Privacy Policy

Preamble

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

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Last Update: 18. September 2024

Table of contents

 

  • Preamble
  • Controller
  • Overview of processing operations
  • Relevant legal bases
  • Security Precautions
  • Transmission of Personal Data
  • International data transfers
  • General Information on Data Retention and Deletion
  • Rights of Data Subjects
  • Business services
  • Business processes and operations
  • Use of online platforms for listing and sales purposes
  • Providers and services used in the course of business
  • Payment Procedure
  • Provision of online services and web hosting
  • Community Functions
  • Contact and Inquiry Management
  • Communication via Messenger
  • Chatbots and chat functions
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Video Conferences, Online Meetings, Webinars and Screen-Sharing
  • Audio Content
  • Cloud Services
  • Newsletter and Electronic Communications
  • Commercial communication by E-Mail, Postal Mail, Fax or Telephone
  • Sweepstakes and Contests
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Online Marketing
  • Profiles in Social Networks (Social Media)
  • Plugins and embedded functions and content
  • Management, Organization and Utilities
  • Changes and Updates
  • Terminology and Definitions

Controller

Riema Abdunnur
Dürerstr. 36
44795 Bochum NRW
Germany

E-mail address: abdunnur.riema@gmail.com

Overview of processing operations

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

Categories of Processed Data

  • Inventory data.
  • Payment Data.
  • Contact data.
  • Content data.
  • Contract data.
  • Usage data.
  • Meta, communication and process data.
  • Images and/ or video recordings.
  • Audio recordings.
  • Contact Information (Facebook).
  • Event Data (Facebook).
  • Log data.
  • Creditworthiness Data.

Special Categories of Data

  • Health Data.

Categories of Data Subjects

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

Purposes of Processing

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

Relevant legal bases

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

 

  • Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR) - The data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes.
  • Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR) - Performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR) - the processing is necessary for the protection of the legitimate interests of the controller or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights, and freedoms of the data subject, which require the protection of personal data, do not prevail.

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

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

Security Precautions

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

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

Masking of the IP address: If IP addresses are processed by us or by the service providers and technologies used and the processing of a complete IP address is not necessary, the IP address is shortened (also referred to as "IP masking"). In this process, the last two digits or the last part of the IP address after a full stop are removed or replaced by wildcards. The masking of the IP address is intended to prevent the identification of a person by means of their IP address or to make such identification significantly more difficult.

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

Transmission of Personal Data

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

Data Transmission within the Group of Companies: Data transfer within the corporate group: We may transfer personal data to other companies within our corporate group or grant them access to it. This data sharing is based on our legitimate business and economic interests. By this, we mean, for example, the improvement of business processes, ensuring efficient and effective internal communication, the optimal use of our human and technological resources, as well as the ability to make informed business decisions. In certain cases, data sharing may also be necessary to fulfil our contractual obligations or may be based on the consent of the data subjects or a legal permission.

Data Transfer within the Organization: We may transfer personal data to other departments or units within our organisation or grant them access to it. If the data is shared for administrative purposes, it is based on our legitimate business and economic interests or occurs if it is necessary to fulfil our contractual obligations or if the data subjects have given their consent or a legal permission exists.

International data transfers

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

General Information on Data Retention and Deletion

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

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

Our privacy notices contain additional information on the retention and deletion of data specifically applicable to certain processing processes.

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Data Retention and Deletion: The following general deadlines apply for the retention and archiving according to German law:

 

  • 10 Years - Fiscal Code/Commercial Code - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheet as well as the necessary work instructions and other organisational documents, booking receipts and invoices (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 1, 4 and 4a of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 14b Paragraph 1 of the German VAT Act (UStG), Section 257 Paragraph 1 Numbers 1 and 4, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
  • 6 Years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, copies of dispatched commercial or business letters, and other documents to the extent that they are significant for taxation purposes, for example, hourly wage slips, operating accounting sheets, calculation documents, price tags, as well as payroll accounting documents, provided they are not already accounting vouchers and cash register tapes Section (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 2, 3, 5 of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 2 and 3, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
  • 3 Years - Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experiences and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years. This period begins at the end of the year in which the relevant contractual transaction took place or the contractual relationship ended in the case of ongoing contracts (Sections 195, 199 of the German Civil Code).

