Services (e.g. to “teach” chatbots answers to frequently asked questions or to identify unanswered inquiries).

Information on Legal basis: We use the Chat Services on the basis of a consent if we first obtain the permission of the users to process their data by the Chat Services (this applies in cases where users are asked for consent, e.g. so that a chatbot regularly sends them messages). If we use Chat Services to answer user queries about our services or our company, this is done for contractual and pre-contractual communication. In addition, we use Chat Services based on our legitimate interests in optimizing the Chat Services, its operating efficiency and enhancing the positive user experience.

Withdrawal, objection and deletion: You can revoke a given consent at any time or contradict the processing of your data in the context of our chatbot use.

  • Processed data types: Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.).
  • Purposes of processing: Communication.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Reamaze (Chat): Reamaze is a comprehensive customer service and support platform. Reamaze offers numerous capabilities, including multi-channel support (email, live chat, social media), ticketing systems, automations for common requests, real-time customer interactions, integration with third-party tools (such as Shopify, Slack, and other CRM systems), customer feedback tools, analytics and reporting capabilities, and customizable self-service portals for customers.Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR)Data processing agreement: https://www.reamaze.com/dpa;
    Service provider: Legal, Office of the Data Privacy Officer, Reamaze c/o WeWork, Friesenplatz 4, 50672 Köln, Germany;
    Website:
    https://www.reamaze.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.godaddy.com/legal/agreements/privacy-policy.

Video Conferences, Online Meetings, Webinars and Screen-Sharing

We use platforms and applications of other providers (hereinafter referred to as “Conference Platforms”) for the purpose of conducting video and audio conferences, webinars and other types of video and audio meetings (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Conference”). When using the Conference Platforms and their services, we comply with the legal requirements.

Data processed by Conference Platforms: In the course of participation in a Conference, the Data of the participants listed below are processed. The scope of the processing depends, on the one hand, on which data is requested in the context of a specific Conference (e.g., provision of access data or clear names) and which optional information is provided by the participants. In addition to processing for the purpose of conducting the conference, participants’ Data may also be processed by the Conference Platforms for security purposes or service optimization. The processed Date includes personal information (first name, last name), contact information (e-mail address, telephone number), access data (access codes or passwords), profile pictures, information on professional position/function, the IP address of the internet access, information on the participants’ end devices, their operating system, the browser and its technical and linguistic settings, information on the content-related communication processes, i.e. entries in chats and audio and video data, as well as the use of other available functions (e.g. surveys). The content of communications is encrypted to the extent technically provided by the conference providers. If participants are registered as users with the Conference Platforms, then further data may be processed in accordance with the agreement with the respective Conference Provider.

Logging and recording: If text entries, participation results (e.g. from surveys) as well as video or audio recordings are recorded, this will be transparently communicated to the participants in advance and they will be asked – if necessary – for their consent.

Data protection measures of the participants: Please refer to the data privacy information of the Conference Platforms for details on the processing of your data and select the optimum security and data privacy settings for you within the framework of the settings of the conference platforms. Furthermore, please ensure data and privacy protection in the background of your recording for the duration of a Conference (e.g., by notifying roommates, locking doors, and using the background masking function, if technically possible). Links to the conference rooms as well as access data, should not be passed on to unauthorized third parties.

Notes on legal bases: Insofar as, in addition to the Conference Platforms, we also process users’ data and ask users for their consent to use contents from the Conferences or certain functions (e.g. consent to a recording of Conferences), the legal basis of the processing is this consent. Furthermore, our processing may be necessary for the fulfillment of our contractual obligations (e.g. in participant lists, in the case of reprocessing of Conference results, etc.). Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests in efficient and secure communication with our communication partners.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Images and/ or video recordings (e.g. photographs or video recordings of a person); Audio recordings; Log data (e.g. log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times.); Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.); Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); Persons depicted; Service recipients and clients. Prospective customers.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Communication; Office and organisational procedures. Provision of our online services and usability.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Cloud Services

We use Internet-accessible software services (so-called “cloud services”, also referred to as “Software as a Service”) provided on the servers of its providers for the storage and management of content (e.g. document storage and management, exchange of documents, content and information with certain recipients or publication of content and information).

Within this framework, personal data may be processed and stored on the provider’s servers insofar as this data is part of communication processes with us or is otherwise processed by us in accordance with this privacy policy. This data may include in particular master data and contact data of data subjects, data on processes, contracts, other proceedings and their contents. Cloud service providers also process usage data and metadata that they use for security and service optimization purposes.

If we use cloud services to provide documents and content to other users or publicly accessible websites, forms, etc., providers may store cookies on users’ devices for web analysis or to remember user settings (e.g. in the case of media control).

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Prospective customers; Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.); Business and contractual partners. Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Office and organisational procedures. Information technology infrastructure (Operation and provision of information systems and technical devices, such as computers, servers, etc.).).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Newsletter and Electronic Communications

We send newsletters, emails, and other electronic notifications (hereinafter “newsletters”) exclusively with the consent of the recipients or based on a legal basis. If the contents of the newsletter are specified during registration for the newsletter, these contents are decisive for the users’ consent. Normally, providing your email address is sufficient to sign up for our newsletter. However, to offer you a personalised service, we may ask for your name for personal salutation in the newsletter or for additional information if necessary for the purpose of the newsletter.

Deletion and restriction of processing: We may store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years based on our legitimate interests before deleting them to be able to demonstrate previously given consent. The processing of these data is limited to the purpose of potentially defending against claims. An individual request for deletion is possible at any time, provided that at the same time the former existence of consent is confirmed. In case of obligations to permanently observe objections, we reserve the right to store the email address solely for this purpose in a blocklist.

The logging of the registration process is based on our legitimate interests for the purpose of proving its proper execution. If we commission a service provider to send emails, this is done based on our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure mailing system.

