Privacy Policy
For us, Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH (Ferdinand Porsche Fernfachhochschule GmbH), and our parent company FERNFH Management & Service GmbH, data protection and your privacy are very important! We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it. To put this protection into practice as well as possible, this privacy policy gives you an overview of the technical background of how data is stored and how your data is managed and used.
By using the website, you confirm that you agree to and therefore accept the provisions of our privacy policy. If you do not wish to accept this privacy policy, please do not enter any personal data on this website. Help with suitable plug-ins and opt-out options can be found in the respective sections.
- Introduction and Overview
We have written this privacy policy (version 26.10.2026-112558660) in order to explain to you, in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and applicable national laws, which personal data (data for short) we as the controller – and the processors commissioned by us (e.g. providers) – process, will process in the future and what legal options you have. The terms used are to be considered gender-neutral.
In short: We provide you with comprehensive information about any of your personal data we process.Privacy policies usually sound very technical and use legal terminology. However, this privacy policy is intended to describe the most important things to you as simply and transparently as possible. So long as it aids transparency, technical terms are explained in a reader-friendly manner, links to further information are provided and graphics are used. We are thus informing in clear and simple language that we only process personal data in the context of our business activities if there is a legal basis for it. This is certainly not possible with brief, unclear and legal-technical statements, as is often standard on the internet when it comes to data protection. I hope you find the following explanations interesting and informative. Maybe you will also find some information that you have not been familiar with.
If you still have questions, we kindly ask you to contact the responsible body named below or in the imprint, follow the existing links and look at further information on third-party sites. You can of course also find our contact details in the imprint. - Scope
This privacy policy applies to all personal data processed by our company and to all personal data processed by companies commissioned by us (processors). With the term personal data, we refer to information within the meaning of Article 4 No. 1 GDPR, such as the name, email address and postal address of a person. The processing of personal data ensures that we can offer and invoice our services and products, be it online or offline. The scope of this privacy policy includes:
- all online presences (websites, online shops) that we operate
- Social media presences and email communication
- mobile apps for smartphones and other devices
In short: This privacy policy applies to all areas in which personal data is processed in a structured manner by the company via the channels mentioned. Should we enter into legal relations with you outside of these channels, we will inform you separately if necessary.
- Legal Bases
In the following privacy policy, we provide you with transparent information on the legal principles and regulations, i.e. the legal bases of the General Data Protection Regulation, which enable us to process personal data.
Whenever EU law is concerned, we refer to REGULATION (EU) 2016/679 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of April 27, 2016. You can of course access the General Data Protection Regulation of the EU online at EUR-Lex, the gateway to EU law, at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32016R0679.We only process your data if at least one of the following conditions applies:
- Consent (Article 6 Paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR): You have given us your consent to process data for a specific purpose. An example would be the storage of data you entered into a contact form.
- Contract (Article 6 Paragraph 1 lit. b GDPR): We process your data in order to fulfill a contract or pre-contractual obligations with you. For example, if we conclude a sales contract with you, we need personal information in advance.
- Legal obligation (Article 6 Paragraph 1 lit. c GDPR): If we are subject to a legal obligation, we will process your data. For example, we are legally required to keep invoices for our bookkeeping. These usually contain personal data.
- Legitimate interests (Article 6 Paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR): In the case of legitimate interests that do not restrict your basic rights, we reserve the right to process personal data. For example, we have to process certain data in order to be able to operate our website securely and economically. Therefore, the processing is a legitimate interest.
Other conditions such as making recordings in the interest of the public, the exercise of official authority as well as the protection of vital interests do not usually occur with us. Should such a legal basis be relevant, it will be disclosed in the appropriate place.
In addition to the EU regulation, national laws also apply:
- In Austria this is the Austrian Data Protection Act (Datenschutzgesetz), in short DSG.
- In Germany this is the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz), in short BDSG.
Should other regional or national laws apply, we will inform you about them in the following sections.
- Contact Details of the Controller
If you have any questions about data protection or the processing of personal data, you will find below the contact details of the controller in accordance with Article 4(7) of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
Ferdinand Porsche Fernfachhochschule GmbH
Ferdinand Porsche Ring 3
2700 Wiener Neustadt
ÖsterreichE-Mail: datenschutz(at)fernfh.ac.at
Phone: +43 2622 32600
Company details: https://www.fernfh.ac.at/impressum - Storage Period
It is a general criterion for us to store personal data only for as long as is absolutely necessary for the provision of our services and products. This means that we delete personal data as soon as any reason for the data processing no longer exists. In some cases, we are legally obliged to keep certain data stored even after the original purpose no longer exists, such as for accounting purposes.
If you want your data to be deleted or if you want to revoke your consent to data processing, the data will be deleted as soon as possible, provided there is no obligation to continue its storage.
We will inform you below about the specific duration of the respective data processing, provided we have further information.
- Rights under the General Data Protection Regulation
In accordance with Articles 13, 14 of the GDPR, we inform you about the following rights you have to ensure fair and transparent processing of data:
- According to Article 15 DSGVO, you have the right to information about whether we are processing data about you. If this is the case, you have the right to receive a copy of the data and to know the following information:
- for what purpose we are processing;
- the categories, i.e. the types of data that are processed;
- who receives this data and if the data is transferred to third countries, how security can be guaranteed;
- how long the data will be stored;
- the existence of the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing and the right to object to processing;
- that you can lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (links to these authorities can be found below);
- the origin of the data if we have not collected it from you;
- Whether profiling is carried out, i.e. whether data is automatically evaluated to arrive at a personal profile of you.
- You have a right to rectification of data according to Article 16 GDPR, which means that we must correct data if you find errors.
- You have the right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”) according to Article 17 GDPR, which specifically means that you may request the deletion of your data.
- According to Article 18 of the GDPR, you have the right to restriction of processing, which means that we may only store the data but not use it further.
- According to Article 20 of the GDPR, you have the right to data portability, which means that we will provide you with your data in a standard format upon request.
- According to Article 21 DSGVO, you have the right to object, which entails a change in processing after enforcement.
- If the processing of your data is based on Article 6(1)(e) (public interest, exercise of official authority) or Article 6(1)(f) (legitimate interest), you may object to the processing. We will then check as soon as possible whether we can legally comply with this objection.
- If data is used to conduct direct advertising, you may object to this type of data processing at any time. We may then no longer use your data for direct marketing.
- If data is used to conduct profiling, you may object to this type of data processing at any time. We may no longer use your data for profiling thereafter.
- According to Article 22 of the GDPR, you may have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing (for example, profiling).
- You have the right to lodge a complaint under Article 77 of the GDPR. This means that you can complain to the data protection authority at any time if you believe that the data processing of personal data violates the GDPR.
In short: you have rights – do not hesitate to contact the responsible party listed above with us!
If you believe that the processing of your data violates data protection law or your data protection rights have been violated in any other way, you can complain to the supervisory authority. For Austria, this is the data protection authority, whose website can be found at https://www.dsb.gv.at/. In Germany, there is a data protection officer for each federal state. For more information, you can contact the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI). The following local data protection authority is responsible for our company: the Austrian Data Protection Authority (Datenschutzbehörde, https://www.dsb.gv.at/).
- According to Article 15 DSGVO, you have the right to information about whether we are processing data about you. If this is the case, you have the right to receive a copy of the data and to know the following information:
- Data Transfer to Third Countries
We only transfer or process data to countries outside the scope of the GDPR (third countries) if you consent to this processing or if there is another legal permission. This is particularly true when processing is legally required or necessary for the performance of a contractual relationship, and in any case, only to the extent permitted by law. Your consent is in most cases the primary reason for us to process data in third countries. Processing of personal data in third countries such as the USA, where many software providers offer services and have their server locations, may mean that personal data is processed and stored in unexpected ways.
We explicitly point out that, according to the opinion of the European Court of Justice, there is currently only an adequate level of protection for data transfers to the USA if a US company processing personal data of EU citizens in the USA is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. More information can be found at: https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en
Data processing by US services that are not active participants in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework may result in data not being anonymized and processed, if applicable. Additionally, US government authorities may potentially have access to individual data. Furthermore, it may occur that collected data is linked with data from other services of the same provider, if you have a corresponding user account. Where possible, we try to use server locations within the EU, if offered.
We will inform you in the appropriate sections of this privacy policy in more detail about data transfers to third countries, if applicable.
- Security of Data Processing
In order to protect personal data, we have implemented both technical and organisational measures. We encrypt or pseudonymise personal data wherever this is possible. Thus, we make it as difficult as we can for third parties to extract personal information from our data.
Article 25 of the GDPR refers to “data protection by technical design and by data protection-friendly default” which means that both software (e.g. forms) and hardware (e.g. access to server rooms) appropriate safeguards and security measures shall always be placed. If applicable, we will outline the specific measures below.
TLS encryption with https
The terms TLS, encryption and https sound very technical, which they are indeed. We use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) to securely transfer data on the Internet.
This means that the entire transmission of all data from your browser to our web server is secured – nobody can “listen in”.We have thus introduced an additional layer of security and meet privacy requirements through technology design Article 25 Section 1 GDPR). With the use of TLS (Transport Layer Security), which is an encryption protocol for safe data transfer on the internet, we can ensure the protection of confidential information.
You can recognise the use of this safeguarding tool by the little lock-symbol, which is situated in your browser’s top left corner in the left of the internet address (e.g. examplepage.uk), as well as by the display of the letters https (instead of http) as a part of our web address.
If you want to know more about encryption, we recommend you to do a Google search for “Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure wiki” to find good links to further information. - Communications
Communications Overview
Affected parties: Anyone who communicates with us via phone, email or online form
Processed data: e. g. telephone number, name, email address or data entered in forms. You can find more details on this under the respective form of contact
Purpose: handling communication with customers, business partners, etc.
Storage duration: for the duration of the business case and the legal requirements
Legal basis: Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR (consent), Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR (contract), Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR (legitimate interests)If you contact us and communicate with us via phone, email or online form, your personal data may be processed.
The data will be processed for handling and processing your request and for the related business transaction. The data is stored for this period of time or for as long as is legally required.
Affected persons
The above-mentioned processes affect all those who seek contact with us via the communication channels we provide.
Telephone
When you call us, the call data is stored in a pseudonymised form on the respective terminal device, as well as by the telecommunications provider that is being used. In addition, data such as your name and telephone number may be sent via email and stored for answering your inquiries. The data will be erased as soon as the business case has ended and the legal requirements allow for its erasure.
Email
If you communicate with us via email, your data is stored on the respective terminal device (computer, laptop, smartphone, …) as well as on the email server. The data will be deleted as soon as the business case has ended and the legal requirements allow for its erasure.
Online forms
If you communicate with us using an online form, your data is stored on our web server and, if necessary, forwarded to our email address. The data will be erased as soon as the business case has ended and the legal requirements allow for its erasure.
Legal bases
Data processing is based on the following legal bases:
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent): You give us your consent to store your data and to continue to use it for the purposes of the business case;
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR (contract): For the performance of a contract with you or a processor such as a telephone provider, or if we have to process the data for pre-contractual activities, such as preparing an offer;
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests): We want to conduct our customer inquiries and business communication in a professional manner. Thus, certain technical facilities such email programs, Exchange servers and mobile network operators are necessary to efficiently operate our communications.
- Data Processing Agreement (DPA)
In this section, we would like to explain what a Data Processing Agreement is and why it is needed. As the term “Data Processing Agreement” is quite lengthy, we will often only use the acronym DPA here in this text. Like most companies, we do not work alone, but also use the services of other companies or individuals. By involving different companies or service providers, we may pass on personal data for processing. These partners then act as processors with whom we conclude a contract, the so-called Data Processing Agreement (DPA). Most importantly for you to know is that any processing of your personal data takes place exclusively according to our instructions and must be regulated by the DPA.
Who are the processors?
As a company and website owner, we are responsible for any of your data that is processed by us. In addition to the controller, there may also be so-called processors involved. This includes any company or person who processes your personal data. More precisely and according to the GDPR’s definition, this means: Any natural or legal person, authority, institution or other entity that processes your personal data is considered a processor. Processors can therefore be service providers such as hosting or cloud providers, payment or newsletter providers or large companies such as Google or Microsoft.
To make the terminology easier to comprehend, here is an overview of the GDPR’s three roles:
Data subject (you as a customer or interested party) → Controller (we as a company and contracting entity) → Processors (service providers such as web hosts or cloud providers)
Contents of a Data Processing Agreement
As mentioned above, we have concluded a DPA with our partners who act as processors. First and foremost, it states that the processor processes the data exclusively in accordance with the GDPR. The contract must be concluded in writing, although an electronic contract completion is also considered a “written contract”. Any processing of personal data only takes place after this contract is concluded. The contract must contain the following:
- indication to us as the controller
- obligations and rights of the controller
- categories of data subjects
- type of personal data
- type and purpose of data processing
- subject and duration of data processing
- location of data processing
Furthermore, the contract contains all obligations of the processor. The most important obligations are:
- ensuring data security measures
- taking possible technical and organisational measures to protect the rights of the data subject
- maintaining a data processing record
- cooperation with the data protection authority upon request
- performing a risk analysis for any received personal data
- subprocessors may only be appointed with the written consent of the controller
You can see an example of what a DPA looks like at https://gdpr.eu/data-processing-agreement/. This link shows a sample contract.
- Application Data
Application Data Summary
Affected Parties: Users applying for a job position with us
Purpose: Processing a job application procedure
Processed Data: Name, address, contact details, email address, phone number, proof of qualifications (certificates), potentially data of special categories.
Retention Period: For successful applications, data will be retained until the end of the employment relationship. Otherwise, the data will be deleted after the application process or stored for a certain period with your consent.
Legal Basis: Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent), legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR), Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (contract), Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR (processing special categories of data)What is application data?
You can apply for a job at our company via email, online form, or a recruiting tool. All data we receive and process as part of an application is considered application data. This includes personal data such as name, date of birth, address, and phone number.
Why do we process application data?
We process your data to carry out a proper selection process for the advertised position. Additionally, we may retain your application documents in our applicant archive. Often, we are impressed by a candidate and their application but cannot proceed with collaboration for various reasons. With your consent, we archive your documents so we can easily contact you for future opportunities in our company.
We assure you that we handle your data with the utmost care and always process it within the legal framework. Within our company, your data is only shared with individuals directly involved in your application process. In short: Your data is safe with us!
What data is processed?
For example, when you apply via email, we naturally receive personal data as mentioned above. Even the email address itself is considered personal data. During the application process, only data relevant to deciding whether we would like to welcome you to our team is processed.
The specific data processed depends primarily on the job listing. However, it usually includes your name, date of birth, contact details, and proof of qualifications. If you submit your application via an online form, the data is transmitted to us in encrypted form. If you send your application via email, this encryption does not occur, and we cannot take responsibility for the transmission method. Once the data is on our servers, we are responsible for its lawful handling.
During the application process, information about your health or ethnic origin may also be requested. This helps us comply with legal obligations related to labor law, social security, and social protection. These are considered special category data.
Here is a list of possible data we receive and process:
- Name
- Contact address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Information from cover letters and resumes
- Proof of qualifications (e.g., certificates)
- Special category data (e.g., ethnic origin, health data, religious beliefs)
- Usage data (visited websites, access data, etc.)
- Metadata (IP address, device information)
How long is the data stored?
If you join our team, your data will be further processed for employment purposes and retained at least until the employment relationship ends. All application documents will then become part of your employee file.
If we do not offer you the position, you decline our offer, or withdraw your application, we may retain your data for up to 6 months after the application process ends under legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). After that, both electronic data and physical documents will be fully deleted or destroyed. We retain your data, for example, to answer follow-up questions or to provide evidence of the application in case of legal disputes. If a legal dispute arises and we need the data beyond the 6-month period, we will delete it only when there is no longer any reason to retain it. If there are statutory retention obligations, we must store the data longer than 6 months.
Furthermore, we may retain your data longer if you provide explicit consent. This might be the case if we see potential for future collaboration. In such cases, your data will be included in our applicant pool. Of course, you can withdraw your consent for extended retention at any time. If no withdrawal is made and no new consent is given, your data will be deleted after a maximum of 2 years.
Legal Basis
The legal bases for processing your data are Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent), Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (contract or pre-contractual measures), Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR (legitimate interests), and Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR (processing special categories of data).
If we include you in our applicant tool, it is based on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). We emphasize that your consent to join our applicant pool is voluntary, does not affect the application process, and can be withdrawn at any time. The legality of processing until the point of withdrawal remains unaffected.
In cases where vital interests are at stake, data processing occurs under Art. 9(2)(c) GDPR. For purposes related to healthcare, occupational medicine, medical diagnosis, provision of health or social care, or the management of systems and services in health or social care, data is processed under Art. 9(2)(h) GDPR. If you voluntarily provide special category data, processing is based on Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR.
- Customer Data
Customer Data Overview
Affected parties: prospective students, students, alumni, companies, project & R&D partners, other contractual partners
Purpose: Performance of a contract for the provision of agreed services or prior to entering into such a contract, including associated communications.
Data processed: name, address, contact details, email address, telephone number, payment information (such as invoices and bank details), contract data (such as duration and subject matter of the contract), IP address, usage data, metadata
Storage period: the data will be erased as soon as they are no longer required for our business purposes and there is no legal obligation to process them.
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR), Contract (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. b GDPR)What is customer data?
In order to be able to offer our services and contractual services, we also process data of prospective students, students, alumni, companies, project & R&D partners and other contractual partners. This data always includes personal data. Customer data is all information that is processed on the basis of contractual or pre-contractual agreements so that the offered services can be provided. Customer data is therefore all the information we collect and process about our customers.