 

Rights of Data Subjects

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

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

Business services

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

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

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

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

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers). Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category).
  • Special categories of personal data: Health Data.
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Prospective customers. Business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Communication; Office and organisational procedures; Organisational and Administrative Procedures. Business processes and management procedures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion".
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Coaching: We process the data of our clients as well as prospects and other contractors or business partners (collectively referred to as "clients") in order to provide them with our services. The processes carried out within the framework and for the purposes of coaching include: initiating contact and communication with clients, needs analysis to determine suitable coaching measures, planning and conducting coaching sessions, documenting coaching progress, capturing and managing client-specific information and data, scheduling and organising appointments, providing coaching materials and resources, invoicing and payment management, post-processing and follow-up of coaching sessions, quality assurance and feedback processes.
    The processed data, its nature, scope, purpose, and the necessity of its processing are determined by the underlying contractual relationship with the client.
    Insofar as it is necessary for fulfilling our contract, protecting vital interests or legally required, or if there is consent from the clients, we disclose or transfer the clients' data in compliance with professional legal requirements to third parties or agents such as authorities, billing centers as well as in the field of IT, office or comparable services; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • Online Courses and Online Training: We process the data of participants in our online courses and training sessions (collectively referred to as "participants") in order to be able to provide them with our course and training services. The data processed, the type, scope, purpose, and necessity of their processing are determined by the underlying contractual relationship. The data generally includes information on the courses and services utilized, as well as personal preferences and results of the participants, insofar as they are part of our service offering. Processing forms also include performance evaluation and the evaluation of our services as well as those of the course and training instructors. Additionally, depending on the equipment and structure of the respective courses or learning content, further processing operations may be implemented, such as attendance tracking for documenting participation, progress monitoring for measuring and analyzing learning progress by collecting exam and test results, and analyzing interactions on learning platforms, such as forum posts and assignment submissions; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • Therapeutic Services: We process the data of our clients and interested parties and other clients or contractual partners (uniformly referred to as "clients") in order to provide them with our services. The data processed, the type, scope and purpose of their processing and the necessity of their processing are determined by the underlying contractual and client relationship.

    Within the scope of our services, we may also process special categories of data, here in particular information on the health of clients, possibly with reference to their sexual life or sexual orientation and data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs.  To this end, we obtain the express consent of clients where necessary and process the special categories of data otherwise for the purposes of health care, if the data is public or wit an other legal persmission.

    Insofar as it is necessary for the fulfilment of our contractual obligations, the protection of vital interests or by law, or with theclients's consent, we disclose or transfer the clients's data to third parties or agents, such as public authorities, medical facilities or professional experts, accounting offices and in the field of IT, office or comparable services, in compliance with professional regulations; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).

