In accordance with the legal requirements of data protection law (in particular the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) as amended and the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)), we hereby inform you about the nature, scope, and purpose of the processing of personal data by our company. This privacy policy also applies to our websites and social media profiles. For the definition of terms such as “personal data” or “processing,” we refer to Art. 4 GDPR.
Name and contact details of the controller
Our controller (hereinafter “controller”) within the meaning of Art. 4 (7) GDPR is:
Types of data, purposes of processing, and categories of data subjects
Below, we provide information about the nature, scope, and purpose of the collection, processing, and use of personal data.
1. Types of data we process
Contact details (telephone number, email, fax, etc.),
2. Purposes of processing pursuant to Art. 13 (1) (c) GDPR
Improving user experience, designing a user-friendly website, compiling statistics, determining the likelihood of texts being copied, preventing spam and abuse, handling contact requests,
3. Categories of data subjects pursuant to Art. 13 (1) e) GDPR
Visitors/users of the website, interested parties. The data subjects are collectively referred to as “users.”
Legal basis for the processing of personal data
Below, we provide information about the legal basis for the processing of personal data:
1. If we have obtained your consent for the processing of personal data, Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR is the legal basis.
2. If the processing is necessary for the performance of a contract or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures taken at your request, Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR is the legal basis.
3. If processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject (e.g., statutory retention obligations), Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR is the legal basis.
4. If processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person, Art. 6 (1) (d) GDPR is the legal basis.
5. If processing is necessary to safeguard our legitimate interests or those of a third party and your interests or fundamental rights and freedoms do not override these interests, the legal basis is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.
Transfer of personal data to third parties and processors
We do not transfer any data to third parties without your consent. If this is the case, however, the transfer is based on the aforementioned legal bases, e.g., when transferring data to online payment providers for the purpose of fulfilling a contract, or due to a court order or a legal obligation to disclose the data for the purposes of criminal prosecution, averting danger, or enforcing intellectual property rights.
We also use processors (external service providers, e.g., for web hosting our websites and databases) to process your data. If data is passed on to processors within the framework of a data processing agreement, this is always done in accordance with Art. 28 GDPR. We select our processors carefully, monitor them regularly, and have been granted the right to issue instructions regarding the data. In addition, the processors must have taken appropriate technical and organizational measures and comply with the data protection regulations in accordance with the BDSG (German Federal Data Protection Act) as amended and the GDPR.
Data transfer to third countries
The adoption of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has created a uniform basis for data protection in Europe. Your data is therefore primarily processed by companies to which the GDPR applies. If processing is carried out by third-party services outside the European Union or the European Economic Area, these must meet the special requirements of Art. 44 ff. GDPR. This means that processing is carried out on the basis of special guarantees, such as the EU Commission’s official recognition of a level of data protection equivalent to that of the EU or compliance with officially recognized special contractual obligations, known as “standard contractual clauses.”
Insofar as we obtain your express consent to the transfer of data to the USA on the basis of the invalidity of the so-called “Privacy Shield” in accordance with Art. 49 (1) (a) GDPR, we would like to point out the risk of secret access by US authorities and the use of the data for surveillance purposes, possibly without any legal recourse for EU citizens.
Deletion of data and storage period
Unless expressly stated in this privacy policy, your personal data will be deleted or blocked as soon as you revoke your consent to processing or the purpose for storage no longer applies or the data is no longer required for the purpose, unless further storage is necessary for evidentiary purposes or statutory retention obligations prevent this. This includes, for example, commercial law retention obligations for business letters in accordance with Section 257 (1) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) (6 years) and tax law retention obligations for receipts in accordance with Section 147 (1) of the German Fiscal Code (AO) (10 years). When the prescribed retention period expires, your data will be blocked or deleted, unless storage is still necessary for the conclusion or fulfillment of a contract.
Existence of automated decision-making
We do not use automated decision-making or profiling.
Provision of our website and creation of log files
1. If you use our website for informational purposes only (i.e., without registering or otherwise transmitting information), we only collect the personal data that your browser transmits to our server. If you wish to view our website, we collect the following data:
• IP address;
• User’s Internet service provider;
• Date and time of access;
• Browser type;
• Language and browser version;
• Content of the request;
• Time zone;
• Access status/HTTP status code;
• Amount of data;
• Websites from which the request originates;
• Operating system.
This data is not stored together with other personal data about you.
2. This data serves the purpose of providing you with a user-friendly, functional, and secure website with functions and content, as well as for optimization and statistical evaluation.
3. The legal basis for this is our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR, which also lies in the above purposes.
4. For security reasons, we store this data in server log files for a storage period of days. After this period has expired, it is automatically deleted, unless we need to retain it for evidence purposes in the event of attacks on the server.