Why do we process customer data?
There are many reasons why we collect and process customer data. The main reason is that we simply need specific data to provide our services. Sometimes for example your email address may be enough. But if you purchase a product or service, we may e. g. also need data such as your name, address, bank details or other contract data. This data will subsequently be used for marketing and sales optimisation so that we can improve our overall service for our customers and clients. Another important reason for data processing is our customer service, which is very important to us. We want you to have the opportunity to contact us at any time with questions about our offers. Thus, we may need certain data such as your email address at the very least.
What data is processed?
Exactly which data is stored can only be shown by putting them in categories. All in all, it always depends on which of our services you receive. In some cases, you may only give us your email address so that we can e. g. contact you or answer your questions. In other instances, you may purchase one of our products or services. Then we may need significantly more information, such as your contact details, payment details and contract details.
Here is a list of potential data we may receive and process:
- Name
- Contact address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Your birthday
- Payment data (invoices, bank details, payment history, etc.)
- Contract data (duration, contents)
- Usage data (websites visited, access data, etc.)
- Metadata (IP address, device information)
How long is the data stored?
We erase corresponding customer data as soon as we no longer need it to fulfill our contractual obligations and purposes, and as soon as the data is also no longer necessary for possible warranty and liability obligations. This can for example be the case when a business contract ends. Thereafter, the limitation period is usually 3 years, although longer periods may be possible in individual cases. Of course, we also comply with the statutory retention requirements. Your customer data will certainly not be passed on to third parties unless you have given your explicit consent.
Legal Basis
The legal basis for the processing of your data is Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter a GDPR (consent), Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter b GDPR (contract or pre-contractual measures), Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f GDPR (legitimate interests) and in special cases (e. g. medical services) Art. 9 (2) lit. GDPR (processing of special categories).
In the case of protecting vital interests, data processing is carried out in accordance with Article 9 Paragraph 2 Letter c. GDPR. For the purposes of health care, occupational medicine, medical diagnostics, care or treatment in the health or social sectors or for the administration of systems and services in health or social sectors, the processing of personal data takes place in accordance with Art. 9 Para. 2 lit. h. GDPR. If you voluntarily provide data of these special categories, the processing takes place on the basis of Article 9 Paragraph 2 lit. a GDPR.
- Registration
Registration Overview
Affected parties: Anyone who registers to create an account with us, and logs in to use the account.
Processed data: Personal data such as email address, name, password and other data that is collected during registration, login and account use.
Purpose: For the provision of our services, as well as to communicate with clients or customers in the scope of our services.
Storage period: As long as the company account associated with the texts exists, plus a period of usually 3 years.
Legal bases: Article 6 paragraph 1 letter b GDPR (contract), Article 6 paragraph 1 letter a GDPR (consent), Article 6 paragraph 1 letter f GDPR (legitimate interests)If you register with us and provide any personal data, this data may be processed, possibly along with your IP address. Below you can explore what we mean by the rather broad term “personal data”.
Please only enter the data we need for the registration. In case you are registering on behalf of a third party, please only enter data for which you have the approval of the party you are registering for. If possible, use a secure password that you don’t use anywhere else and an email address that you check regularly.
In the following, we will inform you about the exact type of data processing we do. After all, we want you to feel at ease with the services we provide!
What is a registration?
When you register, we retain certain of your data in order to make it easy for you to log in with us online and use your account. An account with us has the advantage that you don’t have to re-enter everything every time. It saves time and effort and ultimately prevents any issues with the provision of our services.
Why do we process personal data?
In short, we process personal data to make account registration and usage possible for you.
If we didn’t do this, you would have to enter all your data each time, wait for our approval and then enter everything again. This strenuous process would probably not only irritate us a little, but also many of our dear clients and customers.Which data is processed?
Any data that you provided during registration or login and any data that you may enter as part of managing your account data.
During registration, we process the following types of data:
- First name
- Last name
- Email address
- Company name
- Street + house number
- Residence
- Postcode
- Country
During your registration, we process any data you enter, such as your username and password, along with data that is collected in the background such as your device information and IP addresses.
When using your account, we process any data you enter while using the account, as well as any data that is created while you use our services.
Storage time
We store the entered data for at least as long as the account associated with the data exists with us and is in use – and as long as there are contractual obligations between you and us. In case the contract ends, we retain the data until the respective claims get time-barred. Moreover, we store your data as long as we are subject to legal storage obligations, if applicable. Following that, we keep any accounting records (invoices, contract documents, account statements, etc.) of the contract for 10 years (§ 147 AO) and other relevant business documents for 6 years (§ 247 HGB) after accrual.
Right to object
You have registered, entered data and want to revoke the data processing? Not a problem. As you can see above, you retain this right under the General Data Protection Regulation also at and after registration, login or account creation with us. Contact the Data Protection Officer above to exercise your rights. If you already have an account with us, you can easily view and manage your data and texts in your account.
Legal Basis
By completing the registration process, you enter into a pre-contractual agreement with us, with the intention to conclude a contract of use for our platform (although there is no automatic payment obligation). You invest time to enter data and register and in return, we offer you our services after you log on to our system and view your customer account. We also meet our contractual obligations. Finally, we need to be able to email registered users about important changes. Article 6(1)(b) GDPR (implementation of pre-contractual measures, fulfilment of a contract) applies.
Where applicable, we will ask for your consent, e.g. in case you voluntarily provide more data than is absolutely necessary, or in case we may ask you if we may send you advertising. Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent) applies in this matter.
We also have a legitimate interest in knowing who who our clients or customers are, in order to get in touch if required. We also need to know who is using our services and whether they are being used in accordance with our terms of use, i.e. Article 6(1)(f) GDPR (legitimate interests) applies in this matter.
Registration with real names
Since business operations require us to know who our clients or customers are, registration is only possible with your real name (full name) and not with a pseudonym.
Registration with pseudonyms
You can use a pseudonym for the registration, which means you don’t have to register with your real name. This ensures that your real name cannot be processed by us.
Storage of the IP address
During registration, login and account use, we store your IP address for security reasons in order to be able to determine legitimate use.
Public Profile
User profiles are publicly visible, i.e. parts of the profiles can also be viewed on the Internet without the need to enter a username and password.
Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two Factor Authentication (2FA) offers additional security when logging in, as it prevents you from logging in without a smartphone, for example. This technical measure to secure your account protects you against the loss of data or unauthorised access, even if your username and password were leaked. During your registration process, login or within the account itself y
ou can find out which 2FA is used. - Web Hosting
Web hosting Overview
Affected parties: visitors to the website
Purpose: professional hosting of the website and security of operations
Processed data: IP address, time of website visit, browser used and other data. You can find more details on this below or at the respective web hosting provider.
Storage period: dependent on the respective provider, but usually 2 weeks
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is web hosting?
Every time you visit a website nowadays, certain information – including personal data – is automatically created and stored, including on this website. This data should be processed as sparingly as possible, and only with good reason. By website, we mean the entirety of all websites on your domain, i.e. everything from the homepage to the very last subpage (like this one here). By domain we mean example.uk or examplepage.com.
When you want to view a website on a screen, you use a program called a web browser. You probably know the names of some web browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.
The web browser has to connect to another computer which stores the website’s code: the web server. Operating a web server is complicated and time-consuming, which is why this is usually done by professional providers. They offer web hosting and thus ensure the reliable and flawless storage of website data.
Whenever the browser on your computer establishes a connection (desktop, laptop, smartphone) and whenever data is being transferred to and from the web server, personal data may be processed. After all, your computer stores data, and the web server also has to retain the data for a period of time in order to ensure it can operate properly.
Why do we process personal data?
The purposes of data processing are:
- Professional hosting of the website and operational security
- To maintain the operational as well as IT security
- Anonymous evaluation of access patterns to improve our offer, and if necessary, for prosecution or the pursuit of claims.li>
Which data are processed?
Even while you are visiting our website, our web server, that is the computer on which this website is saved, usually automatically saves data such as
- the full address (URL) of the accessed website (e. g. https://www.examplepage.uk/examplesubpage.html?tid=112558660)
- browser and browser version (e.g. Chrome 87)
- the operating system used (e.g. Windows 10)
- the address (URL) of the previously visited page (referrer URL) (e. g. https://www.examplepage.uk/icamefromhere.html/)
- the host name and the IP address of the device from the website is being accessed from (e.g. COMPUTERNAME and 194.23.43.121)
- date and time
- in so-called web server log files
How long is the data stored?
Generally, the data mentioned above are stored for two weeks and are then automatically deleted. We do not pass these data on to others, but we cannot rule out the possibility that this data may be viewed by the authorities in the event of illegal conduct.
In short: Your visit is logged by our provider (company that runs our website on special computers (servers)), but we do not pass on your data without your consent!
Legal basis
The lawfulness of processing personal data in the context of web hosting is justified in Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (safeguarding of legitimate interests), as the use of professional hosting with a provider is necessary to present the company in a safe and user-friendly manner on the internet, as well as to have the ability to track any attacks and claims, if necessary.
- Web Analytics
Web Analytics Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: visitors to the website
Purpose: Evaluation of visitor information to optimise the website.
Processed data: Access statistics that contain data such as access location, device data, access duration and time, navigation behaviour, click behaviour and IP addresses. You can find more details on this from the respective web analytics tool directly.
Storage period: depending on the respective web analytics tool used
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Web Analytics?
We use software on our website, which is known as web analytics, in order to evaluate website visitor behaviour. Thus, data is collected, which the analytic tool provider (also called tracking tool) stores, manages and processes. Analyses of user behaviour on our website are created with this data, which we as the website operator receive. Most tools also offer various testing options. These enable us, to for example test which offers or content our visitors prefer. For this, we may show you two different offers for a limited period of time. After the test (a so-called A/B test) we know which product or content our website visitors find more interesting. For such testing as well as for various other analyses, user profiles are created and the respective data is stored in cookies.
Why do we run Web Analytics?
We have a clear goal in mind when it comes to our website: we want to offer our industry’s best website on the market. Therefore, we want to give you both, the best and most interesting offer as well as comfort when you visit our website. With web analysis tools, we can observe the behaviour of our website visitors, and then improve our website accordingly for you and for us. For example, we can see the average age of our visitors, where they come from, the times our website gets visited the most, and which content or products are particularly popular. All this information helps us to optimise our website and adapt it to your needs, interests and wishes.
Which data are processed?
The exact data that is stored depends on the analysis tools that are being used. But generally, data such as the content you view on our website are stored, as well as e. g. which buttons or links you click, when you open a page, which browser you use, which device (PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.) you visit the website with, or which computer system you use. If you have agreed that location data may also be collected, this data may also be processed by the provider of the web analysis tool.
Moreover, your IP address is also stored. According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), IP addresses are personal data. However, your IP address is usually stored in a pseudonymised form (i.e. in an unrecognisable and abbreviated form). No directly linkable data such as your name, age, address or email address are stored for testing purposes, web analyses and web optimisations. If this data is collected, it is retained in a pseudonymised form. Therefore, it cannot be used to identify you as a person.
The storage period of the respective data always depends on the provider. Some cookies only retain data for a few minutes or until you leave the website, while other cookies can store data for several years.
Duration of data processing
If we have any further information on the duration of data processing, you will find it below. We generally only process personal data for as long as is absolutely necessary to provide products and services. The storage period may be extended if it is required by law, such as for accounting purposes for example for accounting.
Right to object
You also have the option and the right to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or third-party providers at any time. This works either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. For example, you can also prevent data processing by cookies by managing, deactivating or erasing cookies in your browser.
Legal basis
The use of Web Analytics requires your consent, which we obtained with our cookie popup. According to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a of the GDPR (consent), this consent represents the legal basis for the processing of personal data, such as by collection through Web Analytics tools.
In addition to consent, we have a legitimate interest in analysing the behaviour of website visitors, which enables us to technically and economically improve our offer. With Web Analytics, we can recognise website errors, identify attacks and improve profitability. The legal basis for this is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f of the GDPR (legitimate interests). Nevertheless, we only use these tools if you have given your consent.
Since Web Analytics tools use cookies, we recommend you to read our privacy policy on cookies. If you want to find out which of your data are stored and processed, you should read the privacy policies of the respective tools.
If available, information on special Web Analytics tools can be found in the following sections.
Google Analytics Privacy Policy
Google Analytics Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: Evaluation of visitor information to optimise the website.
Processed data: Access statistics that contain data such as the location of access, device data, access duration and time, navigation behaviour and click behaviour. You can find more details on this in the privacy policy below.
Storage period: Customizable, GA4 stores data for 14 months by default.
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Google Analytics?
On our website, we use the analytics tracking tool Google Analytics in the Google Analytics 4 (GA4) version provided by the American company Google Inc. For the European region, Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street Dublin 4, Ireland) is responsible for all Google services. Google Analytics collects data about your actions on our website. By combining various technologies such as cookies, device IDs, and login information, you can be identified as a user across different devices. This allows your actions to be analyzed across platforms as well.
For example, when you click on a link, this event is stored in a cookie and sent to Google Analytics. With the reports we receive from Google Analytics, we can better tailor our website and service to your needs. In the following, we will provide more information about the tracking tool and specifically inform you about the data processed and how you can prevent it.
Google Analytics is a tracking tool used for website traffic analysis. The basis for these measurements and analyses is a pseudonymous user identification number. This number does not include personally identifiable information such as name or address but is used to assign events to a device. GA4 utilizes an event-based model that captures detailed information about user interactions such as page views, clicks, scrolling, and conversion events. Additionally, GA4 incorporates various machine learning features to better understand user behavior and certain trends. GA4 employs modeling through machine learning capabilities, meaning that based on the collected data, missing data can be extrapolated to optimize the analysis and provide forecasts.
In order for Google Analytics to function properly, a tracking code is embedded in the code of our website. When you visit our website, this code records various events that you perform on our website. With GA4’s event-based data model, we, as website operators, can define and track specific events to obtain analyses of user interactions. This allows us to track not only general information such as clicks or page views but also specific events that are important for our business, such as submitting a contact form or making a purchase.
Once you leave our website, this data is sent to and stored on Google Analytics servers.
Google processes the data, and we receive reports on your user behavior. These reports can include, among others, the following:
- Audience reports: Audience reports help us get to know our users better and gain a more precise understanding of who is interested in our service.
- Advertising reports: Advertising reports make it easier for us to analyze and improve our online advertising.
- Acquisition reports: Acquisition reports provide helpful information on how we can attract more people to our service.
- Behavior reports: Here, we learn about how you interact with our website. We can track the path you take on our site and which links you click on.
- Conversion reports: Conversion refers to an action you take as a result of a marketing message, such as going from being a website visitor to becoming a buyer or newsletter subscriber. Through these reports, we gain insights into how our marketing efforts resonate with you, with the aim of improving our conversion rate.
- Real-time reports: With real-time reports, we can see what is currently happening on our website. For example, we can see how many users are currently reading this text.
In addition to the above-mentioned analysis reports, Google Analytics 4 also offers the following functions:
- Event-based data model: This model captures specific events that can occur on our website, such as playing a video, making a purchase, or subscribing to our newsletter.
- Advanced analytics features: With these features, we can gain a better understanding of your behavior on our website or certain general trends. For example, we can segment user groups, conduct comparative analyses of target audiences, or track your path on our website.
- Predictive modeling: Based on the collected data, missing data can be extrapolated through machine learning to predict future events and trends. This can help us develop better marketing strategies.
- Cross-platform analysis: Data collection and analysis are possible from both websites and apps. This enables us to analyze user behavior across platforms, provided you have consented to data processing.
Why do we use Google Analytics on our website?
Our goal with this website is clear: we want to provide you with the best possible service. The statistics and data from Google Analytics help us achieve this goal.
The statistically evaluated data gives us a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of our website. On one hand, we can optimize our site to make it more easily found by interested people on Google. On the other hand, the data helps us better understand you as a visitor. We know exactly what we need to improve on our website in order to provide you with the best possible service. The data also helps us conduct our advertising and marketing activities in a more personalized and cost-effective manner. After all, it only makes sense to show our products and services to people who are interested in them.
What data is stored by Google Analytics?
With the help of a tracking code, Google Analytics creates a random, unique ID associated with your browser cookie. This way, Google Analytics recognizes you as a new user, and a user ID is assigned to you. When you visit our site again, you are recognized as a “returning” user. All collected data is stored together with this user ID, making it possible to evaluate pseudonymous user profiles.
To analyze our website with Google Analytics, a property ID must be inserted into the tracking code. The data is then stored in the corresponding property. For each newly created property, the default is Google Analytics 4 Property. The data storage duration varies depending on the property used.
Through identifiers such as cookies, app instance IDs, user IDs, or custom event parameters, your interactions, if you have consented, are measured across platforms. Interactions encompass all types of actions you perform on our website. If you also use other Google systems (such as a Google account), data generated through Google Analytics can be linked to third-party cookies. Google does not disclose Google Analytics data unless we, as website operators, authorize it, except when required by law.
According to Google, IP addresses are not logged or stored in Google Analytics 4. However, IP address data is used by Google for deriving location data and is immediately deleted thereafter. All IP addresses collected from users in the EU are deleted before the data is stored in a data center or on a server.
Since GA4 focuses on event-based data, the tool uses significantly fewer cookies compared to previous versions such as Google Universal Analytics. However, there are still some specific cookies used by GA4. These can include:
Name: _ga
Value: 2.1326744211.152112558660-5
Purpose: By default, analytics.js uses the _ga cookie to store the user ID. It is used to distinguish website visitors.