Contents:

Information about us, our services, promotions and offers as well as news about WordPress and related topics.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.).
  • Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal).
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Opt-Out: You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e. revoke your consent or object to further receipt. You will find a link to cancel the newsletter either at the end of each newsletter or you can otherwise use one of the contact options listed above, preferably e-mail.

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • MailerSend: MailerSend is an email API platform for sending and managing transactional emails. The service offers numerous capabilities, including email templates, A/B testing, real-time analytics, deliverability monitoring, user-friendly API integration, team collaboration, and IP whitelisting and blacklisting. MailerSend enables integration with various third-party tools (such as Zapier, Slack and CRM systems) and also offers subscriber management features, spam protection and detailed reporting on email performance.Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);Data processing agreement: https://www.mailersend.com/legal/data-processing-addendum;
    Service provider: MailerSend, Inc. (228 Park Ave S, PMB 54955, New York, New York 10003-1502, USA;
    Website:
    https://www.mailersend.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.mailersend.com/legal/privacy-policy.
  • Mailster (Self-hosted): Mailster is a WordPress plugin for creating and managing email newsletters. The service offers numerous capabilities, including drag-and-drop editors for newsletter designs, automated email campaigns, detailed analytics and reporting, real-time statistics on open rates and click-through rates, and segmentation of recipients. Mailster makes it easy to manage subscribers and offers extensive functions for personalizing and optimizing email marketing campaigns.Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
    Website:
    https://mailster.co/.
  • Measurement of opening rates and click rates: The newsletters contain a so-called “web beacons”, which is a pixel-sized file that is retrieved from our server, or the server of the dispatch service provider if one is used, when the newsletter is opened. In the course of this retrieval, technical information such as details about the browser and your system, as well as your IP address and the time of access are collected. This information is used to technically improve our newsletter based on technical data or target audiences and their reading behavior, which can be determined by their access locations (identifiable by IP address) or access times. This analysis also includes determining whether and when newsletters are opened and which links are clicked. The information is assigned to individual newsletter recipients and stored in their profiles until deletion. The evaluations serve to recognize the reading habits of our users and adjust our content to them or send different content according to the interests of our users. The measurement of opening and click rates, as well as the storage of the measurement results in user profiles and their further processing, are based on user consent. Unfortunately, it is not possible to revoke success measurement separately; in this case, the entire newsletter subscription must be cancelled or objected to. In that case, stored profile information will be deleted;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Order process reminder emails: When users cancel an order process, we can send them a notice of the cancellation and remind them to continue. This function can be useful, for example, if the purchase process could not be continued due to a browser crash, oversight or forgetting. The dispatch is based on the legitimate interest, which the user can object to at any time. The legitimate interest here is that we assume that the customer should be reminded that he has not concluded a contract (if the cancellation was not intentional) and to give the customer the opportunity to remind him once of the uncompleted order process. legal basis: legitimate interest (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) SES: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space, computing capacities for email delivery); Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Standard Contractual Clauses: https://aws.amazon.com/en/service-terms/; Data Processing Agreement: https://aws.amazon.com/compliance/gdpr-center/;
    Service provider: Amazon Web Services EMEA SARL, 38 avenue John F. Kennedy, 1855, Luxembourg;
    Website:
    https://aws.amazon.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://aws.amazon.com/privacy/.

Commercial communication by E-Mail, Postal Mail, Fax or Telephone

We process personal data for the purposes of promotional communication, which may be carried out via various channels, such as e-mail, telephone, post or fax, in accordance with the legal requirements.

The recipients have the right to withdraw their consent at any time or to object to the advertising communication at any time.

After revocation or objection, we store the data required to prove the past authorization to contact or send up to three years from the end of the year of revocation or objection on the basis of our legitimate interests. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a possible defense against claims. Based on the legitimate interest to permanently observe the revocation, respectively objection of the users, we further store the data necessary to avoid a renewed contact (e.g. depending on the communication channel, the e-mail address, telephone number, name).

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers). Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.).
  • Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal); Marketing. Sales promotion.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • E-mail Sending and Hosting: The web hosting services we use also include sending, receiving and storing e-mails. For these purposes, the addresses of the recipients and senders, as well as other information relating to the sending of e-mails (e.g. the providers involved) and the contents of the respective e-mails are processed. The above data may also be processed for SPAM detection purposes. Please note that e-mails on the Internet are generally not sent in encrypted form. As a rule, e-mails are encrypted during transport, but not on the servers from which they are sent and received (unless a so-called end-to-end encryption method is used). We can therefore accept no responsibility for the transmission path of e-mails between the sender and reception on our server; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Security information:
    https://cloud.google.com/security/privacy;
    Website:
    https://www.google.com/gmail/about/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.google.com/policies/privacy.
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) SES: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space, computing capacities for email delivery); Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Standard Contractual Clauses: https://aws.amazon.com/en/service-terms/; Data Processing Agreement: https://aws.amazon.com/compliance/gdpr-center/;
    Service provider: Amazon Web Services EMEA SARL, 38 avenue John F. Kennedy, 1855, Luxembourg;
    Website:
    https://aws.amazon.com/.
    Privacy Policy:
    https://aws.amazon.com/privacy/.

Sweepstakes and Contests

We process the personal data of participants in We process personal data of participants in competitions, contents, raffles, prize-draws or sweepstakes (hereinafter referred to as “competitions”) only in compliance with the relevant data protection regulations and if the processing is contractually necessary for the provision, execution and handling of the competition, the participants have consented to the processing or the processing serves our legitimate interests (e.g. in the security of the competition or the protection of our interests against misuse by possible recording of IP addresses when submitting entries to the competition.

In the event that entries are published as part of the competitions (e.g. as part of a vote or presentation of the competition entries, or the winner or reporting on the competition), we would like to point out that the names of participants may also be published in this context. The participants can object to this at any time.