Business processes and operations

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Customer Account: Customers can create an account within our online offer (e.g. customer or user account, "customer account" for short). If the registration of a customer account is required, customers will be informed of this as well as of the details required for registration. The customer accounts are not public and cannot be indexed by search engines. In the course of registration and subsequent registration and use of the customer account, we store the IP addresses of the contractual partners along with the access times, in order to be able to prove the registration and prevent any misuse of the customer account. If the customer account has been terminated, the customer account data will be deleted after the termination date, unless it is retained for purposes other than provision in the customer account or must be retained for legal reasons (e.g. internal storage of customer data, order transactions or invoices). It is the customers' responsibility to back up their data when terminating the customer Account; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • General Payment Transactions: Procedures required for carrying out payment transactions, monitoring bank accounts, and controlling payment flows (e.g., creation and verification of transfers, processing of direct debit transactions, checking of account statements, monitoring of incoming and outgoing payments, management of chargebacks, account reconciliation, cash management); Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable: Procedures required for the collection, processing, and control of business transactions in the area of accounts payable and receivable accounting (e.g., creation and verification of incoming and outgoing invoices, monitoring and management of outstanding items, execution of payment transactions, handling of dunning processes, account reconciliation within the scope of receivables and payables, accounts payable accounting, and accounts receivable accounting); Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Financial Accounting and Taxes: Procedures required for the collection, management, and control of finance-related business transactions as well as for the calculation, reporting, and payment of taxes (e.g., accounting and posting of business transactions, preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, execution of payment transactions, handling of dunning processes, account reconciliation, tax consulting, preparation and submission of tax returns, management of tax affairs); Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Purchasing: Processes required in the procurement of goods, raw materials, or services (e.g., selection and evaluation of suppliers, price negotiations, placement and monitoring of orders, inspection and control of deliveries, invoice verification, management of orders, inventory management, creation and maintenance of purchasing policies); Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Use of online platforms for listing and sales purposes

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Digistore24: Automation of sales and billing processes, provision of affiliate marketing tools, management of customer relationships, execution of payments; Service provider: Digistore24 GmbH, St.-Godehard-Straße 32, 31139 Hildesheim, Germany; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.digistore24.com/en/home/. Privacy Policy: https://www.digistore24.com/page/privacy.
  • Teachable: Online platform for offering online courses, coaching and teaching services, and for concluding, performing and managing contracts with participants; Service provider: Teachable, Inc., 470 Park Avenue South, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10016 USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://teachable.com/; Privacy Policy: https://teachable.com/privacy-policy; Data Processing Agreement: https://teachable.com/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (https://teachable.com/dpa).

Providers and services used in the course of business

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Payment Procedure

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Provision of online services and web hosting

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Provision of online offer on rented hosting space: For the provision of our online services, we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also referred to as a "web hoster"); Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • GoDaddy: Domain registration and web hosting services; Service provider: Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC, 14455 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.godaddy.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.godaddy.com/legal/agreements/privacy-policy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Community Functions

The community functions provided by us allow users to engage in conversations and other forms of interaction with each other. Please note that the use of the community functions is only permitted in compliance with the applicable legal situation, our terms and guidelines and the rights of other users and third parties.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Security measures. Provision of our online services and usability.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion".
  • Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Restricted deletion of posts: Out of consideration for other users, the user's contributions to conversations remain stored even after termination and account deletion, so that conversations, comments, advice and similar communications do not lose their meaning or become inverted.This ensures that conversations, comments, advice or similar communication between and among users do not lose their meaning or become inverted.  User names will be deleted or pseudonymised if they were not already pseudonyms.Users can request the complete deletion of their posts at any time; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • Protection of own data: Users decide for themselves what data they disclose about themselves within our online services. For example, when users provide personal information or participate in conversations. We ask users to protect their data and to publish personal data only with caution and only to the extent necessary. In particular, we ask users to note that they must protect their login credentials in particular and use secure passwords (preferably long and random combinations of characters); Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).