Expiration: After 2 yearsName: _gid
Value: 2.1687193234.152112558660-1
Purpose: This cookie is also used to distinguish website visitors.
Expiration: After 24 hoursName: gat_gtag_UA Value: 1
Purpose: Used to reduce the request rate. If Google Analytics is deployed via Google Tag Manager, this cookie will be named dc_gtm .
Expiration: After 1 minuteNote: This list cannot claim to be exhaustive, as Google may change their choice of cookies from time to time. GA4 aims to improve data privacy and offers several options for controlling data collection. For example, we can determine the storage duration ourselves and control data.
Here we provide an overview of the main types of data collected by Google Analytics:
Heatmaps: Google creates heatmaps to show the exact areas you click on. This provides us with information about your interactions on our site.
Session Duration: Google refers to session duration as the time you spend on our site without leaving. If you are inactive for 20 minutes, the session automatically ends.
Bounce Rate: Bounce rate refers to when you view only one page on our website and then leave.
Account Creation: If you create an account or place an order on our website, Google Analytics collects this data.
Location: IP addresses are not logged or stored in Google Analytics. However, location data is derived shortly before the IP address is deleted.
Technical Information: Technical information includes your browser type, internet service provider, and screen resolution, among others.
Source of Origin: Google Analytics is interested in the website or advertisement that brought you to our site.
Additional data may include contact information, reviews, media playback (e.g., if you play a video on our site), sharing of content via social media, or adding to favorites. This list is not exhaustive and serves only as a general guide to the data storage by Google Analytics.
Where and how long are the data stored?
Google has servers distributed worldwide. You can find precise information about the locations of Google data centers at: https://datacenters.google/
Your data is distributed across multiple physical storage devices. This ensures faster access to data and better protection against manipulation. Each Google data center has emergency programs in place for your data. In the event of hardware failure or natural disasters, the risk of service interruption at Google remains low.
The retention period of data depends on the properties used. The storage duration is always set separately for each individual property. Google Analytics offers us four options for controlling the storage duration:
- 2 months: This is the shortest storage period.
- 14 months: By default, data is stored in GA4 for 14 months.
- 26 months: Data can also be stored for 26 months.
- Data is only deleted manually.
In addition, there is also the option for data to be deleted only if you do not visit our website within the selected time period. In this case, the retention period is reset every time you revisit our website within the defined time frame.
Once the defined period has expired, the data is deleted once a month. This retention period applies to data linked to cookies, user identification, and advertising IDs (e.g., cookies from the DoubleClick domain). Report results are based on aggregated data and are stored independently of user data. Aggregated data is a combination of individual data into larger units.
How can I delete my data or prevent data storage?
Under the data protection laws of the European Union, you have the right to access, update, delete, or restrict your data. By using the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics JavaScript (analytics.js, gtag.js), you can prevent Google Analytics 4 from using your data. You can download and install the browser add-on at: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en Please note that this add-on only disables data collection by Google Analytics.
If you want to disable, delete, or manage cookies in general, you can find the respective instructions for the most common browsers in the “Cookies” section.
Legal basis
The use of Google Analytics requires your consent, which we obtained through our cookie popup. According to Art. 6(1)(a) of the GDPR, this consent constitutes the legal basis for the processing of personal data that may occur during the collection by web analytics tools.
In addition to consent, we also have a legitimate interest in analyzing the behavior of website visitors to improve our offering technically and economically. By using Google Analytics, we can identify website errors, detect attacks, and improve efficiency. The legal basis for this is Art. 6(1)(f) of the GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use Google Analytics if you have given your consent.
Google processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Google uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Google commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
You can find the Google Ads Data Processing Terms, which refer to the Standard Contractual Clauses, at: https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/
We hope we have provided you with the most important information regarding the data processing by Google Analytics. If you want to learn more about the tracking service, we recommend the following links: https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics/terms/en/ and https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=en
If you want to learn more about data processing, you can refer to the Google Privacy Policy at: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en.
Data Processing Agreement (DPA) Google Analytics
In accordance with Article 28 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we have entered into a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with Google Analytics. What exactly a DPA is and especially what must be included in a DPA, you can read in our general section “Data Processing Agreement (DPA)”.
This contract is required by law because Google Analytics processes personal data on our behalf. It clarifies that Google Analytics may only process data they receive from us according to our instructions and must comply with the GDPR. You can find the link to the Data Processing Terms under https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/.
Google Analytics Reports on demographic characteristics and interests
We have turned on Google Analytics’ functions for advertising reports. These reports on demographic characteristics and interests contain details about age, gender and interests. Through them we can get a better picture of our users – without being able to allocate any data to individual persons. You can learn more about advertising functions at auf https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/3450482?hl=en&%3Butm_id=ad.
You can terminate the use of your Google Account’s activities and information in “Ads Settings” at https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated via a checkbox.
Google Analytics IP Anonymisation
We implemented Google Analytics’ IP address anonymisation to this website. Google developed this function, so this website can comply with the applicable privacy laws and the local data protection authorities’ recommendations, should they prohibit the retention of any full IP addresses.
The anonymisation or masking of IP addresses takes place, as soon as they reach Google Analytics’ data collection network, but before the data would be saved or processed.You can find more information on IP anonymisation at https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/2763052?hl=en.
Google Remarketing Privacy Policy
Google Remarketing Privacy Policy Summary
Affected parties: Website visitors
Purpose: Economic success and optimization of our service performance.
Processed data: Access statistics, including location data, device information, access duration and time, navigation behavior, and click behavior. Personal data such as IP addresses may also be processed.
Storage duration: Conversion cookies usually expire after 30 days.
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Google Remarketing?
We use Google Remarketing as an online marketing measure to promote our products and services. Our goal is to make more people aware of the high quality of our offerings online. As part of our advertising measures, we use Google Remarketing provided by Google Inc. In Europe, the company responsible for all Google services is Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland). This retargeting tool helps us better tailor and deliver our advertising to your interests and needs. In the following article, we will explain why we use Google Remarketing, what data is stored, and how you can prevent data storage.
Google Remarketing is a specialized online advertising method where targeted advertisements are displayed to users who have previously visited a specific website or app. This means that after visiting our website, the system recognizes which pages you viewed and your interests, enabling targeted online ads to be displayed based on this information. This works through the use of cookies and other tracking technologies that record your user behavior on our site and subsequently show relevant ads on other Google platforms (such as YouTube).
We are confident in the quality of our offerings and want as many people as possible to discover our website. In the online domain, Google Ads and its integrated Google Remarketing provide the best platform for this. Naturally, we also want a clear overview of the cost-effectiveness of our advertising campaigns, which is why we use Google Ads’ conversion tracking tool.
Why do we use Google Remarketing on our website?
We use Google Remarketing to highlight our offerings on other websites or Google platforms. The goal is to ensure our advertising campaigns reach only those genuinely interested in our offerings. With Google Remarketing, we can deliver targeted ads to you if you have previously visited our website and not completed a desired action. These ads aim to convince you that we have what you are looking for, thereby increasing the likelihood of further interaction or conversion. But what is a conversion? A conversion occurs when a purely interested website visitor becomes an acting visitor. This happens whenever you click on our ad and subsequently take another action, such as visiting our website.
This data helps us calculate our cost-effectiveness, measure the success of individual advertising efforts, and optimize our online marketing strategies. Additionally, the collected data allows us to make our website more engaging for you and customize our advertising offerings to your needs.
What data is stored by Google Remarketing?
We have integrated Google Remarketing into our website to analyze certain user actions better and display targeted ads. The data collected varies depending on the functions used and individual settings. Typically, information about which subpages you visit on our website, which products you view or purchase, how long you stay on a page, whether you abandon specific actions, or other conversions (purchase, button click, etc.) is collected.
As you can see, Google Remarketing primarily processes data related to your user behavior and does not process personal data such as names or email addresses. However, Google Remarketing processes your IP address, which is considered personal data under GDPR. Additionally, cookies or other tracking technologies may store information about your devices (browser, operating system, device type, etc.) and demographic data such as age or gender. All data is anonymized and aggregated to protect user privacy.
When you click on one of our Google Ads, the “Conversion” cookie is stored on your computer (usually in your browser) or mobile device. Cookies are small text files that store information on your computer.
Below are the details of the main cookies used for remarketing:
Name: Conversion
Value: EhMI_aySuoyv4gIVled3Ch0llweVGAEgt-mr6aXd7dYlSAGQ112558660-3
Purpose: This cookie stores every conversion you make on our site after arriving via a Google Ad.
Expiration: after 3 monthsName: _gac
Value: 1.1558695989.EAIaIQobChMIiOmEgYO04gIVj5AYCh2CBAPrEAAYASAAEgIYQfD_BwE
Purpose: This is a classic Google Analytics cookie used to record various actions on our website.
Expiration: after 3 monthsNote: The _gac cookie appears only in conjunction with Google Analytics. The above list is not exhaustive, as Google regularly uses additional cookies for analytical purposes.
Once you complete an action on our website, Google recognizes the cookie and records your action as a conversion. As long as you browse our site and the cookie has not expired, we and Google can recognize that you returned to our site via a Google Ads ad. The cookie is read and the conversion data is sent back to Google Ads. Other cookies may also be used to measure conversions. Google Remarketing and the associated tracking can be further refined and enhanced with Google Analytics. For ads displayed by Google across the web, cookies named “__gads” or “_gac” may be set under our domain. Since September 2017, various campaign information from analytics.js has been stored in the _gac cookie. This cookie stores this data whenever you visit a page for which automatic tag labeling in Google Ads has been configured. Unlike cookies set for Google domains, Google can only read these conversion cookies while you are on our website.
How long and where is the data stored?
Google has servers distributed worldwide. You can read exactly where Google data centers are located here: https://datacenters.google/
In general, Google processes data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes and as required by law. Please note that we have no control over how Google uses the data it collects. According to Google, data is encrypted and stored on secure servers. Most conversion cookies expire after 30 days and do not transmit personal data. The cookies named “Conversion” and “_gac” (used with Google Analytics) have an expiration date of 3 months.
How can I delete my data or prevent data storage?
You can opt out of Google Remarketing. By disabling Google Remarketing in your browser, you block tracking. In this case, you will not be included in the tool’s statistics. You can also change your browser’s cookie settings at any time. Each browser functions slightly differently. Under the “Cookies” section, you will find the corresponding links to the instructions for the most popular browsers.
If you generally do not want cookies, you can configure your browser to notify you whenever a cookie is set. This way, you can decide whether to allow or block each cookie. By downloading and installing this browser plug-in from https://support.google.com/ads/answer/7395996, you can disable all “advertising cookies.” Please note that disabling these cookies does not prevent ads but only personalized advertising.
In your Google account settings, under “Ads” or “Advertising,” you can disable personalized ads based on Google Remarketing. If you do not consent to data processing through Google Remarketing via the consent management tool on our website, no data will be collected.
Legal Basis
If you have consented to the use of Google Remarketing, the legal basis for this data processing is your consent. According to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), this consent serves as the legal basis for processing personal data, such as the IP address collected through Google Remarketing.
We also have a legitimate interest in using Google Remarketing to optimize our online services and marketing measures. The corresponding legal basis for this is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use Google Remarketing if you have given your consent.
Google processes your data, among other places, in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which ensures the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Google uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (= Art. 46 para. 2 and 3 GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are templates provided by the EU Commission to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards even when transferred to third countries (such as the USA) and stored there. Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Google commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an EU Commission implementation decision. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2021/914/oj?locale=de.
Google provides a data processing agreement under Art. 28 GDPR, which serves as the legal basis for our customer relationship with Google. This agreement refers to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses. Here you can find the data processing terms: https://business.safety.google/intl/de/adsprocessorterms/.
Learn more about the data processed through the use of Google Remarketing in the privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de.
Google Tag Manager Privacy Policy
Google Tag Manager Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: Organisation of individual tracking tools
Processed data: Google Tag Manager itself does not store any data. The data record tags of the web analytics tools used.
Storage period: depending on the web analytics tool used
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Google Tag Manager?
We use Google Tag Manager by the company Google Inc. (1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA 94043, USA) for our website.
This Tag Manager is one of Google’s many helpful marketing products. With it, we can centrally integrate and manage code sections of various tracking tools, that we use on our website.In this privacy statement we will explain in more detail, what Google Tag Manager does, why we use it and to what extent your data is processed.
Google Tag Manager is an organising tool with which we can integrate and manage website tags centrally and via a user interface. Tags are little code sections which e.g. track your activities on our website. For this, segments of JavaScript code are integrated to our site’s source text. The tags often come from Google’s intern products, such as Google Ads or Google Analytics, but tags from other companies can also be integrated and managed via the manager. Since the tags have different tasks, they can collect browser data, feed marketing tools with data, embed buttons, set cookies and track users across several websites.
Why do we use Google Tag Manager for our website?
Everybody knows: Being organised is important! Of course, this also applies to maintenance of our website. In order to organise and design our website as well as possible for you and anyone who is interested in our products and services, we rely on various tracking tools, such as Google Analytics.
The collected data shows us what interests you most, which of our services we should improve, and which other persons we should also display our services to. Furthermore, for this tracking to work, we must implement relevant JavaScript Codes to our website. While we could theoretically integrate every code section of every tracking tool separately into our source text, this would take too much time and we would lose overview. This is the reason why we use Google Tag Manager. We can easily integrate the necessary scripts and manage them from one place. Additionally, Google Tag Manager’s user interface is easy to operate, and requires no programming skills. Therefore, we can easily keep order in our jungle of tags.What data is stored by Google Tag Manager?
Tag Manager itself is a domain that neither uses cookies nor stores data. It merely functions as an “administrator“ of implemented tags. Data is collected by the individual tags of the different web analysis tools. Therefore, in Google Tag Manager the data is sent to the individual tracking tools and does not get saved.
However, with the integrated tags of different web analysis tools such as Google Analytics, this is quite different. Depending on the analysis tool used, various data on your internet behaviour is collected, stored and processed with the help of cookies. Please read our texts on data protection for more information on the articular analysis and tracking tools we use on our website.
We allowed Google via the account settings for the Tag Manager to receive anonymised data from us. However, this exclusively refers to the use of our Tag Manager and not to your data, which are saved via code sections. We allow Google and others, to receive selected data in anonymous form. Therefore, we agree to the anonymised transfer of our website data. However, even after extensive research we could not find out what summarised and anonymous data it is exactly that gets transmitted. What we do know is that Google deleted any info that could identify our website. Google combines the data with hundreds of other anonymous website data and creates user trends as part of benchmarking measures. Benchmarking is a process of comparing a company’s results with the ones of competitors. As a result, processes can be optimised based on the collected information.
How long and where is the data stored?
When Google stores data, this is done on Google’s own servers. These servers are located all over the world, with most of them being in America. At https://datacenters.google/ you can read in detail where Google’s servers are.
In our individual data protection texts on the different tools you can find out how long the respective tracking tools store your data.
How can I delete my data or prevent data retention?
Google Tag Manager itself does not set any cookies but manages different tracking websites’ tags. In our data protection texts on the different tracking tools you can find detailed information on how you can delete or manage your data.
Please note that when using this tool, your data may also be stored and processed outside the EU. Most third countries (including the USA) are not considered secure under current European data protection law. Data must not be transferred, stored and processed to insecure third countries, unless there are suitable guarantees (such as EU standard contractual clauses) between us and the non-European service provider.
Legal basis
The use of the Google Tag Manager requires your consent, which we obtained via our cookie popup. According to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), this consent is the legal basis for personal data processing, such as when it is collected by web analytics tools.
In addition to consent, we have a legitimate interest in analysing the behaviour of website visitors and thus technically and economically improving our offer. With the help of Google Tag Managers we can also improve profitability. The legal basis for this is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests). We only use Google Tag Manager if you have given us your consent.
Google processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Google uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Google commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
You can find the Google Ads Data Processing Terms, which refer to the Standard Contractual Clauses, at: https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/
If you want to learn more about Google Tag Manager, we recommend their FAQs at https://support.google.com/tagmanager/?hl=en#topic=3441530.
Data Processing Agreement (DPA) Google Tag Manager
In accordance with Article 28 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we have entered into a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with Google. What exactly a DPA is and especially what must be included in a DPA, you can read in our general section “Data Processing Agreement (DPA)”.
This contract is required by law because Google processes personal data on our behalf. It clarifies that Google may only process data they receive from us according to our instructions and must comply with the GDPR. You can find the link to the Data Processing Agreement under https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/.
Meta Conversions API Privacy Policy
Meta Conversions API Privacy Policy Summary
Affected parties: Website visitors
Purpose: Optimization of our service performance
Processed data: Data such as customer information, user behavior, device information, and your IP address.
More details can be found below in the privacy policy.
Storage duration: Until the data is no longer useful for Meta’s purposes
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is the Meta Conversions API?
We use Meta Conversions API on our website, a server-side event tracking tool. The service provider is the American company Meta Platforms Inc. For the European region, the responsible company is Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland).
The Meta Conversions API is a tool or function that can measure the performance of our advertising campaigns in real time. The API is an interface that connects our website with Meta and thus measures certain actions on our website. A conversion occurs when you, as a visitor to a website, perform a desired action. This can be, for example, clicking a button or filling out a registration form. This conversion tracking method is an alternative to the Meta Pixel and aims to optimize conversion tracking through precision and reliability. The API sends data directly from our server to Meta server-side. Personal data may also be processed in the process. In this privacy policy, we delve deeper into the data processing by us and Meta.
Why do we use the Meta Conversions API on our website?