If the competitions take place within an online platform or a social network (e.g. Facebook or Instagram, hereinafter referred to as “online platform”), the usage and data protection provisions of the respective online platforms also apply. In such cases, we would like to point out that we are responsible for the information provided by the participants as part of the competition and that we must be contacted with regard to the competitions.

The data of the participants will be deleted as soon as the competition has ended and the data is no longer required to inform the winners or because questions about the competition can be expected. In general, the data of the participants will be deleted at the latest 6 months after the end of the competition. Winners’ data can be retained for a longer period of time, e.g. in order to answer questions about the prizes or to fulfil the prizes; in this case, the retention period depends on the type of prize and is up to three years for items or services, e.g. in order to be able to process warranty claims. Furthermore, the participants’ data may be stored for longer, e.g. in the form of coverage of the competition in online and offline media.

Insofar as data was collected for other purposes as part of the competition, its processing and storage period shall be governed by the privacy information for this use (e.g. in the case of registration for a newsletter as part of a competition).

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers). Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.).
  • Data subjects: Participants in sweepstakes and competitions.
  • Purposes of processing: Conducting sweepstakes and contests.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Surveys and Questionnaires

We conduct surveys and interviews to gather information for the survey purpose communicated in each case. The surveys and questionnaires (“surveys”) carried out by us are evaluated anonymously. Personal data is only processed insofar as this is necessary for the provision and technical execution of the survey (e.g. processing the IP address to display the survey in the user’s browser or to enable a resumption of the survey with the aid of a cookie).

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Participants.
  • Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Polls and Questionnaires (e.g. surveys with input options, multiple choice questions).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Web Analysis, Monitoring and Optimization

Web analytics (also referred to as “reach measurement”) is used to evaluate the visitor flows of our online services and may include pseudonymous values related to visitor behavior, interests, or demographic information such as age or gender. Through reach analysis, we can, for example, identify when our online services or their functions and content are most frequently used or likely to encourage repeat visits. It also enables us to determine which areas need optimization.

In addition to web analytics, we may also use testing procedures to test and optimize different versions of our online services or their components.

Unless otherwise specified below, profiles (i.e., data combined from a usage process) may be created for these purposes, and information can be stored in and later retrieved from a browser or device. The data collected includes, in particular, visited websites and elements used on them, as well as technical information such as the browser used, the computer system, and information about usage times. If users have given consent to the collection of their location data to us or to the providers of the services we use, the processing of location data is also possible.

Additionally, users’ IP addresses are stored. However, we use an IP masking process (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear user data (such as email addresses or names) is stored as part of web analytics, A/B testing, or optimization. Instead, pseudonyms are used. 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 respective procedures.

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

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Provision of our online services and usability. Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behaviour, use of cookies).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”. Storage of cookies for 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 Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to perform measurement and analysis of the use of our online services by users based on a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain any unique data, such as names or email addresses. It is used to assign analysis information to an end device in order to recognize which content users have accessed within one or various usage processes, which search terms they have used, have accessed again or have interacted with our online services. Likewise, the time of use and its duration are stored, as well as the sources of users referring to our online services and technical aspects of their end devices and browsers.In the process, pseudonymous profiles of users are created with information from the use of various devices, and cookies may be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses. Analytics does provide coarse geo-location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: City (and the derived latitude, and longitude of the city), Continent, Country, Region, Subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). For EU-based traffic, IP-address data is used solely for geo-location data derivation before being immediately discarded. It is not logged, accessible, or used for any additional use cases. When Analytics collects measurement data, all IP lookups are performed on EU-based servers before forwarding traffic to Analytics servers for processing;
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/en/about/analytics/;
    Security measures: IP Masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address);
    Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland);
    Opt-Out: Opt-Out-Plugin:
    https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en, Settings for the Display of Advertisements:
    https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
    Further Information:
    https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (Types of processing and data processed).
  • VG Word / Scalable Central measurement method: VG Word / Scalable Central measurement method – We use the METIS access counting of VG WORT to measure accesses to online texts that we provide to you through our service. We do this so that the likelihood of copying these texts can be captured. The likelihood of a text being copied forms the basis of a lawful distribution of remunerations according to the Copyright Act (UrhG) by VG WORT to the authors and publishers of these texts. For this purpose, a “counting mark” is integrated into the source code of the respective online text as part of the METIS access counting. This counting mark is a unique ID assigned to this particular text and ensures that when a text marked in this way is visited, an access to this text can be counted. Furthermore, as part of the METIS access counting, a client ID is formed and a so-called “METIS Session Cookie” is set for the user of the marked text. With the help of this client ID and the session cookie, it can be recognized whether the text has already been accessed by this user within a browser session or not. This is to prevent unlawful multiple counts of this text in the determination of its likelihood of copying. Neither the session cookie nor any other data is processed at any time as part of the METIS access counting. No individual users are identified at any time. Your identity always remains protected. You will not receive any advertising through the system;
    Service provider: Verwertungsgesellschaft WORT (VG WORT), Untere Weidenstraße 5, 81543 Munich, Germany;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.vgwort.de;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.vgwort.de/datenschutz.html.
    Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Germany).
  • Microsoft Clarity: Web analysis, measuring reach and analyzing user behavior in relation to the use and interests regarding functions and content as well as their duration of use based on a pseudonymous user identification number and profile creation;
    Service provider: Microsoft Irland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://clarity.microsoft.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Microsoft-Products-and-Services-Data-Protection-Addendum-DPA.
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland).

Online Marketing

We process personal data for the purposes of online marketing, which may include in particular the marketing of advertising space or the display of advertising and other content (collectively referred to as “Content”) based on the potential interests of users and the measurement of their effectiveness.