Contact and Inquiry Management

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

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties); Payment Data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contract data (e.g. contract object, duration, customer category); Event Data (Facebook) ("Event Data" is data that can be transmitted from us to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels (via apps or other means) and relates to persons or their actions; the data includes, for example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, functions, installations of apps, purchases of products, etc.; Event data is processed for the purpose of creating target groups for content and advertising information (Custom Audiences); Event Data does not include the actual content (such as written comments), login information, and Contact Information (such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Event Data is deleted by Facebook after a maximum of two years, the Custom Audiences created from them with the deletion of our Facebook account); Contact Information (Facebook) ("Contact Information" is data that (clearly) identifies data subjects, such as names, email addresses and phone numbers, that can be transmitted to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels or uploads for matching purposes to form Custom Audiences.  After the matching to create target groups, the Contact Information is deleted).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.); Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); Business and contractual partners; Prospective customers; Service recipients and clients; Customers; Third parties. Members.
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Organisational and Administrative Procedures; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); Provision of our online services and usability; Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Office and organisational procedures; Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Marketing; Affiliate Tracking; Remarketing; Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behaviour, use of cookies); Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal); Security measures; Artificial Intelligence (AI). Information technology infrastructure (Operation and provision of information systems and technical devices, such as computers, servers, etc.).).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion".
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Gmail: Email sending and receiving, storage of contacts in the address book, filter rules for sorting incoming emails, spam and virus protection, cloud storage for attachments and other content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.google.com/gmail/about/. Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.
  • Contact form: Upon contacting us via our contact form, email, or other means of communication, we process the personal data transmitted to us for the purpose of responding to and handling the respective matter. This typically includes details such as name, contact information, and possibly additional information provided to us that is necessary for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Analysis and performance measurement: We statistically evaluate push messages and can thus identify if and when push messages were displayed and clicked on. This information is used for the technical improvement of our push messages based on technical data or target groups and their retrieval behavior or retrieval times. This analysis also includes determining whether the push messages are opened, when they are opened and whether users interact with their content or buttons. For technical reasons, this information can be assigned to individual push message recipients. However, it is neither our intention nor, if used, that of the push message service provider to monitor individual users. Rather, the evaluations serve to identify the usage habits of our users and to adapt our push messages to them or to send different push messages according to the interests of our users.

    The evaluation of the push messages and the measurement of performance are based on the consent of the users, which is given with their permission to receive the push messages. Users can object to the analysis and performance measurement by unsubscribing from the push messages. Unfortunately, it is not possible to cancel the analysis and performance measurement separately; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Disclosure of names: You have the option to submit reports anonymously. However, unless prohibited by national legislation, we recommend that you provide your name and contact details. This enables us to follow up on the report more effectively and, if necessary, to contact you directly.Should you choose to provide your name and contact information, your identity will be treated with strict confidentiality. Exceptions to this confidentiality exist only if we are legally obliged to disclose your identity. This may be necessary in order to protect or defend our rights or the rights of our employees, customers, suppliers, or business partners. Another exception is if it is determined that the allegations were made with malicious intent.
  • Data Retention and Deletion: The following general deadlines apply for the retention and archiving according to German law:

 

  • 10 Years - Fiscal Code/Commercial Code - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheet as well as the necessary work instructions and other organisational documents, booking receipts and invoices (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 1, 4 and 4a of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 14b Paragraph 1 of the German VAT Act (UStG), Section 257 Paragraph 1 Numbers 1 and 4, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
  • 6 Years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, copies of dispatched commercial or business letters, and other documents to the extent that they are significant for taxation purposes, for example, hourly wage slips, operating accounting sheets, calculation documents, price tags, as well as payroll accounting documents, provided they are not already accounting vouchers and cash register tapes Section (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 2, 3, 5 of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 2 and 3, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
  • 3 Years - Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experiences and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years. This period begins at the end of the year in which the relevant contractual transaction took place or the contractual relationship ended in the case of ongoing contracts (Sections 195, 199 of the German Civil Code).

 