We use the Meta Conversions API to improve the quality of our website, our offerings, and our advertising campaigns. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service. We want you to feel comfortable on our website and get exactly what you expect. To achieve this, we need to tailor our offerings as closely as possible to your needs and preferences. The Meta Conversions API helps us adapt to this effectively and customize content and offers. This flexibility allows us to consider various needs while improving our online presence. The data also helps us conduct our advertising measures more economically and individually. We aim to present our offerings only to people who are genuinely interested in them.
What data is stored by the Meta Conversions API?
Using the Meta Conversions API, we can collect and provide Meta with various data on events occurring on our website. The specific data stored and processed depends on our individual settings and the specific events and parameters. Generally, event data, user data, device data, and the time at which an event (e.g., button click) occurred are recorded and sent to Meta. Event data includes actions such as registration, product purchase, page views, or button clicks on our website. User data may include personal information such as IP address, name, address, or email address. Device data refers to your device type, operating system, browser, and screen resolution.
How long and where is the data stored?
In general, Meta stores data until it is no longer needed for its own services and Meta products. Meta has servers distributed worldwide where data is stored. Customer data, however, is deleted within 48 hours after being matched with its user data.
How can I delete my data or prevent data storage?
You have the right and opportunity to access your personal data at any time and object to its use and processing. You can also file a complaint with a government supervisory authority at any time. You can generally prevent data storage by not consenting to data processing via the Consent Management Tool. Meta Conversions API operates server-side, making data deletion different from client-side methods. Nevertheless, you can review and adjust the privacy and security settings in your browser and, if possible, block tracking resources (pixels, cookies, scripts).
Legal Basis
If you have consented to your data being processed and stored by the Meta Conversions API, this consent serves as the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). Your data is also generally stored and processed based on our legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) in effective and efficient communication with you or other customers and business partners. However, we only use the Meta Conversions API if you have given your consent.
Metaprocesses your data in the USA, among other places. Meta Platforms is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which governs the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Meta also uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (= Art. 46 para. 2 and 3 GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are templates provided by the EU Commission to ensure that your data also complies with European data protection standards when transferred to third countries (such as the USA) and stored there. Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Meta commits to complying with the European level of data protection when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an EU Commission implementation decision. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2021/914/oj?locale=de.
You can find Meta’s data processing terms, which refer to the Standard Contractual Clauses, at https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing.
Learn more about the data processed through the use of the Meta Conversions API in the privacy policy at https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy.
Meta-Pixel Privacy Policy
We use Facebook’s Meta pixel on our website. For that, we have implemented a code on our website. The Meta pixel is a segment of a JavaScript code, which, in case you came to our website via Facebook ads, loads an array or functions that enable Facebook to track your user actions. For example, if you buy a product on our website, the Facebook pixel is triggered and stores your actions on our website in one or more cookies. These cookies enable Facebook to match your user data (customer data such as IP address, user ID) with the data of your Facebook account. After that, Facebook deletes your data again. The collected data is anonymous as well as inaccessible and can only be used for ad placement purposes. If you are a Facebook user and you are logged in, your visit to our website is automatically assigned to your Facebook user account.
We exclusively want to show our products or services to persons, who are interested in them. With the aid of the Meta pixel, our advertising measures can get better adjusted to your wishes and interests. Therefore, Facebook users get to see suitable advertisement (if they allowed personalised advertisement). Moreover, Facebook uses the collected data for analytical purposes and for its own advertisements.
In the following we will show you the cookies, which were set on a test page with the Meta pixel integrated to it. Please consider that these cookies are only examples. Depending on the interaction that is made on our website, different cookies are set.
Name: _fbp
Value: fb.1.1568287647279.257405483-6112558660-7
Purpose: Facebook uses this cookie to display advertising products.
Expiration date: after 3 monthsName: fr
Value: 0aPf312HOS5Pboo2r..Bdeiuf…1.0.Bdeiuf.
Purpose: This cookie is used for Meta pixels to function properly.
Expiration date: after 3 monthsName: comment_author_50ae8267e2bdf1253ec1a5769f48e062112558660-3
Value: Name of the author
Purpose: This cookie saves the text and name of a user who e.g. leaves a comment.
Expiration date: after 12 monthsName: comment_author_url_50ae8267e2bdf1253ec1a5769f48e062
Value: https%3A%2F%2Fwww.testseite…%2F (URL of the author)
Purpose: This cookie saved the URL of the website that the user types into a text box on our website.
Expiration date: after 12 monthsName: comment_author_email_50ae8267e2bdf1253ec1a5769f48e062
Value: email address of the author
Purpose: This cookie saves the email address of the user, if they provided it on the website.
Expiration date: after 12 monthsNote: The above-mentioned cookies relate to an individual user behaviour. Moreover, especially concerning the usage of cookies, changes at Facebook can never be ruled out.
If you are registered on Facebook, you can change the settings for advertisements yourself at https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences/?entry_product=ad_settings_screen. If you are not a Facebook user, you can manage your user based online advertising at https://www.youronlinechoices.com/uk/your-ad-choices. You have the option to activate or deactivate any providers there.
Facebook processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Facebook respectively Meta Platforms is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Facebook uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Facebook commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
The Facebook Data Processing Term, which references the Standard Contractual Clauses, can be found at https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing.
If you want to learn more about Facebook’s data protection, we recommend you the view the company’s in-house data policies at https://www.facebook.com/policy.php.
Privacy Policy for Facebook‘s Automatic Advanced Matching
Along with Facebook’s pixel function, we have also activated Automatic Advanced Matching. This function allows us to send hashed emails, names, genders, cities, states, postcodes and dates of birth or telephone numbers as additional information to Facebook, provided you have made them available to us. This activation gives us the opportunity to customise advertising campaigns even better to persons who are interested in our services or products.
Microsoft Clarity Privacy Policy
We use the web analysis software Microsoft Clarity for our website. The provider of this service is the American company Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA.
Microsoft processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Microsoft is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Microsoft uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Microsoft commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
For more information on Microsoft’s Standard Contractual Clauses, see https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/compliance/regulatory/offering-eu-model-clauses.
You can find out more about the data that is processed by using Microsoft in their privacy policy at https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-US/privacystatement.
YouTube Analytics and Reporting API Privacy Policy
We use the web analysis tool YouTube Analytics and Reporting API on our website. The provider of this service is the American company Google Inc. The responsible entity for the European region is the Irish company Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street Dublin 4, Irland).
Google processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Google uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Google commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
You can find more information about the standard contractual clauses at Google at https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/.
Since YouTube is a subsidiary of Google, they share the same privacy policy. If you want to find out more about how your data is handled, we recommend you read the privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en.
- Email Marketing
Email Marketing Overview
Affected parties: newsletter subscribers
Purpose: direct marketing via email, notification of events that are relevant to the system
Processed data: data entered during registration, but at least the email address. You can find more details on this in the respective email marketing tool used.
Storage duration: for the duration of the subscription
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Email-Marketing?
We use email marketing to keep you up to date. If you have agreed to receive our emails or newsletters, your data will be processed and stored. Email marketing is a part of online marketing. In this type of marketing, news or general information about a company, product or service are emailed to a specific group of people who are interested in it.
If you want to participate in our email marketing (usually via newsletter), you usually just have to register with your email address. To do this, you have to fill in and submit an online form. However, we may also ask you for your title and name, so we can address you personally in our emails.
The registration for newsletters generally works with the help of the so-called “double opt-in procedure”. After you have registered for our newsletter on our website, you will receive an email, via which you can confirm the newsletter registration. This ensures that you own the email address you signed up with, and prevents anyone to register with a third-party email address. We or a notification tool we use, will log every single registration. This is necessary so we can ensure and prove, that registration processes are done legally and correctly. In general, the time of registration and registration confirmation are stored, as well as your IP address. Moreover, any change you make to your data that we have on file is also logged.
Why do we use Email-Marketing?
Of course, we want to stay in contact with you and keep you in the loop of the most important news about our company. For this, we use email marketing – often just referred to as “newsletters” – as an essential part of our online marketing. If you agree to this or if it is permitted by law, we will send you newsletters, system emails or other notifications via email. Whenever the term “newsletter” is used in the following text, it mainly refers to emails that are sent regularly. We of course don’t want to bother you with our newsletter in any way. Thus, we genuinely strive to offer only relevant and interesting content. In our emails you can e.g. find out more about our company and our services or products. Since we are continuously improving our offer, our newsletter will always give you the latest news, or special, lucrative promotions. Should we commission a service provider for our email marketing, who offers a professional mailing tool, we do this in order to offer you fast and secure newsletters. The purpose of our email marketing is to inform you about new offers and also to get closer to our business goals.
Which data are processed?
If you subscribe to our newsletter via our website, you then have to confirm your membership in our email list via an email that we will send to you. In addition to your IP and email address, your name, address and telephone number may also be stored. However, this will only be done if you agree to this data retention. Any data marked as such are necessary so you can participate in the offered service. Giving this information is voluntary, but failure to provide it will prevent you from using this service. Moreover, information about your device or the type of content you prefer on our website may also be stored. In the section “Automatic data storage” you can find out more about how your data is stored when you visit a website. We record your informed consent, so we can always prove that it complies with our laws.
Duration of data processing
If you unsubscribe from our e-mail/newsletter distribution list, we may store your address for up to three years on the basis of our legitimate interests, so we can keep proof your consent at the time. We are only allowed to process this data if we have to defend ourselves against any claims.
However, if you confirm that you have given us your consent to subscribe to the newsletter, you can submit an individual request for erasure at any time. Furthermore, if you permanently object to your consent, we reserve the right to store your email address in a blacklist. But as long as you have voluntarily subscribed to our newsletter, we will of course keep your email address on file.
Withdrawal – how can I cancel my subscription?
You have the option to cancel your newsletter subscription at any time. All you have to do is revoke your consent to the newsletter subscription. This usually only takes a few seconds or a few clicks. Most of the time you will find a link at the end of every email, via which you will be able to cancel the subscription. Should you not be able to find the link in the newsletter, you can contact us by email and we will immediately cancel your newsletter subscription for you.
Legal basis
Our newsletter is sent on the basis of your consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). This means that we are only allowed to send you a newsletter if you have actively registered for it beforehand. Moreover, we may also send you advertising messages on the basis of Section 7 (3) UWG (Unfair Competition Act), provided you have become our customer and have not objected to the use of your email address for direct mail.
If available – you can find information on special email marketing services and how they process personal data, in the following sections.
Brevo Privacy Policy
Brevo Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: newsletter subscribers
Purpose: direct marketing via email, notification of relevant events to the system
Processed data: data that was entered during registration, but at least email addresses.
Storage duration: for subscription duration
Legal bases: Art. 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Brevo?
On our website you can subscribe to our newsletter for free. For this to work, we use the Brevo email service for our newsletter. This is a service of the German company Sendinblue GmbH, Köpenicker street 126, 10179 Berlin. Brevo is an email marketing tool, among other things, that we can use to send you customised newsletters. With Brevo there is no need for us to install anything, all while we can still draw on a pool of really useful functions. In the following we will go into more detail about this email marketing service and inform you on the most important aspects that are relevant to data protection and privacy.
Why do we use Brevo?
The newsletter service also offers us helpful options for analysis purposes. This means that if we send a newsletter, we can for example find out whether and when you opened the newsletter. The software also detects and records which link you click in the newsletter. This information helps us enormously to adapt and optimise our service to your wishes and concerns. After all, we naturally want to offer you the best possible service. In addition to the data already mentioned above, data about your user behaviour is also stored.
Which data is processed by Brevo?
We are of course very pleased if you register for our newsletter. That way we can always let you know first-handedly what is going on in our company, so you can stay up to date. However, you should know that when you sign up for the newsletter, all data you enter (such as your email address or your first and last name) will be retained and managed on our server as well as at Brevo. This also applies to personal data. For example, in addition to the time and date of registration, your IP address is also stored. During registration, you also consent to being sent our newsletter. There will also be a reference to this Privacy Policy. Furthermore, data such as your click behaviour within the newsletter may also be processed.
How long and where are the data retained?
The data for the newsletter tool are stored on servers in Germany. Any retained data that could be used to identify you personally (i.e. personal data), are generally erased at Brevo no later than two years after our contractual relationship ends. You can also request the erasure of your data individually and at any time. Requests are processed within 30 days. Data that we collect and transmit to Brevo will be erased by us as soon as you unsubscribe from our newsletter.
Right to object
You have the option to cancel your newsletter subscription at any time. All you have to do is revoke your consent to your newsletter subscription. This normally only takes a few seconds or one or two clicks. Usually you will find a link at the end of every email to unsubscribe from the newsletter. If you genuinely cannot find the link in the newsletter, please email us and we will cancel your newsletter subscription immediately. After you unsubscribe, your personal data will be erased from our server as well as from Brevo’s servers located in Germany. You have the right to receive free information about your stored data and, where applicable, a right to erasure, restrict processing or rectification.
Legal basis
Our newsletter is sent by Brevo on the basis of your consent (Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR). Thus, we are only authorised to send you a newsletter if you have actively registered for it beforehand. If your consent is not required, the newsletter is sent to you on the basis of our legitimate interest in direct marketing (Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f), provided this is legally permitted. We record your registration process so we can prove compliance with the law at any time.
If you would like more information about data processing, we recommend the company’s Privacy Policy at https://www.brevo.com/legal/privacypolicy/.
- Social Media
Social Media Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: Service presentation and optimisation, staying in contact with visitors, interested parties, etc. as well as advertising
Processed data: data such as telephone numbers, email addresses, contact data, data on user behaviour, information about your device and your IP address.
You can find more details on this directly at the respective social media tool used.
Storage period: depending on the social media platforms used
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Social Media?
In addition to our website, we are also active on various social media platforms. For us to be able to target interested users via social networks, user data may be processed. Additionally, elements of social media platforms may be embedded directly in our website. This is e.g. the case if you click a so-called social button on our website and are forwarded directly to our social media presence. So-called social media are websites and apps on which registered members can produce and exchange content with other members, be it openly or in certain groups and networks.
Why do we use Social Media?
For years, social media platforms have been the place where people communicate and get into contact online. With our social media presence, we can familiarise interested people better with our products and services. The social media elements integrated on our website help you switch to our social media content quickly and hassle free.
The data that is retained and processed when you use a social media channel is primarily used to conduct web analyses. The aim of these analyses is to be able to develop more precise and personal marketing and advertising strategies. The evaluated data on your behaviour on any social media platform can help to draw appropriate conclusions about your interests. Moreover, so-called user profiles can be created. Thus, the platforms may also to present you with customised advertisements. For this, cookies are usually placed in your browser, which store data on your user behaviour.
We generally assume that we will continue to be responsible under Data Protection Law, even when using the services of a social media platform. However, the European Court of Justice has ruled that, within the meaning of Art. 26 GDPR, in certain cases the operator of the social media platform can be jointly responsible with us. Should this be the case, we will point it out separately and work on the basis of a related agreement. You will then find the essence of the agreement for the concerned platform below.
Please note that when you use social media platforms or our built-in elements, your data may also be processed outside the European Union, as many social media channels, such as Facebook or Twitter, are American companies. As a result, you may no longer be able to easily claim or enforce your rights regarding your personal data.
Which data are processed?
Exactly which data are stored and processed depends on the respective provider of the social media platform. But usually it is data such as telephone numbers, email addresses, data you enter in contact forms, user data such as which buttons you click, what you like or who you follow, when you visited which pages, as well as information about your device and IP address. Most of this data is stored in cookies. Should you have a profile on the social media channel you are visiting and are logged in, data may be linked to your profile.
All data that are collected via social media platforms are also stored on the providers’ servers. This means that only the providers have access to the data and can provide you with appropriate information or make changes for you.
If you want to know exactly which data is stored and processed by social media providers and how you can object to the data processing, we recommend you to carefully read the privacy policy of the respective company. We also recommend you to contact the provider directly if you have any questions about data storage and data processing or if you want to assert any corresponding rights.
Duration of data processing
Provided we have any further information on this, we will inform you about the duration of the data processing below. The social media platform Facebook example stores data until they are no longer needed for the company’s own purposes. However, customer data that is synchronised with your own user data is erased within two days. Generally, we only process personal data for as long as is absolutely necessary for the provision of our services and products. This storage period can also be exceeded however, if it is required by law, such as e.g. in the case of accounting.
Right to object
You also retain the right and the option to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or third-party providers such as embedded social media elements at any time. This can be done either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. You can e.g. also prevent data collection via cookies by managing, deactivating or erasing cookies in your browser.
Since cookies may be used with social media tools, we also recommend you to read our privacy policy on cookies. If you want to find out which of your data is stored and processed, we advise you to read the privacy policies of the respective tools.
Legal basis
If you have consented to the processing and storage of your data by integrated social media elements, this consent serves as the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). Generally, provided you have given your consent, your data will also be stored and processed on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) in maintaining fast and good communication with you and other customers and business partners. Nevertheless, we only use the tools if you have consented. Most social media platforms also set cookies on your browser to store data. We therefore recommend you to read our privacy policy on cookies carefully and to take a look at the privacy policy or cookie policy of the respective service provider.
in the following section you can find information on special social media platforms – provided this information is available.
Facebook Privacy Policy
Facebook Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: service optimisation
Processed data: data such as customer data, data on user behaviour, device information and IP address.
You can find more details in the Privacy Policy below.
Storage period: until the data no longer serves Facebook’s purposes
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What are Facebook tools?
We use selected Facebook tools on our website. Facebook is a social media network of the company Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2 Ireland. With the aid of this tool we can provide the best possible offers to you and anyone interested in our products and services.