For these purposes, so-called user profiles are created and stored in a file (so-called “cookie”) or similar procedure is used by which the relevant user information for the display of the aforementioned content is stored. This information may include, for example, content viewed, websites visited, online networks used, communication partners and technical information such as the browser used, computer system used and information on usage times and used functions. If users have consented to the collection of their sideline data, these can also be processed.

The IP addresses of the users are also stored. However, we use provided IP masking procedures (i.e. pseudonymisation by shortening the IP address) to ensure the protection of the user’s by using a pseudonym. In general, within the framework of the online marketing process, no clear user data (such as e-mail addresses or names) is secured, but pseudonyms. This means that we, as well as the providers of online marketing procedures, do not know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles.

The information in the profiles is usually stored in the cookies or similar memorizing procedures. These cookies can later, generally also on other websites that use the same online marketing technology, be read and analyzed for purposes of content display, as well as supplemented with other data and stored on the server of the online marketing technology provider.

Exceptionally, clear data can be assigned to the profiles. This is the case, for example, if the users are members of a social network whose online marketing technology we use and the network links the profiles of the users in the aforementioned data. Please note that users may enter into additional agreements with the social network providers or other service providers, e.g. by consenting as part of a registration process.

As a matter of principle, we only gain access to summarised information about the performance of our advertisements. However, within the framework of so-called conversion measurement, we can check which of our online marketing processes have led to a so-called conversion, i.e. to the conclusion of a contract with us. The conversion measurement is used alone for the performance analysis of our marketing activities.

Unless otherwise stated, we kindly ask you to consider that cookies used will be stored for a period of two years.

Notes on revocation and objection:

We refer to the privacy policies of the respective service providers and the possibilities for objection (so-called “opt-out”). If no explicit opt-out option has been specified, it is possible to deactivate cookies in the settings of your browser. However, this may restrict the functions of our online offer. We therefore recommend the following additional opt-out options, which are offered collectively for each area:

a) Europe:
https://www.youronlinechoices.eu.

b) Canada:
https://www.youradchoices.ca/choices.

c) USA:
https://www.aboutads.info/choices.

d) Cross-regional:
https://optout.aboutads.info.

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behaviour, use of cookies); Affiliate Tracking; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Remarketing. Provision of our online services and usability.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”. Storage of cookies for 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 Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Google Ads and Conversion Tracking: Online marketing process for purposes of placing content and advertisements within the provider’s advertising network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on web pages, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the ads. Furthermore, we measure the conversion of the ads, i.e. whether the users took them as a reason to interact with the ads and make use of the advertised offers (so-called conversion). However, we only receive anonymous information and no personal information about individual users;
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://marketingplatform.google.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland);
    Further Information: Types of processing and data processed:
    https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Google Ads Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms and standard contractual clauses for data transfers to third countries:
    https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.
  • Google Ads Remarketing: Google Remarketing, also known as retargeting, is a technology that adds users who use an online service to a pseudonymous remarketing list so that users can be shown ads on other online services based on their visit to the online service;
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://marketingplatform.google.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland);
    Further Information: Types of processing and data processed:
    https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Google Ads Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms and standard contractual clauses for data transfers to third countries:
    https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

Affiliate-Programms und Affiliate-Links

Within our online services, we include so-called affiliate links or other references (which for example may include search forms, widgets or discount codes) to the offers and services of third parties (collectively referred to as “affiliate links”). When users follow affiliate links or subsequently take advantage of offers, we may receive commission or other benefits (collectively referred to as “commission”) from these third parties.

In order to be able to track whether the users have followed the offers of an affiliate link used by us, it is necessary for the respective third party to know that the users have followed an affiliate link used within our online services. The assignment of affiliate links to the respective business transactions or other actions (e.g., purchases) serves the sole purpose of commission settlement and is removed as soon as it is no longer required for this purpose.

For the purposes of the aforementioned affiliate link assignment, the affiliate links may be supplemented by certain values that may be a component of the link or otherwise stored, for example, in a cookie. The values may include in particular the source website (referrer), time, an online identifier of the operator of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identifier of the respective offer, the type of link used, the type of offer and an online identifier of the user.

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

  • Processed data types: Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Prospective customers. Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Affiliate Tracking.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Affiliate Program

We offer an affiliate program, i.e. we offer commissions or other benefits (collectively referred to as “Commission”) to users (collectively referred to as “Affiliates”) who refer to our offers and services. The reference is made through a link associated with the Affiliate or other methods (e.g., discount codes) that allow us to recognize that the use of our services was based on the reference (collectively referred to as “Affiliate Links”).

In order to track whether users have perceived our services based on affiliate links used by affiliates, it is necessary for us to know that users have followed an affiliate link. The assignment of affiliate links to the respective business transactions or other use of our services serves solely the purpose of Commission billing and will be cancelled as soon as it is no longer necessary for the purpose.

For the purposes of the aforementioned affiliate link assignment, the affiliate links may be supplemented by certain values that may be a component of the link or otherwise stored, for example, in a cookie. The values may include in particular the source website (referrer), time, an online identifier of the operator of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identifier of the respective service, the type of link used, the type of service and an online identifier of the user.

Information on legal basis: The processing of the data of our partners is carried out for the provision of our (pre)contractual services. The users’ data is processed on the basis of their consent.

  • Processed data types: Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Log data (e.g. log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services). Business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Affiliate Tracking.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Customer Reviews and Ratings

We participate in review and rating procedures to evaluate, optimise and advertise our performance. If users rate us via the participating rating platforms or methods or otherwise provide feedback, the General Terms and Conditions of Business or Use and the data protection information of the providers also apply. As a rule, the rating also requires registration with the respective provider.

In order to ensure that the evaluators have actually made use of our services, we transmit, with the consent of the customer, the necessary data relating to the customer and the service or products used to the respective rating platform (this includes the name, e-mail address, order number or article number). This data is used solely to verify the authenticity of the user.