1. We use cookies when you visit our website. Cookies are small text files that your internet browser stores on your computer. When you visit our website again, these cookies provide information that allows us to recognize you automatically. Cookies also include “user IDs,” which store user information in pseudonymized profiles. When you visit our website, we inform you about the use of cookies for the aforementioned purposes and how you can object to this or prevent their storage (“opt-out”) by referring you to our privacy policy.
We distinguish between the following types of cookies:
• Necessary, essential cookies: Essential cookies are cookies that are absolutely necessary for the operation of the website in order to store certain functions of the website, such as logins, shopping carts, or user entries, e.g., regarding the language of the website.
• Session cookies: Session cookies are required to recognize multiple uses of an offer by the same user (e.g., when you have logged in to determine your login status). When you visit our site again, these cookies provide information to automatically recognize you. The information obtained in this way is used to optimize our offers and to make it easier for you to access our site. When you close your browser or log out, the session cookies are deleted.
• Persistent cookies: These cookies remain stored even after you close your browser. They are used to store your login, measure reach, and for marketing purposes. They are automatically deleted after a specified period, which may vary depending on the cookie. You can delete cookies at any time in your browser’s security settings.
• Third-party cookies (especially from advertisers): You can configure your browser settings according to your preferences and, for example, refuse to accept third-party cookies or all cookies. However, we would like to point out that you may not be able to use all the functions of this website if you do so. For more information about these cookies, please refer to the respective privacy policies of the third-party providers.
2. Data categories: User data, cookies, user ID (including the pages visited, device information, access times, and IP addresses).
3. Purposes of processing: The information obtained in this way is used to optimize our web offerings technically and economically and to provide you with easier and more secure access to our website.
4. Legal basis: If we process your personal data with the help of cookies on the basis of your consent (“opt-in”), then Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR is the legal basis. Otherwise, we have a legitimate interest in the effective functionality, improvement, and economic operation of the website, in which case Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR is the legal basis. The legal basis is also Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR if the cookies are set for the purpose of initiating a contract, e.g. for orders.
5. Storage period/deletion: The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required for the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of data collection for the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended. Otherwise, cookies are stored on your computer and transmitted to our site. Therefore, as a user, you also have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your Internet browser, you can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies. Cookies that have already been saved can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to use all the functions of the website to their full extent.
Hier finden Sie Informationen zur Löschung von Cookies nach Browsern:
Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
Safari: https://support.apple.com/de-at/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/de/kb/cookies-und-website-daten-in-firefox-loschen
Internet Explorer: https://support.microsoft.com/de-at/help/17442/windows-internet-explorer-deletemanage-cookies
Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/de-at/help/4027947/windows-delete-cookies
6. Objection and opt-out: You can generally prevent cookies from being stored on your hard drive, regardless of consent or legal permission, by selecting “do not accept cookies” in your browser settings. However, this may result in functional restrictions to our offers. You can object to the use of third-party cookies for advertising purposes via a so-called “opt-out” on this American website (https://optout.aboutads.info) or this European website (http://www.youronlinechoices.com/de/praferenzmanagement/).
Edit cookie settings or object to them:
Code or link to cookie banner
YouTube videos
1. We have integrated YouTube videos from youtube.com into our website using the embedded function so that they can be accessed directly on our website. YouTube is owned by Google Ireland Limited, registration number: 368047, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
2. Data category and description of data processing: Usage data (e.g., website accessed, content, and access times). We have integrated the videos in “extended privacy mode” without using cookies to track usage behavior in order to personalize video playback. Instead, video recommendations are based on the video currently being played. Videos played in enhanced privacy mode in an embedded player do not affect which videos are recommended to you on YouTube. When you start a video (by clicking on it), you consent to YouTube tracking the information that you have accessed the corresponding subpage or video on our website and using this data for advertising purposes.
3. Purpose of processing: Provision of a user-friendly service, optimization and improvement of our content.
4. Legal basis: If you have given your consent (“opt-in”) to the processing of your personal data by “etracker” from the third-party provider, then Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR is the legal basis. The legal basis is also our legitimate interest in data processing for the above purposes in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. For services provided in connection with a contract, the tracking and analysis of user behavior is carried out in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR in order to be able to offer optimized services for the fulfillment of the contractual purpose with the information obtained.
5. Data transfer/recipient category: Third-party providers in the USA. The data obtained is transferred to the USA and stored there. This also occurs without a user account with Google. If you are logged into your Google account, Google can assign the above data to your account. If you do not want this to happen, you must log out of your Google account. Google creates user profiles from such data and uses this data for the purposes of advertising, market research, or optimization of its websites.