If your data is collected and forwarded via our embedded Facebook elements or via our Facebook page (fanpage), both we and Facebook Ireland Ltd. are responsible for this. However, should any further processing occur, then Facebook is solely responsible for this data. Our joint commitments were also set out in a publicly available agreement at https://www.facebook. com / legal / controller_addendum . It e.g. states that we must clearly inform you about the use of Facebook tools on our website. We are also responsible for ensuring that the tools are securely integrated into our website and are in accordance with the applicable privacy laws. Facebook, on the other hand, is e.g. responsible for the data security of Facebook’s products. If you have any questions about Facebook’s data collection and processing, you can contact the company directly. Should you direct the question to us, we are obliged to forward it to Facebook.
In the following we will give you an overview on the different Facebook tools, as well as on what data is sent to Facebook and how you can erase this data.
Along with many other products, Facebook also offers so called “Facebook Business Tools”. This is Facebook’s official name for its tools, but it is not very common. Therefore, we decided to merely call them “Facebook tools”. They include the following:
- Facebook-Pixel
- Social Plugins (e.g. the “Like” or “Share“ button)
- Facebook Login
- Account Kit
- APIs (application programming interface)
- SDKs (Softwart developmept kits)
- Plattform-integrations
- Plugins
- Codes
- Specifications
- Documentations
- Technologies and Services
With these tools Facebook can extend its services and is able to receive information on user activities outside of Facebook.
Why do we use Facebook tools on our website?
We only want to show our services and products to people who are genuinely interested in them. With the help of advertisements (Facebook Ads) we can reach exactly these people. However, to be able to show suitable adverts to users, Facebook requires additional information on people’s needs and wishes. Therefore, information on the user behaviour (and contact details) on our website, are provided to Facebook. Consequently, Facebook can collect better user data and is able to display suitable adverts for our products or services. Thanks to the tools it is possible to create targeted, customised ad campaigns of Facebook.
Facebook calls data about your behaviour on our website “event data” and uses them for analytics services. That way, Facebook can create “campaign reports” about our ad campaigns’ effectiveness on our behalf. Moreover, by analyses we can get a better insight in how you use our services, our website or our products. Therefore, some of these tools help us optimise your user experience on our website. With the social plugins for instance, you can share our site’s contents directly on Facebook.
What data is stored by Facebook tools?
With the use of Facebook tools, personal data (customer data) may be sent to Facebook. Depending on the tools used, customer data such as name, address, telephone number and IP address may be transmitted.
Facebook uses this information to match the data with the data it has on you (if you are a Facebook member). However, before the customer data is transferred to Facebook, a so called “Hashing” takes place. This means, that a data record of any size is transformed into a string of characters, which also has the purpose of encrypting data.
Moreover, not only contact data, but also “event data“ is transferred. These data are the information we receive about you on our website. To give an example, it allows us to see what subpages you visit or what products you buy from us. Facebook does not disclose the obtained information to third parties (such as advertisers), unless the company has an explicit permission or is legally obliged to do so. Also, “event data“ can be linked to contact information, which helps Facebook to offer improved, customised adverts. Finally, after the previously mentioned matching process, Facebook deletes the contact data.
To deliver optimised advertisements, Facebook only uses event data, if they have been combined with other data (that have been collected by Facebook in other ways). Facebook also uses event data for the purposes of security, protection, development and research. Many of these data are transmitted to Facebook via cookies. Cookies are little text files, that are used for storing data or information in browsers. Depending on the tools used, and on whether you are a Facebook member, a different number of cookies are placed in your browser. In the descriptions of the individual Facebook tools we will go into more detail on Facebook cookies. You can also find general information about the use of Facebook cookies at https://www.facebook.com/policies/cookies.
How long and where are the data stored?
Facebook fundamentally stores data, until they are no longer of use for their own services and products. Facebook has servers for storing their data all around the world. However, customer data is cleared within 48 hours after they have been matched with their own user data.
How can I erase my data or prevent data retention?
In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) you have the right of information, rectification, transfer and deletion of your data.
The collected data is only fully deleted, when you delete your entire Facebook account. Deleting your Facebook account works as follows:
1) Click on settings in the top right side in Facebook.
2) Then, click “Your Facebook information“ in the left column.
3) Now click on “Deactivation and deletion”.
4) Choose “Permanently delete account“ and then click on “Continue to account deletion“.
5) Enter your password, click on “continue“ and then on “Delete account“.
The retention of data Facebook receives via our site is done via cookies (e.g. with social plugins), among others. You can deactivate, clear or manage both all and individual cookies in your browser. How this can be done differs depending on the browser you use. The following instructions show, how to manage cookies in your browser:
Chrome: Clear, enable and manage cookies in Chrome
Safari: Manage cookies and website data in Safari
Firefox: Clear cookies and site data in Firefox
Internet Explorer: Delete and manage cookies
Microsoft Edge: Delete cookies in Microsoft Edge
If you generally do not want to allow any cookies at all, you can set up your browser to notify you whenever a cookie is about to be set. This gives you the opportunity to decide upon the permission or deletion of every single cookie.
Legal basis
If you have consented to your data being processed and stored by integrated Facebook tools, this consent is the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). Generally, your data is also stored and processed on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) to maintain fast and good communication with you or other customers and business partners. Nevertheless, we only use these tools if you have given your consent. Most social media platforms also set cookies on your browser to store data. We therefore recommend you to read our privacy policy about cookies carefully and to take a look at the privacy policy or Facebook’s cookie policy.
Facebook processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Facebook respectively Meta Platforms is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Facebook uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Facebook commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
The Facebook Data Processing Term, which references the Standard Contractual Clauses, can be found at https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing.
We hope we could give you an understanding of the most important information about the use of Facebook tools and data processing. If you want to find out more on how Facebook use your data, we recommend reading the data policies at https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/update.
Facebook Social Plugins Privacy Policy
We installed so-called social plugins from Facebook Inc. to our website. You can recognise these buttons by the classic Facebook logo, the “Like” button (hand with raised thumb) or by a “Facebook plugin” label. A social plugin is a small part of Facebook that is integrated into our page. Each plugin has its own function. The most used functions are the well-known “Like” and “Share” buttons.
Facebook offers the following social plugins:
- “Save” button
- “Like” button, Share, Send and Quote
- Page plugin
- Comments
- Messenger plugin
- Embedded posts and video player
- Group Plugin
At https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins you will find more information on how the individual plugins are used. On the one hand, we use the social plug-ins to offer you a better user experience on our site, and on the other hand because Facebook can optimise our advertisements with it.
If you have a Facebook account or have already visited facebook.com, Facebook has already placed at least one cookie in your browser. In this case, your browser sends information to Facebook via this cookie as soon as you visit our website or interact with social plugins (e.g. the “Like” button).
The received information will be deleted or anonymised within 90 days. According to Facebook, this data includes your IP address, the websites you have visited, the date, time and other information relating to your browser.
In order to prevent Facebook from collecting much data and matching it with your Facebook data during your visit to our website, you must log out of Facebook while you visit our website.
If you are not logged in to Facebook or do not have a Facebook account, your browser sends less information to Facebook because you have fewer Facebook cookies. Nevertheless, data such as your IP address or which website you are visiting can be transmitted to Facebook. We would like to explicitly point out that we do not know what exact data is collected. However, based on our current knowledge, we want to try informing you as best we can about data processing. You can also read about how Facebook uses the data in the company’s data policy at https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/update.
At least the following cookies are set in your browser when you visit a website with social plugins from Facebook:
Name: dpr
Value: no information
Purpose:This cookie is used to make the social plugins work on our website.
Expiry date: after end of sessionName: fr
Value: 0jieyh4112558660c2GnlufEJ9..Bde09j…1.0.Bde09j
Purpose:The cookie is also necessary for the plugins to function properly
Expiry date: after 3 monthsNote: These cookies were set after our test and may be placed even if you are not a Facebook member.
If you are registered with Facebook, you can change your settings for advertisements yourself at https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences/?entry_product=ad_settings_screen. If you are not a Facebook user, you can go to https://www.youronlinechoices.com/uk/your-ad-choices/ and manage your usage-based online advertising. There you have the option to deactivate or activate providers.
If you want to learn more about Facebook’s data protection, we recommend the company’s own data policies at https://www.facebook.com/policy.php.
- Online Marketing
Online Marketing Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: visitors to the website
Purpose: Evaluation of visitor information for website optimisation
Processed data: Access statistics containing data such as access location, device data, access duration and time, navigation behaviour, click behaviour and IP addresses. Personal data such as name or email address may also be processed. You can find more details on this from the respective Online Marketing tool.
Storage period: depending on the Online Marketing tools used
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Online Marketing?
Online Marketing refers to all measures that are carried out online to achieve marketing goals, such as increasing brand awareness or doing business transactions. Furthermore, our Online Marketing measures aim to draw people’s attention to our website. In order to be able to show our offer to many interested people, we do Online Marketing. It mostly is about online advertising, content marketing or search engine optimisation. For this, personal data is also stored and processed, to enable us to use Online Marketing efficiently and targeted. On the one hand, the data help us to only show our content to people who are interested in it. On the other hand, it helps us to measure the advertising success of our Online Marketing measures.
Why do we use Online Marketing tools?
We want to show our website to everyone who is interested in our offer. We are aware that this is not possible without conscious measures being taken. That is why we do Online Marketing. There are various tools that make working on our Online Marketing measures easier for us. These also provide suggestions for improvement via data. Thus, we can target our campaigns more precisely to our target group. The ultimate purpose of these Online Marketing tools is to optimise our offer.
Which data are processed?
For our Online Marketing to work and to measure its success, user profiles are created and data are e.g. stored in cookies (small text files). With the help of this data, we can not only advertise in the traditional way, but also present our content directly on our website in the way you prefer. There are various third-party tools that offer these functions and thus collect and store your data accordingly. The aforementioned cookies e.g. store the pages you visit on our website, how long you view these pages, which links or buttons you click or which website you came from. What is more, technical information may also be stored. This may include e.g. your IP address, the browser and device you use to visit our website or the time you accessed our website as well as the time you left. If you have agreed for us to determine your location, we can also store and process it.
Your IP address is stored in pseudonymised form (i.e. shortened). What is more, distinct data that directly identify you as a person, such as your name, address or email address, are only stored in pseudonymised for advertising and Online Marketing purposes. With this data we cannot identify you as a person and only retain the pseudonymised information that is stored in your user profile.
Under certain circumstances, cookies may also be utilised, analysed and used for advertising purposes on other websites that use the same advertising tools. Thus, your data may then also be stored on the servers of the respective provider of the advertising tool.
In rare exceptions, unique data (name, email address, etc.) may also be stored in the user profiles. This can happen, if you are for example a member of a social media channel that we use for our Online Marketing measures and if the network connects previously received data with the user profile.
We only ever receive summarised information from the advertising tools we use that do store data on their servers. We never receive data that can be used to identify you as an individual. What is more, the data only shows how well-placed advertising measures have worked. For example, we can see what measures have caused you or other users to visit our website and purchase a service or product. Based on these analyses we can improve our advertising offer in the future and adapt it more precisely to the needs and wishes of people who are interested.
Duration of data processing
Below we will inform you on the duration of data processing, provided we have this information. In general, we only process personal data for as long as is absolutely necessary to provide our services and products. Data stored in cookies are retained for different lengths of time. Some cookies are deleted after you leave a website, while others may be stored in your browser for a number of years. However, in the respective privacy policies of the respective provider, you will usually find detailed information on the individual cookies this provider uses.
Right of withdrawal
You also retain the right and the option to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or third-party providers at any time. This can be done either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. You can for example also prevent data collection by cookies if you manage, deactivate or erase cookies in your browser. The legality of the processing remains unaffected to the point of revocation.
Since Online Marketing tools usually use cookies, we also recommend you to read our privacy policy on cookies. If you want to find out which of your data is stored and processed, you should read the privacy policies of the respective tools.
Legal basis
If you have consented to the use of third-party providers, then this consent is the legal basis for the corresponding data processing. According to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent) , this consent is the legal basis for personal data processing, as may be done when data is collected by online marketing tools.
Moreover, we have a legitimate interest in measuring our online marketing activities in anonymised form, in order to use this data for optimising our offer and our Marketing. The corresponding legal basis for this is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests) . Nevertheless, we only use these tools if you have given your consent.
Information on special online marketing tools can be found in the following sections, provided this information is available.
Google Marketing Platform (previously: DoubleClick) Privacy Policy
We use Google Marketing Platform products on our website. These include various marketing tools such as Data Studio, Surveys, Campaign Manager 360, Display & Video 360 and Search Ads 360. The provider of this service is the American company Google Inc. The responsible entity for all Google services in the European region is Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street Dublin 4, Ireland).
Google processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Google uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Google commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
The Google Ads Data Processing Terms, which reference the standard contractual clauses, can be found at https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/.
You can find out more about the data that is processed through the use of Google Marketing Platform products in their Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en-US.
LinkedIn Ads Privacy Policy
We also use the advertising service by LinkedIn Ads. The provider of this service is the American company LinkedIn Corporation, 1000 W Maude Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA.
LinkedIn processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. LinkedIn is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, LinkedIn uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, LinkedIn commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
You can find more information about the standard contractual clauses at LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/customer-sccs.
You can find out more about the data that is processed by LinkedIn in their Privacy Policy at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.
- Cookie Consent Management Platform
Cookie Consent Management Platform Overview
Affected parties: Website visitors
Purpose: Obtaining and managing consent to certain cookies and thus the use of certain tools
Processed data: data for managing cookie settings such as IP address, time of consent, type of consent and individual consent. You can find more details on this directly with the tool that is being used.
Storage period: depends on the tool used, periods of several years can be assumed
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is a cookie consent management platform?
We use a Consent Management Platform (CMP) software on our website that makes it easier for us and you to handle the scripts and cookies used correctly and securely. The software automatically creates a cookie pop-up, scans and controls all scripts and cookies, provides you with the cookie consent required under data protection law and helps you and us to keep track of all cookies. Most cookie consent management tools identify and categorize all existing cookies. As a website visitor, you then decide for yourself whether and which scripts and cookies you allow or not.
Why do we use a cookie management tool?
Our goal is to offer you the best possible transparency in the area of data protection. We are also legally obliged to do so. We want to inform you as well as possible about all tools and all cookies that can save and process your data. It is also your right to decide for yourself which cookies you accept and which you do not. In order to grant you this right, we first need to know exactly which cookies actually landed on our website. Thanks to a cookie management tool, which regularly scans the website for all cookies present, we know about all cookies and can provide you with GDPR-compliant information. You can then use the consent system to accept or reject cookies.
Which data are processed?
As part of our cookie management tool, you can manage each individual cookie yourself and have complete control over the storage and processing of your data. The declaration of your consent is stored so that we do not have to ask you every time you visit our website and we can also prove your consent if required by law. This is saved either in an opt-in cookie or on a server. The storage time of your cookie consent varies depending on the provider of the cookie management tool. Usually this data (e.g. pseudonymous user ID, time of consent, detailed information on the cookie categories or tools, browser, device information) is stored for up to two years.
Duration of data processing
We will inform you below about the duration of the data processing if we have further information. In general, we only process personal data for as long as is absolutely necessary for the provision of our services and products. Data stored in cookies are stored for different lengths of time. Some cookies are deleted after you leave the website, others may be stored in your browser for a few years. The exact duration of the data processing depends on the tool used, in most cases you should be prepared for a storage period of several years. In the respective data protection declarations of the individual providers, you will usually receive precise information about the duration of the data processing.
Right of objection
You also have the right and the option to revoke your consent to the use of cookies at any time. This works either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. For example, you can also prevent data collection by cookies by managing, deactivating or deleting cookies in your browser.
Information on special cookie management tools can be found – if available – in the following sections.
Legal basis
If you agree to cookies, your personal data will be processed and stored via these cookies. If we are allowed to use cookies with your consent (Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR), this consent is also the legal basis for the use of cookies and the processing of your data. In order to be able to manage the consent to cookies and to enable you to give your consent, a cookie consent management platform software is used. The use of this software enables us to operate the website in an efficient and legally compliant manner, which is a legitimate interest (Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR).
- Security & Anti-Spam
Security & Anti-Spam Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: for cyber security
Processed data: Data such as your IP address, name or technical data such as browser version
More details can be found below and in the individual privacy policies.
Duration of storage: In most cases, data is stored until it is no longer required in order to provide the service
Legal bases: Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Security & Anti-spam software?
So-called security & Anti-spam software can protect you and us from various spam or phishing emails and other potential cyber-attacks. Spam includes advertising emails from mass mailings that you did not sign up for yourself. Such emails are also called data garbage and can also cause costs. Other spam such as phishing emails, on the other hand, are messages that aim to gain trust via fake messages or websites in order to obtain personal information. Anti-spam software usually protects against unwanted spam messages or malicious emails that could inject viruses into our system. We also use general firewall and security systems that protect our devices from unwanted network attacks.
Why do we use Security & Anti-spam software?
We put great importance on our website’s security. After all, this is not just about our safety, but also about your safety. Unfortunately, cyber threats are now part of everyday life in the world of IT and the internet. Hackers e. g. often try to steal personal data from IT systems with the help of cyber attacks. And therefore a good defence system is absolutely necessary. A security system monitors all incoming and outgoing connections to our network or computer. In order to achieve even greater security against cyber attacks, we also use other external security services on our devices in addition to standardised security systems. Unauthorised data transmissions are thus better prevented and this is how we protect ourselves from cybercrime.
Which data are processed by Security & Anti-spam software?