  • Processed data types: Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients. Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Marketing.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Profiles in 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 would like to point out that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This may entail risks for users, e.g. by making it more difficult to enforce users’ rights.

In addition, user data is usually processed within social networks for market research and advertising purposes. For example, user profiles can be created on the basis of user behaviour and the associated interests of users. The user profiles can then be used, for example, to place advertisements within and outside the networks which are presumed to correspond to the interests of the users. For these purposes, cookies are usually stored on the user’s computer, in which the user’s usage behaviour and interests are stored. Furthermore, data can be stored in the user profiles independently of the devices used by the users (especially if the users are members of the respective networks or will become members later on).

For a detailed description of the respective processing operations and the opt-out options, please refer to the respective data protection declarations and information provided by the providers of the respective networks.

Also in the case of requests for information and the exercise of rights of data subjects, we point out that these can be most effectively pursued with the providers. Only the providers have access to the data of the users and can directly take appropriate measures and provide information. If you still need help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  • Processed data types: Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Public relations.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Facebook Pages: Profiles within the social network Facebook – We are jointly responsible (so called “joint controller”) with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection (but not the further processing) of data of visitors to our Facebook page. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see “Things that you and others do and provide” in the Facebook Data Policy:
    https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), and information about the devices used by users (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie information; see “Device Information” in the Facebook Data Policy:
    https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under “How we use this information?” Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, known as “page insights,” to site operators to help them understand how people interact with their pages and with content associated with them. We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook (“Information about Page-Insights”,
    https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum), which regulates in particular the security measures that Facebook must observe and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of the persons concerned (i.e. users can send information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook. Further information can be found in the “Information about Page Insights” (
    https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited;
    Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.facebook.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/.
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland).
  • LinkedIn: Social network – We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of visitor data, which is used to create “Page Insights” (statistics) for our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. It also includes details about the devices used, such as IP addresses, operating systems, browser types, language settings, and cookie data, as well as profile details of users, such as job function, country, industry, seniority, company size, and employment status. Privacy information regarding the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn’s privacy policy:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.We have entered into a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland (“Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum,”
    https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which specifically regulates the security measures LinkedIn must comply with and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, direct requests for information or deletion directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (particularly the right to information, deletion, objection, and to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by our agreements with LinkedIn. The joint responsibility is limited to the collection of data and its transmission to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, particularly concerning the transfer of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA;
    Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.linkedin.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland).
    Opt-Out:
    https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
  • YouTube: Social network and video platform;
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland).
    Opt-Out:
    https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.

Plugins and embedded functions and content

Within our online services, we integrate functional and content elements that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as “third-party providers”). These may, for example, be graphics, videos or city maps (hereinafter uniformly referred to as “Content”).

The integration always presupposes that the third-party providers of this content process the IP address of the user, since they could not send the content to their browser without the IP address. The IP address is therefore required for the presentation of these contents or functions. We strive to use only those contents, whose respective offerers use the IP address only for the distribution of the contents. Third parties may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as “web beacons”) for statistical or marketing purposes. The “pixel tags” can be used to evaluate information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website. The pseudonymous information may also be stored in cookies on the user’s device and may include technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, visit times and other information about the use of our website, as well as may be linked to such information from other sources.

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties); Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers). Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and usability; Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Security measures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users’ devices for a period of two years.).
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • reCAPTCHA: We integrate the “reCAPTCHA” function to be able to recognise whether entries (e.g. in online forms) are made by humans and not by automatically operating machines (so-called “bots”). The data processed may include IP addresses, information on operating systems, devices or browsers used, language settings, location, mouse movements, keystrokes, time spent on websites, previously visited websites, interactions with ReCaptcha on other websites, possibly cookies and results of manual recognition processes (e.g. answering questions asked or selecting objects in images). The data processing is based on our legitimate interest to protect our online services from abusive automated crawling and spam;
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, , parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.google.com/recaptcha/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
    Opt-Out: Opt-Out-Plugin:
    https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en, Settings for the Display of Advertisements:
    https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
  • YouTube videos: Video contents;
    Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, , parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA;

    Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.youtube.com;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy;
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
    Opt-Out: Opt-Out-Plugin:
    https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en, Settings for the Display of Advertisements:
    https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
  • hCaptcha: CAPTCHA service that is used to verify whether the data entered within our online services (e.g., on a login page or contact form) was entered by a human or an automated program. To this end, the service analyzes the behavior of the users of our online services based on various characteristics. This analysis starts automatically as soon as a user uses our online services. Various pieces of information are evaluated for the analysis (IP address, the visitor’s dwell time on the website or app, or mouse movements of the user, as well as technical information about the device and browser used by the user);
    Service provider: Intuition Machines, Inc. 350 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.hcaptcha.com/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.hcaptcha.com/privacy;
    Data Processing Agreement: Provided by the service provider.
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Standard Contractual Clauses (Provided by the service provider), Switzerland – Standard Contractual Clauses (Provided by the service provider).

Management, Organization and Utilities

We use services, platforms and software from other providers (hereinafter referred to as ” third-party providers”) for the purposes of organizing, administering, planning and providing our services. When selecting third-party providers and their services, we comply with the legal requirements.

Within this context, personal data may be processed and stored on the servers of third-party providers. This may include various data that we process in accordance with this privacy policy. This data may include in particular master data and contact data of users, data on processes, contracts, other processes and their contents.

If users are referred to the third-party providers or their software or platforms in the context of communication, business or other relationships with us, the third-party provider processing may process usage data and metadata that can be processed by them for security purposes, service optimisation or marketing purposes. We therefore ask you to read the data protection notices of the respective third party providers.