6. Storage period: Cookies are stored for up to 2 years or until you, the user, delete them.
7. Objection: You have the right to object to Google creating user profiles. To do so, please contact Google directly via the privacy policy below. You can opt out of advertising cookies in your Google account here: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated.
8. You can find further information on the use of Google cookies and their advertising technologies, storage duration, anonymization, location data, functionality, and your rights in YouTube’s terms of use at https://www.youtube.com/t/terms and in Google’s privacy policy for advertising at https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads.
9. the use of Google cookies and their advertising technologies, storage duration, anonymization, location data, functionality, and your rights. Google’s general privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.
Präsenz in sozialen Medien
1. We maintain profiles and fan pages on social media. When you use and access our profile on the respective network, the respective privacy policy and terms of use of the respective network apply.
2. Data categories and description of data processing: usage data, contact data, content data, inventory data. Furthermore, user data within social networks is generally processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created based on user behavior and the resulting interests of users. The usage profiles can in turn be used, for example, to place advertisements within and outside the networks that are presumed to correspond to the interests of the users. For these purposes, cookies are usually stored on the users’ computers, in which the usage behavior and interests of the users are stored. Furthermore, data can also be stored in the usage profiles independently of the devices used by the users (especially if the users are members of the respective platforms and are logged in to them). For a detailed description of the respective forms of processing and the options for objection (opt-out) we refer you to the privacy policies and information provided by the operators of the respective networks. In the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we also point out that these can be most effectively asserted with the providers. Only the providers have access to the user data and can take appropriate measures and provide information directly. If you still need help, you can contact us.
3. Purpose of processing: Communication with users connected to and registered on social networks; information and advertising for our products, offers, and services; external representation and image cultivation; evaluation and analysis of users and content of our social media presence.
4. Legal basis: The legal basis for the processing of personal data is our legitimate interest in the above purposes pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. If you have given us or the social network operator consent to process your personal data, the legal basis is Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR in conjunction with Art. 7 GDPR.
a) in conjunction with Art. 7 GDPR.
5. Data transfer/recipient category: Social network.
6. The privacy policies, information options, and opt-out options of the respective networks/service providers can be found here:
• Facebook – Service provider: Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland) ; Website: www.facebook.com; Privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/, Opt-out: https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=ads and http://www.youronlinechoices.com; Objection: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/2061665240770586; Agreement on joint processing of personal data on Facebook pages (Art. 26 GDPR): https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum, data protection information for Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data.
• Instagram – Service provider: Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland) – Privacy policy/opt-out: https://help.instagram.com/519522125107875, objection: https://help.instagram.com/contact/186020218683230; Agreement on joint processing of personal data on Instagram pages (Art. 26 GDPR): https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum.
• LinkedIn – Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland) – Privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy, cookie policy and opt-out: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy
Social media plug-ins
1. We use social media plug-ins from social networks on our website. We use the so-called “two-click solution” Shariff from c’t and heise.de: https://www.heise.de/ct/artikel/Shariff-Social-Media-Buttons-mit-Datenschutz-2467514.html; Service provider: Heise Medien GmbH & Co. KG, Karl-Wiechert-Allee 10, 30625 Hanover, Germany; Privacy policy: https://www.heise.de/Datenschutzerklaerung-der-Heise-Medien-GmbH-Co-KG-4860.html.
2. Data category and description of data processing: Usage data, content data, inventory data. When you visit our website, Shariff does not transmit any personal data to the third-party providers of the social plug-ins. Next to the logo or brand of the social network, you will find a slider that you can click to activate the plug-in. This activation constitutes your consent in the form that the respective provider of the social network receives the information that you have accessed our website and that your personal data is transmitted to the provider of the plug-in and stored there. These are so-called third-party cookies. According to some providers, such as Facebook and XING, your IP address is immediately anonymized after collection. The plug-in provider stores the data collected about the user as usage profiles. You can revoke your consent at any time by deactivating the control.
3. Purpose of data processing: Improvement and optimization of our website; increasing our visibility through social networks; enabling interaction with you and other users via social networks; advertising, analysis, and/or needs-based design of the website.
4. Legal basis: The legal basis for the processing of personal data is our legitimate interest in the above purposes pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. If you have given us or the social network operator consent to process your personal data, the legal basis is Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR in conjunction with Art. 7 GDPR.
In the case of pre-contractual inquiries or the use of your personal data for the performance of a contract, the legal basis is Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR.
5. Data transfer/recipient category: Social network.
6. Social networks used and objection: With regard to the purpose and scope of data collection and processing, we refer to the respective privacy policies of the social networks. There you will also find information about your rights and settings options for protecting your personal data. You have the right to object to the creation of these user profiles, whereby you can exercise these rights directly with the respective plug-in provider.