The data that is collected and stored of course depends on the respective service. However, we always try to only use programs that collect data very sparingly or only store data that is necessary for the fulfilment of the offered service. In general, the service may store data such as name, address, IP address, email address and technical data such as browser type or browser version. Any performance and log data may also be collected in order to identify possible incoming threats in good time. This data will be processed as part of the provided services and in compliance with applicable laws. This also includes the GDPR for US providers (via the Standard Contractual Clauses). In some cases, security services also work with third parties who may store and/or process data under instructions and in accordance with privacy policies and other security measures. Data is usually stored using cookies.
Duration of data processing
We will inform you below about the duration of data processing, provided we have further information on this. For example, security programs store data until you or we revoke data storage. In general, personal data is only stored for as long as is absolutely necessary for the provision of the services. Unfortunately, in many cases, we do not have precise information from the providers about their data storage periods.
Right to object
You also have the right and the option to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or third-party security software at any time. This can be done either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. For example, you can also prevent data collection through cookies by managing, deactivating or erasing the cookies in your browser.
Since cookies may also be used with security services, we recommend you read our privacy policy on cookies. To find out exactly which of your data is stored and processed, you should read the privacy policies of the respective tools.
Legal Basis
We use security services mainly on the basis of our legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR) in a good security system and protection against various cyber attacks.
Certain data processing requires your consent – in particular, the use of cookies and security functions. If you have agreed to the processing and storage of your data by integrated security services, your consent is the legal basis for data processing (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Most of the services we use set cookies on your browser to store data. We, therefore, recommend you read our privacy policy on cookies carefully and consult the privacy policy or cookie policy of the relevant service provider.
Information on special tools – if available – can be found in the following sections.
- Cloud Services
Cloud Services Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: We as the website operator and you as the website visitor
Purpose: security and data storage
Processed data: Data such as your IP address, name or technical data such as your browser version
More details can be found below and in the individual privacy policies or in the privacy policies of the providers
Duration of storage: In most cases, data is stored until it is no longer required in order to provide the service
Legal bases: Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What are cloud services?
As a website operator, cloud services provide us with storage space and computing power via the internet. Data can be transmitted to an external system, where it may be processed and stored via the internet. The relevant cloud provider manages this data. Depending on specific requirements, an individual or a company can choose storage space or computing power. Cloud storage is accessed via an API or via storage protocols. API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a programming interface that connects software with hardware components.
Why do we use cloud services?
We use cloud services for several reasons. A cloud service offers us the opportunity to store our data securely. In addition, we can access the data from different locations and devices, giving us more flexibility and simplifying our work processes. Cloud storage also saves us costs because we don’t have to set up and manage our own infrastructure for data storage and data security. By storing our data centrally in the cloud, we can also expand our application fields and manage our information much better.
As website operator or company, we use cloud services primarily for our own purposes. We e. g. manage our calendar and store documents or other important information in the cloud. However, your personal data may also be stored. This can take place if you provide us with your contact details (e.g. name and email address) while we store our customer data with a cloud provider. Consequently, any of your data we process may also be stored and processed on external servers. Provided we offer certain forms of content by cloud services on our website, cookies can also be set for web analysis and advertising purposes. Furthermore, such cookies retain your settings (e.g. the language used) so you will be provided with your usual web environment next time you visit our website.
Which data is processed by cloud services?
Much of the data we store in the cloud cannot be used to identify you as a person, but some data is personal data as defined by the GDPR. This is often customer data such as name, address, IP address or telephone number or technical device information. Videos, images and audio files may also be stored in the cloud. Exactly how the data is collected and stored depends on the respective service. We only try to use services that handle your data in a very reliable and professional manner. Generally, services such as Amazon Drive, have access to the stored files in order to be able to offer their own service accordingly. For this, however, the services require consent (such as for the right to copy files for security reasons). The data will be processed and handled as part of the provided services and in compliance with applicable laws. This also includes compliance with the GDPR for US providers (via the standard contractual clauses). In some cases, cloud services also cooperate with third parties who may process data under instructions and in accordance with privacy policies and other security measures. At this point we would like to emphasise again that all well-known cloud services (such as Amazon Drive, Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive) obtain the right to access stored content in order to be able to offer and optimise their own services accordingly.
Duration of data processing
We will inform you below about the duration of data processing, provided we have further information on this. In general, cloud services store data until you or we revoke the data storage or erase the retained data. In general, personal data is only stored for as long as it is necessary for the provision of the respective services. However, it may take up to several months to erase your data from the cloud. This may occur because data is usually not only stored on one server but divided between different servers.
Right to object
You also have the right and the opportunity to revoke your consent to data storage in a cloud at any time. If cookies are used, you also have a right to withdraw your consent. This can be done either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. For example, you can also prevent data collection through cookies by managing, deactivating or erasing the cookies in your browser. We also recommend you read our general privacy policy on cookies. To find out exactly which of your data is stored and processed, you should read the privacy policy of the respective cloud provider.
Legal Basis
We use cloud services mainly on the basis of our legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR) in good security and storage systems.
Certain types of processing, in particular the use of cookies and storage functions, require your consent. If you have consented to your data being processed and stored by cloud services, this consent is the legal basis for data processing (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Most of the services we use place cookies in your browser to store data. Thus, we recommend you read our privacy policy on cookies carefully and study the privacy policy or cookie policy of the relevant service provider.
Information on special tools – if available – can be found in the following sections.
Google Hosted Libraries Privacy Policy
Google Hosted Libraries Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: fast and reliable delivery of JavaScript libraries via a content delivery network (CDN)
Processed data: e.g. IP address, browser and device information, requested URL, referrer URL, timestamp of the request. More details on this can be found below in this privacy policy.
Storage period: depends on the type of data; server logs are usually deleted or anonymized after a short period of time
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)We use Google Hosted Libraries on our website, a content delivery network (CDN) for providing common JavaScript libraries. The service provider is the American company Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. For the European area, Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street Dublin 4, Ireland) is responsible for all Google services.
What is Google Hosted Libraries?
Google Hosted Libraries is a service operated by Google that provides well-known open-source JavaScript libraries (e.g. jQuery, jQuery UI, D3.js, Dojo, MooTools, Prototype, SWFObject, three.js) via a globally distributed content delivery network (CDN). Website operators can embed these libraries directly from Google’s servers instead of hosting them themselves. This shortens loading times and ensures that the available versions are centrally maintained.
Why do we use Google Hosted Libraries on our website?
We use Google Hosted Libraries in order to deliver our website to you as quickly and reliably as possible. Google’s globally distributed network ensures that the required JavaScript files are delivered from a server geographically close to you. This reduces loading times and there is a high probability that the library is already present in your browser cache from visits to other websites. In addition, we and you benefit from security-related updates of the libraries.
What data is stored by Google Hosted Libraries?
When your browser requests a file embedded via Google Hosted Libraries, a connection to Google’s servers is established. Google generally receives the following information:
- your IP address
- requested URL or name of the JavaScript library and version number
- referrer URL (the address of the page on which the library is embedded) – according to Google, this information is removed before logging and is not stored
- browser type and version, operating system, and language settings
- date and time of the request
According to Google, Hosted Libraries are designed to limit the collection, storage, and use of end-user data to what is needed to serve the libraries efficiently. Requests are unauthenticated and are processed separately from requests made when using other Google services; they are therefore not linked to your Google account or your use of other Google services. Google Hosted Libraries only uses cookies as necessary for security and to prevent abuse.
How long and where are the data stored?
Google operates servers distributed worldwide, including in the USA and in various countries inside and outside the European Union. The libraries are usually delivered via the geographically closest server. Server logs are stored in accordance with Google’s general retention policies and are usually deleted or anonymized after a short period of time. According to Google, these logs are used solely for abuse detection, measuring performance metrics, and diagnosing problems, and are not used to create user profiles. More detailed information on retention periods can be found in Google’s privacy policy.
How can I delete my data or prevent data storage?
You have the right at any time to access, rectify, delete, restrict, port, and object to the processing of your personal data. If you want to prevent a connection to Google Hosted Libraries from being established when our website is loaded, you can disable JavaScript in your browser or use browser extensions (e.g. script blockers) that prevent external content from being loaded. Please note that this may restrict features of our website.
Legal basis for the processing of personal data
If you have consented to your data being processed by embedded Google Hosted Libraries elements, the legal basis for this data processing is your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). You may revoke this consent at any time. In addition, we have a legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) in the fast, secure, and stable delivery of our website.
Google also processes data from you in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data of EU citizens to the USA via an adequacy decision of the EU Commission (Art. 45 GDPR). More information at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
In addition, Google continues to use standard contractual clauses (Art. 46 para. 2 lit. c GDPR) as an additional safeguard in case the framework does not apply to certain data categories or is invalidated again. Through the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the standard contractual clauses, Google commits to complying with the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even when stored, processed, and managed in the USA.
We hope we have been able to provide you with the most important information about the data processing by Google Hosted Libraries. You can find out more about data processing by Google in the privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy.
- Audio & Video
Audio & Video Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: service optimisation
Processed data: Data such as contact details, user behaviour, device information and IP addresses can be stored.
You can find more details in the Privacy Policy below.
Storage period: data are retained for as long as necessary for the provision of the service
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What are audio and video elements?
We have integrated audio and video elements to our website. Therefore, you can watch videos or listen to music/podcasts directly via our website. This content is delivered by service providers and is obtained from the respective providers’ servers.
Audio and video elements are integrated functional elements of platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo or Spotify. It is usually free of charge to use these portals, but they can also contain paid content. With the integrated elements, you can listen to or view any of their content on our website.
If you use audio or video elements on our website, your personal data may get transmitted to as well as processed and retained by service providers.
Why do we use audio & video elements on our website?
We of course want to provide you with the best offer on our website. And we are aware that content is no longer just conveyed in text and static images. Instead of just giving you a link to a video, we offer you audio and video formats directly on our website. These are entertaining or informative, but ideally they are both. Our service therefore gets expanded and it gets easier for you to access interesting content. In addition to our texts and images, we thus also offer video and/or audio content.
Which data are retained by audio & video elements?
When you visit a page on our website with e.g. an embedded video, your server connects to the service provider’s server. Thus, your data will also be transferred to the third-party provider, where it will be stored. Certain data is collected and stored regardless of whether you have an account with the third party provider or not. This usually includes your IP address, browser type, operating system and other general information about your device. Most providers also collect information on your web activity. This e.g. includes the session duration, bounce rate, the buttons you clicked or information about the website you are using the service on. This data is mostly stored via cookies or pixel tags (also known as web beacons). Any data that is pseudonymised usually gets stored in your browser via cookies. In the respective provider’s Privacy Policy, you can always find more information on the data that is stored and processed.
Duration of data processing
You can find out exactly how long the data is stored on the third-party provider’s servers either in a lower point of the respective tool’s Privacy Policy or in the provider’s Privacy Policy. Generally, personal data is only processed for as long as is absolutely necessary for the provision of our services or products. This usually also applies to third-party providers. In most cases, you can assume that certain data will be stored on third-party providers’ servers for several years. Data can be retained for different amounts of time, especially when stored in cookies. Some cookies are deleted after you leave a website, while others may be stored in your browser for a few years.
Right to object
You also retain the right and the option to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or third-party providers at any time. This can be done either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. You can e.g. also prevent data retention via cookies by managing, deactivating or erasing cookies in your browser. The legality of the processing up to the point of revocation remains unaffected.
Since the integrated audio and video functions on our site usually also use cookies, we recommend you to also read our general Privacy Policy on cookies. You can find out more about the handling and storage of your data in the Privacy Policies of the respective third party providers.
Legal basis
If you have consented to the processing and storage of your data by integrated audio and video elements, your consent is considered the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR). Generally, your data is also stored and processed on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR) in maintaining fast and good communication with you or other customers and business partners. We only use the integrated audio and video elements if you have consented to it.
YouTube Privacy Policy
YouTube Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: optimising our service
Processed data: Data such as contact details, data on user behaviour, information about your device and IP address may be stored.
You can find more details on this in the privacy policy below.
Storage period: data are generally stored for as long as is necessary for the purpose of the service
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is YouTube?
We have integrated YouTube videos to our website. Therefore, we can show you interesting videos directly on our site. YouTube is a video portal, which has been a subsidiary company of Google LLC since 2006. The video portal is operated by YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. When you visit a page on our website that contains an embedded YouTube video, your browser automatically connects to the servers of YouTube or Google. Thereby, certain data are transferred (depending on the settings). Google is responsible for YouTube’s data processing and therefore Google’s data protection applies.
In the following we will explain in more detail which data is processed, why we have integrated YouTube videos and how you can manage or clear your data.
On YouTube, users can watch, rate, comment or upload videos for free. Over the past few years, YouTube has become one of the most important social media channels worldwide. For us to be able to display videos on our website, YouTube provides a code snippet that we have integrated to our website.
Why do we use YouTube videos on our website?
YouTube is the video platform with the most visitors and best content. We strive to offer you the best possible user experience on our website, which of course includes interesting videos. With the help of our embedded videos, we can provide you other helpful content in addition to our texts and images. Additionally, embedded videos make it easier for our website to be found on the Google search engine. Moreover, if we place ads via Google Ads, Google only shows these ads to people who are interested in our offers, thanks to the collected data.
What data is stored by YouTube?
As soon as you visit one of our pages with an integrated YouTube, YouTube places at least one cookie that stores your IP address and our URL. If you are logged into your YouTube account, by using cookies YouTube can usually associate your interactions on our website with your profile. This includes data such as session duration, bounce rate, approximate location, technical information such as browser type, screen resolution or your Internet provider. Additional data can include contact details, potential ratings, shared content via social media or YouTube videos you added to your favourites.
If you are not logged in to a Google or YouTube account, Google stores data with a unique identifier linked to your device, browser or app. Thereby, e.g. your preferred language setting is maintained. However, many interaction data cannot be saved since less cookies are set.
In the following list we show you cookies that were placed in the browser during a test. On the one hand, we show cookies that were set without being logged into a YouTube account. On the other hand, we show you what cookies were placed while being logged in. We do not claim for this list to be exhaustive, as user data always depend on how you interact with YouTube.
Name: YSC
Value: b9-CV6ojI5Y112558660-1
Purpose: This cookie registers a unique ID to store statistics of the video that was viewed.
Expiry date: after end of sessionName: PREF
Value: f1=50000000
Purpose: This cookie also registers your unique ID. Google receives statistics via PREF on how you use YouTube videos on our website.
Expiry date: after 8 monthsName: GPS
Value: 1
Purpose: This cookie registers your unique ID on mobile devices to track GPS locations.
Expiry date: after 30 minutesName: VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
Value: 95Chz8bagyU
Purpose: This cookie tries to estimate the user’s internet bandwith on our sites (that have built-in YouTube videos).
Expiry date: after 8 monthsFurther cookies that are placed when you are logged into your YouTube account:
Name: APISID
Value: zILlvClZSkqGsSwI/AU1aZI6HY7112558660-
Purpose: This cookie is used to create a profile on your interests. This data is then used for personalised advertisements.
Expiry date: after 2 yearsName: CONSENT
Value: YES+AT.de+20150628-20-0
Purpose: The cookie stores the status of a user’s consent to the use of various Google services. CONSENT also provides safety measures to protect users from unauthorised attacks.
Expiry date: after 19 yearsName: HSID
Value: AcRwpgUik9Dveht0I
Purpose: This cookie is used to create a profile on your interests. This data helps to display customised ads.
Expiry date: after 2 yearsName: LOGIN_INFO
Value: AFmmF2swRQIhALl6aL…
Purpose: This cookie stores information on your login data.
Expiry date: after 2 yearsName: SAPISID
Value: 7oaPxoG-pZsJuuF5/AnUdDUIsJ9iJz2vdM
Purpose: This cookie identifies your browser and device. It is used to create a profile on your interests.
Expiry date: after 2 yearsName: SID
Value: oQfNKjAsI112558660-
Purpose: This cookie stores your Google Account ID and your last login time, in a digitally signed and encrypted form.
Expiry date: after 2 yearsName: SIDCC
Value: AN0-TYuqub2JOcDTyL
Purpose: This cookie stores information on how you use the website and on what advertisements you may have seen before visiting our website.
Expiry date: after 3 monthsHow long and where is the data stored?
The data YouTube receive and process on you are stored on Google’s servers. Most of these servers are in America. At https://datacenters.google/ you can see where Google’s data centres are located. Your data is distributed across the servers. Therefore, the data can be retrieved quicker and is better protected against manipulation.
Google stores collected data for different periods of time. You can delete some data anytime, while other data are automatically deleted after a certain time, and still other data are stored by Google for a long time. Some data (such as elements on “My activity”, photos, documents or products) that are saved in your Google account are stored until you delete them. Moreover, you can delete some data associated with your device, browser, or app, even if you are not signed into a Google Account.
How can I erase my data or prevent data retention?
Generally, you can delete data manually in your Google account. Furthermore, in 2019 an automatic deletion of location and activity data was introduced. Depending on what you decide on, it deletes stored information either after 3 or 18 months.
Regardless of whether you have a Google account or not, you can set your browser to delete or deactivate cookies placed by Google. These settings vary depending on the browser you use. The following instructions will show how to manage cookies in your browser:
Chrome: Clear, enable and manage cookies in Chrome
Safari: Manage cookies and website data in Safari
Firefox: Clear cookies and site data in Firefox
Internet Explorer: Delete and manage cookies
Microsoft Edge: Delete cookies in Microsoft Edge
If you generally do not want to allow any cookies, you can set your browser to always notify you when a cookie is about to be set. This will enable you to decide to either allow or permit each individual cookie.