  • Processed data types: Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.). Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Office and organisational procedures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Processing of data in the context of employment relationships

In the context of employment relationships, the processing of personal data aims to effectively manage the establishment, execution, and termination of such relationships. This data processing supports various operational and administrative functions necessary for managing employee relations.

The data processing covers various aspects ranging from contract initiation to termination. Included are the organization and management of daily working hours, management of access rights and permissions, as well as handling personnel development measures and staff appraisals. The processing also serves payroll accounting and management of wage and salary payments, which represent critical aspects of contract execution.

Additionally, the data processing considers legitimate interests of the responsible employer, such as ensuring workplace safety or capturing performance data for evaluating and optimizing operational processes. Moreover, the data processing includes disclosing employee data in external communication and publication processes where necessary for operational or legal purposes.

The processing of this data always takes place with due regard for the applicable legal frameworks, aiming always to create and maintain a fair and efficient working environment. This also includes considering the privacy of affected employees, anonymizing or deleting data after fulfilling the processing purpose or according to legal retention periods.

  • Processed data types: Employee Data (Information about employees and other individuals in an employment relationship); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Social data (Data subject to a special social confidentiality obligation and processed, for example, by social insurance institutions, social welfare institutions or pension authorities.); Log data (e.g. log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times.); Performance and behavioural data (For example, performance and behavioural data aspects such as performance evaluations, feedback from supervisors, training attendance, compliance with company policies, self-assessments, and behavioural assessments.); Working hours data (e.g. start of work time, end of work time, actual working hours, target working hours, break times, overtime, vacation days, special leave days, sick days, absences, home office days, business trips); Salary data (e.g. basic salary, bonus payments, premiums, tax class information, surcharges for night work/overtime, tax deductions, social security contributions, net payout amount); Images and/ or video recordings (e.g. photographs or video recordings of a person); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Special categories of personal data: Health Data; Religious or philosophical beliefs. Trade union membership.
  • Data subjects: Employees (e.g. employees, job applicants, temporary workers, and other personnel.).
  • Purposes of processing: Establishment and execution of employment relationships (Processing of employee data in the context of the establishment and execution of employment relationships); Business processes and management procedures; Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Public relations; Security measures. Office and organisational procedures.
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR); Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Healthcare, occupational and social security processing of special categories of personal data (Article 9 (2)(h) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Time Recording: Processes for recording employees’ working hours include both manual and automated methods, such as the use of punch clocks, time tracking software, or mobile apps. Activities involved include entering clock-in and clock-out times, break times, overtime, and absences. To verify and validate the recorded working hours, they are compared with deployment or shift schedules, checked for absences, and approved for overtime by supervisors. Reports and analyses are generated based on the recorded working hours to provide work time records, overtime reports, and absence statistics for management and the human resources department;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Authorization Management: Procedures required for the definition, management, and control of access rights and user roles within a system or an organisation (e.g., creation of authorisation profiles, role- and access-based control, review and approval of access requests, regular review of access rights, tracking and auditing of user activities, creation of security policies and procedures);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Special categories of personal data: Special categories of personal data are processed in the context of employment relationships or to fulfil legal obligations. The processed special categories of personal data include information concerning the health, trade union membership, or religious affiliation of employees. This data may be transferred to health insurance companies or processed for assessing the employees’ work capacity, for corporate health management, or for declarations to the tax authorities;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Sources of Processed Data: Personal data received during the application process and/or employment relationship will be processed. Furthermore, where required by law, personal data will be collected from other sources. These may include financial authorities for tax-related information, the respective health insurance company for information on work incapacity, third parties such as employment agencies, or publicly accessible sources like professional social networks in the context of application procedures;

    Legal Basis: Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Purposes of Data Processing: The personal data of employees are primarily processed for the establishment, execution, and termination of the employment relationship. Furthermore, the processing of this data is necessary to fulfil legal obligations in the field of tax and social security law. In addition to these primary purposes, the data of employees are also used to meet regulatory and supervisory requirements, to optimise processes of electronic data processing, and to compile company-internal or cross-company data, possibly including statistical data. Moreover, the data of employees may be processed for the assertion of legal claims and defense in legal disputes;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Transmission of Employee Data: The data of employees is processed internally only by those departments that require it to fulfil operational, contractual, and legal obligations. The transfer of data to external recipients only occurs if it is legally required, or if the affected employees have given their consent. Possible scenarios for this can include requests for information from authorities or in the case of asset formation benefits. Furthermore, the controller may transfer personal data to further recipients as far as this is necessary for fulfilling his contractual and legal obligations as an employer. These recipients can include: a) banks b) health insurance companies, pension insurance institutions, providers of old-age provisions and other social insurance carriers c) authorities, courts (e.g., tax authorities, labour courts, further supervisory authorities within the framework of fulfilling reporting and information obligations) d) tax and legal advisors e) third-party debtors in the case of wage and salary garnishments f) other entities to which legally obligatory declarations must be made.In addition, data can be transferred to third parties if this is necessary for communication with business partners, suppliers or other service providers. Examples include details in the sender area of emails or letterheads as well as creating profiles on external platforms;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Business Travel and Travel Expense Settlement: Procedures required for planning, executing, and accounting for business trips (e.g., booking of travel, organizing accommodations and transportation, managing travel expense advances, submitting and reviewing travel expense reports, controlling and recording incurred costs, compliance with travel policies, handling of the travel expense management);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Payroll and wage accounting: Procedures required for calculating, disbursing, and documenting wages, salaries, and other remuneration for employees (e.g., recording of working hours, calculation of deductions and surcharges, remittance of taxes and social security contributions, preparation of payroll statements, management of wage accounts, reporting to the tax authorities and social security institutions);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR).
  • Personnel file management: Procedures required for the organisation, updating, and management of employee data and records (e.g., recording of basic personnel data, retention of employment contracts, certificates and attestations, updating data upon changes, compilation of documents for employee discussions, archiving of personnel files, compliance with data protection regulations);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR), Healthcare, occupational and social security processing of special categories of personal data (Article 9 (2)(h) GDPR).
  • Personnel development, performance evaluation, and staff appraisals: Procedures required in the area of employee promotion and development, as well as in assessing their performance and during employee discussions (e.g., needs analysis for further training, planning and implementation of training measures, creation of performance evaluations, conducting goal-setting and feedback discussions, career planning and talent management, succession planning);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR), Healthcare, occupational and social security processing of special categories of personal data (Article 9 (2)(h) GDPR).
  • Obligation to Provide Data: The person in charge informs the employees that the provision of their data is required. This is generally the case when the data are necessary for the establishment and execution of the employment relationship, or when their collection is mandated by law. The provision of data may also be required when employees assert claims or are entitled to claims. The implementation of these measures or fulfilment of services depends on the provision of such data (for example, providing data for the receipt of wages);