Facebook
1. We have integrated plug-ins from the social network Facebook.com (EU headquarters: Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland) into our website as part of the so-called “two-click solution” from Shariff. You can recognize these by the Facebook logo “f” or the addition “Like,” “I like,” or “Share.”
2. As soon as you deliberately activate the Facebook plug-in, a connection is established between your browser and Facebook’s servers. Facebook receives information, including your IP address, that you have visited our website and transfers this information to Facebook’s servers in the USA, where it is stored. If you are logged into your Facebook account, Facebook can assign this information to your account. When you use the plug-in’s functions, e.g., by clicking the “Like” button, this information is also transmitted from your browser to Facebook’s servers in the USA, where it is stored and displayed on your Facebook profile and, if applicable, to your friends.
3. The purpose and scope of the data collection and its further processing and use by Facebook, as well as your rights in this regard and setting options for protecting your privacy, can be found in Facebook’s privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/. Data collection when using the “Like” button: https://www.facebook.com/help/186325668085084. You can manage and object to your settings regarding the use of your profile data for advertising purposes on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences/.
4. If you log out of Facebook before visiting our website and delete your cookies, no data about your visit to our website will be associated with your Facebook profile when you activate the plug-in.
5. Agreement on joint processing of personal data on Facebook pages (Art. 26 GDPR): https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum, privacy policy for Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data.
Instagram
1. We have integrated plug-ins from the social network Instagram (service provider: Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland) into our website as part of the so-called “two-click solution” from Shariff. You can recognize these by the Instagram logo in the form of a square camera.
2. If you deliberately activate the plug-in, a connection will be established between your browser and Instagram’s servers. Instagram will receive information, including your IP address, that you have visited our site and will transfer this information to Instagram’s servers in the USA, where it will be stored. If you are logged into your Instagram account, Instagram can assign this information to your account and you can click on the Instagram button to share and save the content of our pages on your Instagram account and, if applicable, show it to your friends there. We have no knowledge of the exact content of the data transmitted, its use, or its storage duration by Instagram.
3. If you log out of Instagram before visiting our website and delete your cookies, no data about your visit to our website will be associated with your Instagram profile when you activate the plug-in.
4. You can find further information in Instagram’s privacy policy/opt-out at / Opt-out: https://help.instagram.com/519522125107875, Objection: https://help.instagram.com/contact/186020218683230; Agreement on joint processing of personal data on Instagram pages (Art. 26 GDPR): https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum.
Rights of the data subject
1. Objection or revocation of the processing of your data
If the processing is based on your consent pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (a) and Art. 7 GDPR, you have the right to revoke your consent at any time. This does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out on the basis of your consent until revocation. If we base the processing of your personal data on the balancing of interests pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR, you may object to the processing. This is the case if the processing is not necessary in particular for the performance of a contract with you, which is described by us in the following description of the functions. When exercising such an objection, we ask you to explain the reasons why we should not process your personal data as we have done. In the event of your justified objection, we will examine the situation and either stop or adjust the data processing or point out to you our compelling legitimate reasons for continuing the processing.
You may object to the processing of your personal data for advertising and data analysis purposes at any time. You may exercise your right to object free of charge. You can inform us of your objection to advertising using the following contact details:
2. Right to information
You have the right to request confirmation from us as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed. If this is the case, you have the right to information about your personal data stored by us in accordance with Art. 15 GDPR. This includes, in particular, information about the purposes of processing, the category of personal data, the categories of recipients to whom your data has been or will be disclosed, the planned storage period, and the origin of your data, if it was not collected directly from you.
3. Right to rectification
You have the right to rectify inaccurate data or to complete correct data in accordance with Art. 16 GDPR.
4. Right to erasure
You have the right to erase your data stored by us in accordance with Art. 17 GDPR, unless this conflicts with statutory or contractual retention periods or other legal obligations or rights to further storage.
5. Right to restriction
You have the right to request a restriction on the processing of your personal data if one of the conditions in Art. 18 (1) (a) to (d) GDPR is met:
• If you dispute the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
• the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of their use instead;
• the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but you need it for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims; or
• you have objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR and it is not yet clear whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override your grounds.
6. Right to data portability
You have the right to data portability under Article 20 of the GDPR, which means that you can receive the personal data we have stored about you in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format or request that it be transferred to another controller.
7. Right to lodge a complaint
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. As a rule, you can contact the supervisory authority in the Member State of your habitual residence, your place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement.
Data security
We have taken appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect all personal data transmitted to us and to ensure that data protection regulations are complied with by us and our external service providers. For this reason, all data between your browser and our server is transmitted in encrypted form via a secure SSL connection.
As of: 09/02/2025