Legal basis
If you have consented processing and storage of your data by integrated YouTube elements, this consent is the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). Generally, your data is also stored and processed on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) to maintain fast and good communication with you or other customers and business partners. Nevertheless, we only use integrated YouTube elements if you have given your consent. YouTube also sets cookies in your browser to store data. We therefore recommend you to read our privacy policy on cookies carefully and to take a look at the privacy policy or the cookie policy of the respective service provider.
Google processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Google uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Google commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
You can find the Google Ads Data Processing Terms, which refer to the Standard Contractual Clauses, at: https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/
Since YouTube is a subsidiary company of Google, Google’s privacy statement applies to both. If you want to learn more about how your data is handled, we recommend the privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en.
- Video Conferencing & Streaming
Video Conferencing & Streaming Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: users of our video conferencing or streaming tools
Purpose: communication and presentation of content
Processed data: Access statistics such as your name, address, contact details, email address, telephone number or IP address. You can find more details on this directly at the video conference or streaming tool that is being used.
Storage duration: depending on the video conferencing or streaming tool
Legal bases: Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR (consent), Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR (legitimate interests), Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR (contract)What are video conferences & streamings?
We use software programs that enable us to hold video conferences, online meetings, webinars and to utilise display sharing and/or streaming. In a video conference or a streaming, information is transmitted simultaneously via sound and moving images. With such video conference or streaming tools, we can communicate quickly and easily with customers, business partners, clients and employees via the Internet. Of course, when selecting the service provider, we consider the given legal framework.
Generally, third-party providers can process data as soon as you interact with the software program. Third-party video conference providers or streaming solutions use your data and metadata for different purposes. The data helps to e.g. make the tool more secure and to improve the service. Most of the time, the data may also be used for the respective third-party provider’s own marketing purposes.
Why do we use video conferencing & streaming on our website?
We want to communicate digitally, quickly, easily and securely with you, our customers and our business partners. This works best with video conferencing solutions that are very easy to use. Most tools also work directly in your browser and with just a few clicks you can get right to your video meeting. The tools also offer helpful additional features such as chat and screen sharing functions or the possibility of sharing content between meeting participants.
Which data are processed?
If you join our video conference or streaming, your data will also be processed and stored on the servers of the respective service provider.
The exact data that gets stored depends on the respective software. Each provider stores and processes data differently. Generally, however, most providers store your name, address, contact details such as your email address or telephone number and your IP address. Information about the device you are using may also get stored, along with usage data, such as which websites you visit, when you visit a website or which buttons you click. Data that is shared within the video conference (photos, videos, texts) may also be retained.
Duration of data processing
Below we will inform you about the duration of the data processing of the service that is being used, provided we have further information on this. In general, we only process personal data for as long as is absolutely necessary to provide our services and products. Moreover, it is possible that the provider may store your data according to their own requirements, which we have no influence on.
Right to object
You always have the right to information, rectification and erasure of your personal data. If you have any questions, you can always contact the person responsible for the respective video conferencing or streaming tool. You can find contact details either in our specific privacy policy or on the website of the relevant provider.
In your browser you can erase, deactivate or manage cookies that providers use for their functions. This works slightly different, depending on which browser you are using. Please note, however, that functions may not keep working as usual after doing so.
Legal basis
If you have consented to the processing and storage of your data by the respective video or streaming solution, this consent is the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). We may also offer a video conference as part of our services, if there has been a contractual agreement with you in advance (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR). Generally, your data is also stored and processed on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) to maintain fast and good communication with you or other customers and business partners, provided you have priorly given consent. Most video or streaming solutions also place cookies in your browser to store data. We therefore recommend you to read our privacy policy about cookies carefully and to take a look at the privacy policy or the cookie policy of the respective service provider.
Provided it is available, you can find information on special video conference and streaming solutions in the following sections.
Microsoft Teams Privacy Policy
On our website we use Microsoft Teams, which is an online meeting and video conferencing service. The provider of this service is the American company Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA.
Microsoft processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Microsoft is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Microsoft uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Microsoft commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
You can find more information on the standard contractual clauses at Microsoft at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/compliance/regulatory/offering-eu-model-clauses .
You can find out more about the data that is processed by Microsoft in their Privacy Policy at https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-GB/privacystatement.
Zoom Privacy Policy
Zoom Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: Zoom users
Purpose: an additional service for our website visitors
Processed data: access statistics that contain data such as your name, address, contact details, email address, telephone number or IP address. You can find more details on this in the privacy policy below
Storage period: Data is stored for as long as Zoom needs it for their service purposes
Legal bases: Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR (consent), Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR (legitimate interests), Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR (contract)What is Zoom?
On our website we use the video conferencing tool Zoom by the American software company Zoom Video Communications. The company’s head office is in 55 Almaden Boulevard, 6th Floor, San Jose, CA 95113, California. Thanks to “Zoom”, we can easily hold video conferences with customers, business partners, clients, and employees without having to install any software. In this privacy policy we will go into more detail of the service and inform you on the most important data protection aspects.
Zoom is one of the world’s most well-known video conferencing solutions. With the “Zoom Meetings” service, we can hold an online video conference with you, our employees, or other users via a digital conference room. This allows us to easily get in touch digitally, exchange information on various topics, send text messages or even make calls. You can also use Zoom to share your screen, exchange files and to use a whiteboard.
Why do we use Zoom on our website?
It is important to us that we can communicate with you quickly and easily. And this is exactly what Zoom offers us. Moreover, the software program also works directly via a browser. This means we can simply send you a link for starting our video conference. In addition, Zoom’s further functions such as screen sharing, or file exchange are also very handy.
What data is stored by Zoom?
When you use Zoom, your data is collected so Zoom can provide its services. On the one hand, this is data that you deliberately make available to the company. This includes for example your name, telephone number or your email address. On the other hand, there is certain data which is automatically transmitted to Zoom where it is stored. This includes for example your browser’s technical data or your IP address. In the following, we will go into more detail on the specific data of yours which Zoom can collect and store:
If you provide data such as your name, username, email address or your telephone number, these data will be stored at Zoom. Any contents you upload while using Zoom are also retained. This can include files or chat logs for example.
In addition to the IP address as mentioned above, Zoom automatically stores technical data such as MAC addresses, further device IDs, device types, which operating system you use, what client you use, and also the type of your camera, microphone and speaker. Furthermore, your approximate location is also determined and stored. Additionally, Zoom store information on how you use the service. To give an example, this can include details on whether you “zoom” in or out via desktop or smartphone, whether you are using a telephone call or VoIP, whether you are participating with or without video or whether you request a password. What is more, Zoom also records so-called metadata such as the duration of the meeting or call, the start and end of your participation in it, as well as your meeting name and chat status.
In their privacy policy, Zoom mention that the company does not use advertising cookies or tracking technologies for its services. These tracking methods are only used on their marketing websites, such as www.zoom.us. Zoom neither sell personal data nor use them for advertising purposes.
How long and where is the data stored?
In this regard, Zoom do not specify a precise time frame, but they emphasise that the collected data remain stored for as long as it is necessary for both, to provide its services and for their own purposes. The data will only be retained for longer if required for legal reasons.
Zoom generally store collected data on American servers, but the data can make their way through different data centres across the globe.
How can I erase my data or prevent data retention?
If you do not want any of your data to be stored during a zoom meeting, you have to do without the meeting. However, you always have both the option and the right to have all your personal data deleted. If you have a Zoom account, you can find instructions on how to delete your account at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201363243-How-Do-I-Delete-Terminate-My-Account.
Please note that upon using this tool, your data may also be stored and processed outside the EU. Most third countries (including the USA) are not considered secure under current European Data Protection Law. Data to third countries that are considered insecure, must not simply be transferred, stored and processed there unless there are suitable guarantees (such as EU standard contractual clauses) between us and the non-European service provider.
Legal basis
If you have consented to the processing and storage of your data by the respective video or streaming solution, this consent is the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). We can also offer a video conference as part of our services if this has been contractually agreed with you in advance (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR). Generally, your data is also stored and processed on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) to maintain fast and good communication with you or other customers and business partners, provided you have priorly given your consent.
Zoom processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Zoom is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Zoom uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Zoom commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
We hope we were able to give you an overview on Zoom’s data processing. Of course, it could always happen that the company’s data protection guidelines may change. Therefore, for more information we recommend you to read Zoom’s privacy policy at https://zoom.us/privacy.
- FERNFH Helpdesk
We use the ticketing system Zammad (https://zammad.com/en) to manage support requests from lecturers, students and graduates. Users can create tickets via the Zammad interface using their FERNFH login or by email to helpdesk@fernfh.ac.at.
Data collection and processing
When you create a ticket, we collect the following personal data:
- Name
- Email address
- Content of the request (e.g. support requests, technical problems, organisational matters)
- Time the ticket was created
- Further contact details, if provided by you (e.g. telephone number)
This data is used exclusively for the purpose of handling your support request.
Self-hosted system
The ticketing system Zammad is hosted on our own servers and does not use Zammad’s cloud service. The data therefore remains within FERNFH and is not passed on to third parties. Data processing thus takes place entirely within the European Union.
Legal basis
Your data is processed in the ticketing system on the basis of:
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR (performance of a contract): Processing is necessary to handle your support request and to fulfil our contractual obligations towards you.
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f) GDPR (legitimate interests): We have a legitimate interest in ensuring efficient and structured support processes in order to guarantee a high quality of service.
Storage period
Your data is stored for as long as is necessary to handle your support request and to document support cases.
Security measures
To ensure the security of your data, we have implemented the following technical and organisational measures:
- Encryption of data transfer: All data transferred between your browser and our servers is encrypted using TLS (Transport Layer Security).
- Access controls: Access to the data is restricted to authorised persons who need to access the data to perform their duties.
- Regular security checks: Our systems are regularly checked for security vulnerabilities and updated accordingly.
- Data backups: Regular backups ensure that data can be restored in the event of a technical error.
- FERNFH Locking System
FERNFH uses the locking system of the company Grundmann (further information can be found at https://grundmann.com/). The locking system enables secure and simple access control to the FERNFH premises.
How does the locking system work?
Authorisation to enter our premises is granted via the FERNFH ID card, which is equipped with an RFID chip. When you hold the card to the reader at the door, the data of the card and the door are recorded automatically and stored as a log entry in the database of the locking system.
Which data is recorded and stored?
When the locking system is used, the following data is recorded and stored:
- RFID card number (unique identifier of the FERNFH ID card)
- Door identifier (the door that was opened)
- Date and time of access
This data is stored in the log files of the locking system and can be assigned to a specific person via the unique identifier of the RFID chip.
Purpose of data processing
The data is recorded and stored exclusively for access control and to ensure the security of our premises. In the event of security-related incidents, the stored data may be used to clarify what happened.
Duration of data storage
The stored data is deleted automatically after one month. It is only stored for longer if this is necessary to investigate incidents.
Legal basis
Access data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interest in securing our premises in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. As the data can be assigned to a person via the unique identifier of the RFID chip, you have the right to obtain information about the stored data and to have it deleted if necessary, provided there are no statutory retention obligations to the contrary.
For further information or questions about the use of the locking system and the data recorded, please contact datenschutz@fernfh.ac.at.
- Survey and Poll Systems
Survey- and Poll Systems Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: Evaluation of surveys on the site
Processed data: contact details, device data, access duration and time, IP addresses. You can find more details directly at the respective survey and poll systems.
Storage duration: depending on the tool that is used
Legal bases: Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What are survey and poll systems?
We are eager to conduct various surveys and polls via our website. These are always evaluated anonymously. A survey or poll system is a tool embedded on our website that can ask you questions (e.g. about our products or services) which you can answer if you would like to participate. Your answers will always be evaluated anonymously. However, after your consent to data processing, your personal data may also be stored and processed.
Why do we use survey and poll systems?
We aim to offer you the best products and services in our industry. With the help of surveys, we can get your valuable feedback and find out what you expect from us and our services. Based on these anonymous evaluations, we can adapt our products and services to your wishes and ideas. Furthermore, the information also helps us to direct our advertising and marketing measures towards people who are really interested in our offer.
Which data is processed?
First of all, your personal data will only be processed if it is either necessary for the technical implementation, or if you have consented to your data being processed. In the instance of your data being processed, e.g. your IP address will be stored, which enables the survey to be displayed in your browser. Cookies may also be used so you can easily continue your survey at a later point in time.
If you have consented to the data processing, your contact data such as email address or telephone number may be processed in addition to your IP address. Any data that you enter in an online form is also stored and processed for example. Some providers also store information about the web pages you visited (on our website), when you started and ended the survey, along with various technical information about your computer.
How long is data stored?
How long your data is processed and stored depends primarily on the tools we use. Below you can find out more about the data processing of individual tools. The Privacy Policies of the providers usually state exactly which data is stored and processed and for how long. In principle, personal data is only processed for as long as is necessary to provide our services. When data is stored in cookies, the storage period varies greatly. This data could be deleted immediately after leaving a website, but it could also be stored for several years. Therefore, if you want to know more about data storage, you should look at each individual cookie in detail. In most cases, you will also find information on the individual cookies in the respective providers’ Privacy Policies.
Right to object
You also have the right and the option to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or embedded survey systems at any time. This can be done either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. For example, you can also prevent data collection by cookies if you manage, deactivate or erase the cookies in your browser.
Since cookies can be used in survey systems, we also recommend you to read our general Privacy Policy on cookies. You should read the Privacy Policies of the respective tools to find out exactly which of your data is stored and processed.
Legal Basis
The use of survey systems requires your consent, which we have obtained with our cookie pop-up. According to Art. 6 Paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent) this consent represents the legal basis for the processing of personal data, as it may occur when collected by survey and poll systems.
In addition to consent, we have a legitimate interest in conducting surveys on our theme. The legal basis for this is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use these tools if you have given your consent.
Since cookies are used in survey systems, we also recommend you to read our general Privacy Policy on cookies. To find out exactly which of your data is stored and processed, you should read the Privacy Policies of the respective tools.
You can find information on the individual survey systems – if available – in the following sections.
LimeSurvey Privacy Policy
We use LimeSurvey for our website, which is a service provider for surveys. The provider of this service is the German company LimeSurvey GmbH, Papenreye 63, 22453 Hamburg, Germany.
You can find out more about the data that is processed by the use of LimeSurvey in their Privacy Policy at https://www.limesurvey.org/privacy-policy.
- Online Map Services
Online Map Services Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: Improvement of user experience
Processed data: the data that is processed depends heavily on the services used. Usually, it is your IP address, location data, search queries and/or technical data. You can find more details on this under the respective tools used.
Storage duration: depends on the tools used
Legal bases: Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What are Online Map Services?
We also use online map services for our website as an extended service. Google Maps is probably the service you are most familiar with. But there are also other providers out there that specialise in creating digital maps. These services allow the display of locations, route maps or other geographical information directly via our website. Thanks to an integrated map service, you no longer have to leave our website to e. g. view the route to a location. In order to ensure that the online map can run on our website, we have integrated map sections within our HTML code. This way the services can display street maps, the earth’s surface, or aerial or satellite imagery. If you use the built-in map service, your data will be transferred to the tool used, where it will be retained. This may also include your personal data.
Why do we use Online Map Services on our website?
Generally speaking, it is imperative for us to offer you a pleasant time on our website. Of course, we know that you will most likely only enjoy your time here if you can easily find your way around and find all the information you need quickly and easily. Therefore, we decided that an online map system may be a significant optimisation of our website’s service. After all, you can use the map system to easily view route descriptions, locations or any other points of interest – without leaving our site. Needless to say, it is certainly also very practical that you can easily see where our company headquarters are so that you can find us quickly and safely. As you can see, there are just a lot of advantages – and we clearly consider online map services on our website to be part of our customer service.
What data is stored by Online Map Services?
If you open a page on our website with an online map function installed, your personal data may be transmitted to the relevant service, where it may be stored. This usually includes your IP address, which may also be used to determine your approximate location. In addition to your IP address, data such as the search terms you entered, as well as your longitude and latitude coordinates will be stored. If you e. g. enter an address for route planning, this data will also be stored. This data is not stored by us but instead on the servers of the integrated tools. You can think of it like this: You may be on our website, but when you interact with a mapping service, that interaction is actually happening on their website. Moreover, in order for the service to function properly, at least one cookie is usually set in your browser. As an example, Google Maps also uses cookies to record user behaviour, with which it can optimise its own service and offer personalised advertising. You can find out more about cookies in our “Cookies” section.
How long and where is the data stored?
Every online map service processes different user data. Provided we have further information, we will inform you about the duration of data processing in the corresponding sections on the individual tools below. Generally, personal data is only retained for as long as is necessary to provide the service. Google Maps e. g. stores certain data for a specified period of time, but you must erase other data yourself. At Mapbox, for example, your IP address is stored for 30 days after which it is deleted. As you can see, each tool stores data for different lengths of time. We thus recommend you take a closer look at the privacy policies of the tools used.
The providers may use cookies to store data on your user behaviour in relation to their map services. You can find more information about cookies in our “Cookies” section, but in the individual providers’ privacy policies you can most probably also find out which cookies may be used. In most cases, however, this is only an indicative list and is not exhaustive.
Right to object
You always have the possibility and the right to access your personal data and to object to its use and processing. You can also revoke the consent you gave to us at any time. This is usually easiest through the cookie consent tool. However, there are other opt-out tools that you can use. You can also manage, erase or deactivate any cookies set by the used providers yourself with just a few mouse clicks. However, this may lead to some service functions stopping to work as usual. It also depends on your browser how you can manage cookies there. In our “Cookies” section you will find links to instructions of the most popular browsers.
Legal Basis
If you have agreed to the use of an online map service, the legal basis for the corresponding data processing is this consent. According to Article 6 Paragraph 1 lit. (consent) this consent is the legal basis for the processing of personal data as may occur when collected by an online map service.