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Publication and Disclosure of Employee Data: The data of employees will only be published or disclosed to third parties if it is necessary for the performance of work tasks according to the employment contract. This applies, for example, when employees are named as contact persons in correspondences, on the website, or in public registers following an agreement or specified job description, or if their field of work includes representative functions. Similarly, this may occur if representation or communication with the public takes place as part of performing these tasks, such as image recordings during public relations activities. Otherwise, employee data is published only with their consent or based on the legitimate interests of the employer, for example, in the case of stage or group photographs taken during a public event;

    Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Job Application Process

The application process requires applicants to provide us with the data necessary for their assessment and selection. The information required can be found in the job description or, in the case of online forms, in the information contained therein.

In principle, the required information includes personal information such as name, address, a contact option and proof of the qualifications required for a particular employment. Upon request, we will be happy to provide you with additional information.

Where available, applicants are welcome to submit their applications via our online form, which is securely encrypted to the latest standards. Alternatively, applications can also be sent to us by email. However, we kindly remind you that emails are not inherently encrypted over the Internet. While emails are usually encrypted in transit, they are not encrypted on the servers from which they are sent and received. Therefore, we cannot assume responsibility for the security of the application during its transmission from the sender to our server.

Processing of special categories of data: To the extent that special categories of personal data (Article 9(1) GDPR, e.g., health data, such as disability status or ethnic origin) are requested from applicants or communicated by them during the application process, their processing is carried out so that the controller or the data subject can exercise rights arising from employment law and the law of social security and social protection, in the case of protection of vital interests of the applicants or other persons, or for purposes of preventive or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the employee’s work ability, for medical diagnosis, for the provision or treatment in the health or social sector, or for the management of systems and services in the health or social sector.

Ereasure of data: In the event of a successful application, the data provided by the applicants may be further processed by us for the purposes of the employment relationship. Otherwise, if the application for a job offer is not successful, the applicant’s data will be deleted. Applicants’ data will also be deleted if an application is withdrawn, to which applicants are entitled at any time. Subject to a justified revocation by the applicant, the deletion will take place at the latest after the expiry of a period of six months, so that we can answer any follow-up questions regarding the application and comply with our duty of proof under the regulations on equal treatment of applicants. Invoices for any reimbursement of travel expenses are archived in accordance with tax regulations.

Admission to a talent pool – Admission to a talent pool, if offered, is based on consent. Applicants are informed that their consent to be included in the talent pool is voluntary, has no influence on the current application process and that they can revoke their consent at any time for the future.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.). Job applicant details (e.g. Personal data, postal and contact addresses and the documents pertaining to the application and the information contained therein, such as cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates, etc., as well as other information on the person or qualifications of applicants provided with regard to a specific job or voluntarily by applicants).
  • Data subjects: Job applicants.
  • Purposes of processing: Job Application Process (Establishment and possible later execution as well as possible later termination of the employment relationship). Office and organisational procedures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion”.
  • Legal Basis: Job application process as a pre-contractual or contractual relationship (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • LinkedIn Recruiter: Job search and application related services within the LinkedIn platform;
    Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://www.linkedin.com;
    Terms & Conditions:
    https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/dpa.
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Adequacy decision (Ireland).
  • ClickUp: Project management – organization and administration of teams, groups, workflows, projects and processes;
    Service provider: Mango Technologies, Inc., 580 Howard St, Suite 101, San Francisco, California 94105, USA;

    Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR);

    Website:
    https://clickup.com/;
    Privacy Policy:
    https://clickup.com/privacy;
    Data Processing Agreement:
    https://clickup.com/terms/dpa.
    Basis for third-country transfers: EEA – Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland – Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Changes and Updates

We kindly ask you to inform yourself regularly about the contents of our data protection declaration. We will adjust the privacy policy as changes in our data processing practices make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require your cooperation (e.g. consent) or other individual notification.

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

Terminology and Definitions

In this section, you will find an overview of the terminology used in this privacy policy. Where the terminology is legally defined, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations, however, are primarily intended to aid understanding.