  • Calendar.online/ Kalender.digital: Online scheduling and calendar management; Service provider: Chris and Max GbR, Christian Kocks, Maximilian Ciupka, Ulmenallee 96, 45479 Mülheim, Germany; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://calendar.online/. Privacy Policy: https://calendar.online/c/privacy.
  • Digistore24: Automation of sales and billing processes, provision of affiliate marketing tools, management of customer relationships, execution of payments; Service provider: Digistore24 GmbH, St.-Godehard-Straße 32, 31139 Hildesheim, Germany; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.digistore24.com/en/home/. Privacy Policy: https://www.digistore24.com/page/privacy.
  • Digistore24 Affiliate Program: Affiliate marketing network; Service provider: Digistore24 GmbH, St.-Godehard-Straße 32, 31139 Hildesheim, Germany; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.digistore24.com/en. Privacy Policy: https://www.digistore24.com/en/home/extern/cms/page/frontend/legal/privacy.
  • Facebook Conversions API: We use the "Conversions API" provided by Facebook. The Conversions API is an interface with which event data is sent directly from our servers to Facebook. The functionality and processing of data within the framework of the Conversions API corresponds to the functionality and processing within the framework of the use of the Facebook Pixel, and therefore we refer to the data protection information on the Facebook Pixel and Custom Audiences in this respect; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Facebook Single-Sign-On: Authentication service of the platform Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook Ads: Placement of ads within the Facebook platform and analysis of ad results; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Opt-Out: We refer to the privacy and advertising settings in the users' profiles on the Facebook platforms, as well as to Facebook's consent procedures and contact options for exercising access and other data subject rights, as described in Facebook's privacy policy. Further Information: User event data, i.e. behavioral and interest data, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience building on the basis of the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which concerns in particular the transfer of the data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).
  • Facebook-Groups: We use the "Groups" function of the Facebook platform to create interest groups within which Facebook users can contact each other or us and exchange information. In doing so, we process personal data of the users of our groups as far as this is necessary for the purpose of the group use as well as its moderation. These data include information on first and last names, as well as published or privately shared content, as well as values on the status of group membership or group-related activities, such as entry or exit, as well as the time information on the aforementioned data. Our guidelines within the groups may contain further specifications and information on the use of the respective group. Furthermore, we would like to point out the processing of data of the users by Facebook itself. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see under "Things You and Others Do and Provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), as well as information about the devices users use (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How do we use this information?", Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, called "Insights," to group operators to provide them with insights about how people interact with their groups and with content associated with them; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook-Messenger: Sending and receiving text messages, making voice and video calls, creating group chats, sharing files and media, transmitting location information, synchronising contacts, encrypting messages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook-Messenger Broadcasts: Messenger with end-to-end encryption; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-Out: https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences/ad_settings (login at Facebook is required).
  • Facebook Pages: Profiles within the social network Facebook - We are jointly responsible (so called "joint controller") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection (but not the further processing) of data of visitors to our Facebook page. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see "Things that you and others do and provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), and information about the devices used by users (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie information; see "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How we use this information?" Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, known as "page insights," to site operators to help them understand how people interact with their pages and with content associated with them. We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Information about Page-Insights", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum), which regulates in particular the security measures that Facebook must observe and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of the persons concerned (i.e. users can send information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook. Further information can be found in the "Information about Page Insights" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook events: Event profiles within the social network Facebook - We use the "Events" function of the Facebook platform to refer to events and dates as well as to get in touch with users (participants and interested parties) and to exchange information. In doing so, we process personal data of the users of our event pages, as far as this is necessary for the purpose of the event page as well as its moderation. These data include information on first and last names, as well as published or privately communicated content, as well as values on the status of participation and the time information on the aforementioned data. Furthermore, we refer to the processing of data of users by Facebook itself. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see under "Things You and Others Do and Provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), as well as information about the devices users use (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How do we use this information?", Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, known as "insights," to event providers to provide them with insights about how people interact with their event pages and with content associated with them; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook plugins and contents: Facebook Social Plugins and contents - This can include content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online service within Facebook. The list and appearance of the Facebook Social Plugins can be viewed here: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/ - We are jointly responsible (so-called "joint-controllership") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or transmission (but not further processing) of "Event Data" that Facebook collects or receives as part of a transmission using the Facebook Social Plugins that run on our website for the following purposes: a) displaying content advertising information that matches users' presumed interests; b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g. b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalizing features and content (e.g., improving recognition of which content or advertising information is believed to be of interest to users). We have entered into a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which specifically addresses the security measures that Facebook must take (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to comply with the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, submit information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurements, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain information on individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing is not carried out within the scope of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a DPA ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing/update), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • GoDaddy: Domain registration and web hosting services; Service provider: Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC, 14455 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.godaddy.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.godaddy.com/legal/agreements/privacy-policy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Google Cloud Storage: Cloud storage, cloud infrastructure services and cloud-based application software; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://cloud.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: https://cloud.google.com/privacy.