We also have a legitimate interest in using an online map service to optimise our service on our website. The corresponding legal basis for this is Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use an online map service if you have given your consent. We definitely wanted to stress this point once again.
You can find information on specific online map services – if available – in the following sections.
Google Maps Privacy Policy
Google Maps Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: service optimisation
Processed data: data such as entered search terms, IP address as well as latitude and longitude coordinates.
You can find more details on this in the Privacy Policy below.
Storage duration: depending on the retained data
Legal bases: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is Google Maps?
On our website we use Google Maps of the company Google Inc. (1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA 94043, USA). With the use of Google Maps, we can show you locations in a better way and can therefore adjust our service to your needs. Due to the utilisation of Google Maps, data gets transferred to Google and is saved on Google’s servers. In the following, we want to explain in detail what Google Maps is, why we use this Google service, what data is stored and how you can prevent this.
Google Maps is an internet maps service of the company Google Inc. With Google Maps you can search for exact locations of cities, sights, accommodations or businesses online via a PC, a tablet or an app. If businesses are represented on Google My Business, the respective location as well as other information about the company are shown there. In order to show route directions, a location’s map sections can be integrated in a website through a HTML-code. Google Maps depicts the earth’s surface as either a road map or as air and satellite images. Due to the street view and high-quality satellite images, it is possible for exact representations to be made.
Why do we use Google Maps on our website?
The efforts we make on this page have the goal of giving you a useful and meaningful experience on our website. Through the integration of Google Maps, we can offer you essential information on various locations. Therefore, you can spot our office address with one glance. Furthermore, the route directions always show you the best and fastest way to us. You can retrieve the route directions for traveling either by car, by public transport, on foot or by bike. The integration of Google Maps is a part of our customer service.
What data is stored by Google Maps?
For Google Maps to offer its full services, the company must collect and store your data. This includes your entered search terms, your IP-address as well as your longitude and latitude coordinates. When you use the route-planner function, the entered start address is stored also. However, this data retention happens on Google Maps‘ websites. We can only inform you about it but cannot influence it in any way. Since we have included Google Maps on our website, Google will set at least one cookie (Name: NID) into your browser. This cookie saves data on your user behaviour. Google primarily uses this data to optimise ist own services and to provide you with individual, personalised advertisements.
The following cookies are set in your browser due to the integration of Google Maps:
Name: NID
Value: 188=h26c1Ktha7fCQTx8rXgLyATyITJ112558660-5
Purpose: Google uses NID in order to adjust advertisments to your Google searches. With the cookie’s help Google “remembers“ your most frequently entered search queries or your previous interaction with ads. That way you always receive customised adertisments. The cookie contains a unique ID, wich Google uses to collect your personal settings for advertising porposes.
Expiration date: after 6 monthsNote: We cannot guarantee completeness of the information on saved data. This is, because especially concerning the use of cookies, changes can happen anytime. To identify the cookie NID, a test page was created, to which Google Maps was included.
How long and where is the data stored?
There are Google servers in data centres across the entire planet. However, most servers are in America. For this reason, your data is widely stored in the USA. Here you can read in detail about where the Google servers are located: https://datacenters.google/
Google distributes data to various data carriers. This makes it possible to retrieve the data faster and to better protect it from possible attempted manipulations. Every server has emergency programs. Thus, should for example a problem with Google’s hardware occur or should a natural disaster impact the servers, any data will quite certainly stay protected.
Moreover, Google saves some data for a specified period. With some other data on the other hand, Google only offers the opportunity for deleting it manually. Furthermore, the company anonymises information (e.g. advertising data) in server logs, by deleting a part of the IP-address and cookie information after 9 to 18 months.
How can I erase my data, or prevent data retention?
Due to the automatic delete function for location and activity data, which was introduced in 2019, information that is used for determining your location and web or app activity is saved for either 3 or 18 months, depending on your preferred decision, and is deleted thereafter. Furthermore, it is possible to delete this data manually from your browser history via your Google account anytime. If you want to prevent the determination of your location altogether, you must pause the category “Web and app activity” in your Google account. Click on “Data and personalisation” and then choose the option “Activity controls”. Here you can switch the activities on or off.
Moreover, in your browser you can deactivate, delete or manage individual cookies. This function can differ a little, depending on what browser you are using. The following instructions will show you how to manage cookies in your browser:
Chrome: Clear, enable and manage cookies in Chrome
Safari: Manage cookies and website data in Safari
Firefox: Clear cookies and site data in Firefox
Internet Explorer: Delete and manage cookies
Microsoft Edge: Delete cookies in Microsoft Edge
If you generally do not want to permit any cookies, you can set up your browser in a way that ensures you get informed whenever a cookie is about to be placed. That way you can decide to either permit or refuse every single cookie.
Please note, that when using this tool, your data may also be stored and processed outside the EU. Most third countries (including the USA) are not considered secure under current European data protection law. Data to insecure third countries must not simply be transferred to, stored and processed there unless there are suitable guarantees (such as EU Standard Contractual Clauses) between us and the non-European service provider.
Legal basis
If you have consented to the use of Google Maps, your consent is the legal basis for the corresponding data processing. According to Art. 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent) this consent is the legal basis for the processing of personal data, as can occur when processed by Google Maps.
We also have a legitimate interest in using Google Maps to optimise our online service. The corresponding legal basis for this is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests). Nevertheless, we only use Google Maps if you have given your consent to it.
Google processes data from you, among other things, in the USA. Google is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Additionally, Google uses so-called Standard Contractual Clauses (Article 46(2) and (3) GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are template clauses provided by the EU Commission and are designed to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards, even when transferred and stored in third countries (such as the USA). Through the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and the Standard Contractual Clauses, Google commits to maintaining the European data protection level when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed, and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the decision and the corresponding Standard Contractual Clauses here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2847.
The Google Ads Data Processing Terms, which reference the standard contractual clauses, can be found at https://business.safety.google/intl/en/adsprocessorterms/.
If you want to find out more about Google’s data processing, we recommend you to read the company’s own Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en-GB.
- Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous Privacy Policy Overview
Affected parties: website visitors
Purpose: Improvement of user experience
Processed data: The processed data depends heavily on the services used. Usually, it is an IP address and/or technical data. You can find more details on this in the sections of the respective tools.
Storage duration: depends on the tools used
Legal bases: Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests)What is included in “Miscellaneous”?
The “Miscellaneous” category includes any services that do not fit into any of the above categories. Usually, they are various plugins and integrated elements that are meant to improve our website. Generally, these functions are obtained from third parties and integrated into our website. They may e.g. be web search services such as Algolia Place, Giphy, Programmable Search Engine or online services for weather data such as OpenWeather.
Why do we use these third parties?
With our website, we want to provide you with the best web offer in our industry. Websites have long been so much more than just a business card for companies. Instead, they are a place designed to help you find what you’re looking for. And in order to make our website even more interesting and helpful for you, we use various third-party services.
Which data is processed?
Whenever elements are integrated into our website, your IP address will be transmitted to the respective provider, where it will be stored and processed. This is necessary to send the content to your browser which will then display it for you. Moreover, service providers may also use pixel tags or web beacons. These are small graphics on websites that can record a log file and create analyses of it. Providers can improve their own marketing measures with the information they receive this way. In addition to pixel tags, this information (e.g. which button you click or when you access which page) can also be stored in cookies. In addition to data analyses on your web behaviour, technical information such as your browser type or operating system may also be stored there. Some providers can also link the data they obtain to other internal services or to third-party providers. Each provider handles your data differently. Therefore, we recommend you carefully read the privacy policies of the respective services. We make every effort to only use services that operate very carefully in regards to data protection and privacy.
Duration of data processing
Below we will inform you about the duration of data processing, provided we have further information on this. In general, we only process personal data for as long as is absolutely necessary for the provision of our services and products.
Legal Basis
If we ask for your consent and you agree to us using a service, this consent serves as the legal basis for the processing of your data (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). In addition to your consent, we have a legitimate interest in analysing the behaviour of our website visitors and thus technically and economically improving our offer. The legal basis for this is Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use any tools if you have given your consent.
Information on the special tools – if available – can be found in the following sections.
Clarity Privacy Policy
On our website we use Clarity, which is a project and portfolio tool. The service provider is the American company Broadcom Inc., 1320 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95131, USA.
Broadcom also processes data in the USA, among other countries. Broadcom is an active participant in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which regulates the correct and secure transfer of personal data from EU citizens to the USA. More information can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
Broadcom uses standard contractual clauses approved by the EU Commission as the basis for data processing by recipients based in third countries (i. e. outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and thus especially in the USA) or data transfer there (= Art. 46, paragraphs 2 and 3 of the GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are legal templates provided by the EU Commission. Their purpose is to ensure that your data complies with European data privacy standards, even if your data is transferred to and stored in third countries (such as the USA). With these clauses, Broadcom commits to comply with the EU‘s level of data protection when processing relevant data, even if it is stored, processed and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing order by the EU Commission. You can find the order and the standard contractual clauses here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2021/914/oj?locale=en
For more information on Broadcom’s standard contractual clauses, please see the data processing terms and conditions at https://docs.broadcom.com/docs/dpa-amendment-2021-standard-contractual-clauses.
You can learn more about the data processed using Clarity in the privacy policy at https://www.broadcom.com/company/legal/privacy/policy.
All texts are copyrighted.
- Terms of Use for Moodle (Online Campus)
Preliminary remarks
(1) For teaching in degree programmes and in courses pursuant to §9 FHStG, but also for other purposes such as internal training or entrance tests, we use the web-based learning management system Moodle (hereinafter: learning platform).
(2) Use of the learning platform is a prerequisite for completing degree programmes and courses pursuant to §9 FHStG, as 80% of teaching takes place on the learning platform.
(3) We refer to the virtual rooms we set up on the learning platform as courses.
Scope of these terms of use
(1) These terms of use govern the use of the learning platform of Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH. The provisions of these terms of use must be observed by all users of the learning platform; the learning platform may only be used if these terms of use are accepted. Users accept these terms of use when they access the learning platform with their login details.
(2) Failure to comply with the provisions of these terms of use
- results in the immediate withdrawal of the authorisation to use the learning platform and, where applicable, other web-based learning environments of Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH, and may thus jeopardise or prevent academic success,
- may also have disciplinary consequences, up to and including exclusion from studies, and
- may furthermore have civil and/or criminal consequences.
Authorised users, login details
(1) Students, external lecturers and staff of Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH have access to the learning platform as users; they receive their login details when they become members of Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH or when they register on the learning platform themselves.
In exceptional cases, persons who are not members of Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH may be granted authorisation to use the platform.(2) Only users registered for or authorised for a course have access to that course.
(3) The login details consist of a user name and password. Users are obliged to treat their login details as strictly confidential and not to pass them on to third parties. Any suspected misuse of the login details must be reported to IT Services immediately; users will receive a new password, provided they are not at fault for the misuse.
Purpose of use
The authorisation to use the platform covers providing and accessing information, teaching and learning materials and communication options for the following purposes:
- retrieving, downloading, printing and using the teaching and learning materials provided for one’s own use;
- working on assignments (e.g. in connection with tests, assignments, …);
- using the communication options of the learning platform.
For example, editing, translating or passing on to third parties (persons who are not authorised users) teaching and learning materials provided on the learning platform, or parts thereof, is therefore not permitted. Using the teaching and learning materials for commercial purposes is also not permitted, with the exception of materials that are made available under a Creative Commons or other open licence or are otherwise explicitly marked as Open Educational Resources (OER). For these, the rights of use and distribution set out in the respective licences apply.
The learning platform may therefore only be used for purposes of the university of applied sciences. Use of the learning platform for any other purposes is not permitted.
General terms of use, obligations of users
(1) Content may only be provided under one’s own name.
(2) The following is not permitted:
- distributing illegal, immoral or discriminatory content or content of an offensive nature, such as
- pornographic content,
- content depicting or glorifying violence,
- attacks on sexual orientation or political views,
- statements that defame or hurt the personality of students or lecturers;
- irrelevant remarks; the use of vulgar or obscene language;
- behaviour on the learning platform that violates study regulations, such as posting solutions to exercises or exam questions;
- introducing harmful software; offering software or games not related to the operation of the university of applied sciences;
- linking to illegal, immoral or discriminatory content or to content of an offensive nature.
(3) Sensitive social topics (politics, violence, sexuality etc.) may only be presented on the learning platform in an academically appropriate and objective form and language.
(4) The general principles of citation must be observed whenever the learning platform is used.
(5) Users are further obliged to comply with the applicable legal provisions (in particular copyright (see also point 6) and data protection provisions) when using the learning platform. Users bear sole responsibility for the content they contribute to the learning platform. If a claim is made against Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH for a legal violation committed by a user, the user shall indemnify and hold Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH harmless.
(6) Lecturers and the administrators of the learning platform are entitled to remove any content that violates the provisions of these terms of use. Consequently, there is no entitlement to the archiving of content. Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH reserves the right not to publish content or to delete it after publication without giving reasons.
(7) Any violation of the provisions of these terms of use must be reported to the E-Learning & Web Support Center immediately upon becoming aware of it (for the consequences of a violation of these terms of use, see point 2.2).
Data processing
(1) To enable simple communication, the learning platform sends personal messages using or stating the (FERNFH) email address stored in the profile of the author of the message. By accepting these terms of use, users agree that the learning platform sends personal messages using their (FERNFH) email address.
Profile data
(2) Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH stores the following personal data of users: name; place of residence; email address; user name; IP address. Users may add further contact details to their profile themselves if they wish.
(3) The name (first name and surname) is visible to all users authorised to access a course. In courses used exclusively for entrance tests, the profile data is only visible to authorised persons (degree programme staff, E-Learning & Web Support Center, IT Services).
Log data
(4) Each time the learning platform is used, a record is kept of when which user accesses which offers of the learning platform and which actions are carried out (log data).
(5) Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH uses log data to compile usage statistics of students and to troubleshoot technical problems. Any further use of the log data is only in anonymised form (e.g. for statistical analyses for the purpose of continuously improving the content and functionality of the learning platform).
Disclosure of data to third parties, data security
(6) We will not pass on or disclose your personal data to third parties except in the following cases. We only transfer your personal data to third parties in the following cases,
(7) The data is stored on a server of a service partner and is carefully protected against unauthorised access. Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH takes all economically reasonable measures to ensure the security of the data.
(8) Videos relevant to teaching are embedded, among others, from the platform “YouTube” of the provider Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
Privacy policy: https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/
Opt-out: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated
(9) To extend the functionality of the learning platform, the plug-in PooDLL of the provider Poodll Co. Ltd, 307 Tagawa Bldg, Hayama 1-6-5, Nagasaki Shi, Nagasaki Ken 852-8053, Japan, is used.
Privacy policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14hTNxmpIykUDL_T4JbC7V3BT72KBLs50n6h2c_Pc0iU/edit?usp=sharing
(10) For checks relevant to studies, the plug-in Turnitin of the provider Turnitin, LLC, 2101 Webster Street, Suite 1800, Oakland, CA 94612, USA, is used.
Privacy policy: https://www.turnitin.com/privacy
Deletion of data
(12) Courses specific to degree programmes, and therefore all content and contributions within these courses, are generally deleted in accordance with the deletion concept and the statutes of FERNFH. In individual cases, courses are stored for as long as Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH is obliged to do so under general statutory provisions, in particular study law provisions (this may be the case, for example, for courses used to conduct examinations). Contributions and comments in courses that are not specific to a degree programme may remain accessible to other users in personalised form beyond this period.
(13) Log data is deleted automatically after six months.
Warranty, liability
(1) Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH gives no warranty for
- the uninterrupted and error-free functioning of the learning platform;
- the accuracy, completeness, timeliness and lawfulness of the content provided by users, or for any particular usability thereof;
- the security of the data.
(2) Likewise, Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH gives no warranty that the content (works) provided by users is free of third-party rights. Any liability for damage resulting from this is excluded.
(3) The learning platform is used at one’s own risk; Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH is not liable for any consequential damage attributable to the use of the learning platform (such as damage to, or partly caused to, the hardware or software used by users). This includes any damage resulting accidentally or as a consequence of downloading or using the downloaded files.
ISD Team | Help Desk
(1) For all questions and reports concerning the learning platform, the ISD team is there for you; the best way to reach them is with a ticket to helpdesk@fernfh.ac.at.
- Social Media Netiquette
The dialogue on the social media pages of Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, XING) thrives on “likes”, “shares” and every single post. To make this dialogue as transparent as possible, we ask you to follow these rules in everyday exchanges:
Objective and constructive posts
We welcome every objective and constructive post, even if it is critical. However, posts should focus on treating each other with respect. This applies in particular to dealing with other users. Tolerance for other views and ways of life should go without saying.
No place for insults and racism
We reserve the right to delete immediately any content and comments that are insulting, defamatory, racist, extremist, pornographic, inhuman, offensive or contrary to public decency. Out of respect for the personal rights of others, screenshots and media content from other profiles will also be deleted.
No spam
As a matter of principle, we do not permit spam, advertising or content that infringes copyright. We reserve the right to delete posts containing advertising messages of any kind and references to internet URLs or email addresses. Comments that appear randomly and repeatedly with no or limited relation to the content will also be deleted. Comments aimed solely at getting “likes” for other pages will likewise be removed consistently. We are happy to receive constructive criticism, but we ask you to always remain objective.
Further information
Legal responsibility for the content of posts lies with the author and not with Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH. Every user is responsible for their own post and guarantees not to store any content whose use violates applicable law or infringes the rights of third parties.