  • Affiliate Tracking: Affiliate tracking logs links that the linking websites use to refer users to websites with products or other offers. The owners of the respective linked websites can receive a commission if users follow these so-called “affiliate links” and subsequently take advantage of the offers (e.g. buy goods or use services). To this end, it is necessary for providers to be able to track whether users who are interested in certain offers subsequently follow the affiliate links. It is therefore necessary for the functionality of affiliate links that they are supplemented by certain values that become part of the link or are otherwise stored, e.g. in a cookie. The values include in particular the source website (referrer), time, an online identification of the owner of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identification of the respective offer, an online identifier of the user, as well as tracking specific values such as advertising media ID, partner ID and categorizations
  • Contact data: Contact details are essential information that enables communication with individuals or organizations. They include, among others, phone numbers, postal addresses, and email addresses, as well as means of communication like social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
  • Content Delivery Network (CDN): A “Content Delivery Network” (CDN) is a service with whose help contents of our online services, in particular large media files, such as graphics or scripts, can be delivered faster and more securely with the help of regionally distributed servers connected via the Internet.
  • Content data: Content data comprise information generated in the process of creating, editing, and publishing content of all types. This category of data may include texts, images, videos, audio files, and other multimedia content published across various platforms and media. Content data are not limited to the content itself but also include metadata providing information about the content, such as tags, descriptions, authorship details, and publication dates.
  • Contract data: Contract data are specific details pertaining to the formalisation of an agreement between two or more parties. They document the terms under which services or products are provided, exchanged, or sold. This category of data is essential for managing and fulfilling contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data may encompass the start and end dates of the contract, the nature of the agreed-upon services or products, pricing arrangements, payment terms, termination rights, extension options, and special conditions or clauses. They serve as the legal foundation for the relationship between the parties and are crucial for clarifying rights and duties, enforcing claims, and resolving disputes.
  • 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.
  • Conversion tracking: Conversion tracking is a method used to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing measures. For this purpose, a cookie is usually stored on the devices of the users within the websites on which the marketing measures take place and then called up again on the target website (e.g. we can thus trace whether the advertisements placed by us on other websites were successful).
  • Employees: As employees, individuals are those who are engaged in an employment relationship, whether as staff, employees, or in similar positions. Employment refers to a legal relationship between an employer and an employee, established through an employment contract or agreement. It entails the obligation of the employer to pay the employee remuneration while the employee performs their work. The employment relationship encompasses various stages, including establishment, where the employment contract is concluded, execution, where the employee carries out their work activities, and termination, when the employment relationship ends, whether through termination, mutual agreement, or otherwise. Employee data encompasses all information pertaining to these individuals within the context of their employment. This includes aspects such as personal identification details, identification numbers, salary and banking information, working hours, holiday entitlements, health data, and performance assessments.
  • Inventory data: Inventory data encompass essential information required for the identification and management of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles, and similar assignments. These data may include, among others, personal and demographic details such as names, contact information (addresses, phone numbers, email addresses), birth dates, and specific identifiers (user IDs). Inventory data form the foundation for any formal interaction between individuals and services, facilities, or systems, by enabling unique assignment and communication.
  • Log data: Protocol data, or log data, refer to information regarding events or activities that have been logged within a system or network. These data typically include details such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other specifics about the usage or operation of a system. Protocol data is often used for analyzing system issues, monitoring security, or generating performance reports.
  • Meta, communication and process data: Meta-, communication, and procedural data are categories that contain information about how data is processed, transmitted, and managed. Meta-data, also known as data about data, include information that describes the context, origin, and structure of other data. They can include details about file size, creation date, the author of a document, and modification histories. Communication data capture the exchange of information between users across various channels, such as email traffic, call logs, messages in social networks, and chat histories, including the involved parties, timestamps, and transmission paths. Procedural data describe the processes and operations within systems or organisations, including workflow documentations, logs of transactions and activities, and audit logs used for tracking and verifying procedures.
  • Payment Data: Payment data comprise all information necessary for processing payment transactions between buyers and sellers. This data is crucial for e-commerce, online banking, and any other form of financial transaction. It includes details such as credit card numbers, bank account information, payment amounts, transaction dates, verification numbers, and billing information. Payment data may also contain information on payment status, chargebacks, authorizations, and fees.
  • Performance and behavioural data:
    Performance and behavioral data refer to information related to how individuals perform tasks or behave within a certain context, such as in an educational, work, or social setting. This data may include metrics such as productivity, efficiency, quality of work, attendance, and adherence to policies or procedures. Behavioral data could encompass interactions with colleagues, communication styles, decision-making processes, and responses to various situations. These types of data are often used for performance evaluations, training and development purposes, and decision-making within organizations.
  • Personal Data: “personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (“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 or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
  • Processing: The term “processing” covers a wide range and practically every handling of data, be it collection, evaluation, storage, transmission or erasure.
  • Profiles with user-related information: The processing of “profiles with user-related information”, or “profiles” for short, includes any kind of automated processing of personal data that consists of using these personal data to analyse, evaluate or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include different information concerning demographics, behaviour and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.) (e.g. interests in certain content or products, click behaviour on a website or location). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes.
  • Remarketing: Remarketing” or “retargeting” is the term used, for example, to indicate for advertising purposes which products a user is interested in on a website in order to remind the user of these products on other websites, e.g. in advertisements.
  • Targeting: “Tracking” is the term used when the behaviour of users can be traced across several websites. As a rule, behavior and interest information with regard to the websites used is stored in cookies or on the servers of the tracking technology providers (so-called profiling). This information can then be used, for example, to display advertisements to users presumably corresponding to their interests.
  • Usage data: Usage data refer to information that captures how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. These data encompass a wide range of information that demonstrates how users utilise applications, which features they prefer, how long they spend on specific pages, and through what paths they navigate an application. Usage data can also include the frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information, and location data. They are particularly valuable for analysing user behaviour, optimising user experiences, personalising content, and improving products or services. Furthermore, usage data play a crucial role in identifying trends, preferences, and potential problem areas within digital offerings
  • Web Analytics: Web Analytics serves the evaluation of visitor traffic of online services and can determine their behavior or interests in certain information, such as content of websites. With the help of web analytics, website owners, for example, can recognize at what time visitors visit their website and what content they are interested in. This enables them, for example, to better adapt the content of their websites to the needs of their visitors. For the purposes of web analytics , pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online service.

Participation of Real Cookie Banner in the Transparency & Consent Framework (TCF)

We participate in the IAB Europe Transparency & Consent Framework and adhere to its specifications and guidelines. We operate the Real Cookie Banner Consent Management Platform with the identification number 367.