  • Google Docs: Online word processing application, document storage, collaboration, and sharing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.google.de/docs/about/; Privacy Policy: https://cloud.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: https://cloud.google.com/privacy.
  • Google Kalender: Software for scheduling and managing appointments, with functions for payment processing, customer management and interfaces for integration with external calendars and online platforms; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://calendar.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Google Podcasts: Podcast hosting and statistical analysis of podcast performance; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://podcasts.google.com/. Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.
  • Google Presentations: Online application for presentation creation, document storage, collaboration, and sharing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.google.de/slides/about/; Privacy Policy: https://cloud.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: https://cloud.google.com/privacy.
  • Google Single-Sign-On: Authentication services for user logins, provision of single sign-on functionalities, management of identity information and application integrations; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-Out: Settings for the Display of Advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
  • Google Sheets: Online spreadsheet application, document storage, collaboration, and sharing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.google.com/sheets/about/; Privacy Policy:  https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: https://cloud.google.com/privacy.
  • Google Translate: Translation of content and input into other languages; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://translate.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Instagram: Messaging via the social network Instagram; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com. Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.
  • Instagram: Social network, allows the sharing of photos and videos, commenting on and favouriting posts, messaging, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Instagram Ads: Placement of ads within the Instagram platform and analysis of ad results; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Opt-Out: We refer to the data protection and advertising settings in the user's profile on the Instagram platform as well as Instagram's consent procedure and Instagram's contact options for exercising information and other data subject rights in Instagram's privacy policy. Further Information: User event data, i.e. behavioral and interest data, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience building on the basis of the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which concerns in particular the transfer of the data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).
  • Instagram plugins and contents: Instagram plugins and contents - This can include content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online service within Instagram . - We are jointly responsible (so-called "joint-controllership") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or transmission (but not further processing) of "Event Data" that Facebook collects or receives as part of a transmission using Instagram functions that run on our website for the following purposes: a) displaying content advertising information that matches users' presumed interests; b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g. b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalizing features and content (e.g., improving recognition of which content or advertising information is believed to be of interest to users). We have entered into a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which specifically addresses the security measures that Facebook must take (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to comply with the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, submit information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurements, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain information on individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing is not carried out within the scope of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a DPA ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing/update), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com. Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.
  • Instagram Single-Sign-On: Authentication services for user logins, provision of single sign-on functionalities, management of identity information and application integrations. - We are jointly responsible (so-called "joint-controllership") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or receipt as part of a transmission (but not the further processing) of Event Data that Facebook collects or receives as part of a transmission for the following purposes using the Facebook single sign-on registration procedures that are implemented on our online services: a) displaying content advertising information that matches users' presumed interests; b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g. b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalizing features and content (e.g., improving recognition of which content or advertising information is believed to be of interest to users). We have entered into a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which specifically addresses the security measures that Facebook must take (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to comply with the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, submit information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurements, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain information on individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing is not carried out within the scope of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a DPA ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com. Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.
  • Klarna: Payment-Service-Provider (technical integration of online-payment-methods); Service provider: Klarna Bank AB (publ), Sveavägen 46, 111 34 Stockholm, Sweden; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Website: https://www.klarna.com. Privacy Policy: https://www.klarna.com/de/datenschutz.
  • Customer Account: Customers can create an account within our online offer (e.g. customer or user account, "customer account" for short). If the registration of a customer account is required, customers will be informed of this as well as of the details required for registration. The customer accounts are not public and cannot be indexed by search engines. In the course of registration and subsequent registration and use of the customer account, we store the IP addresses of the contractual partners along with the access times, in order to be able to prove the registration and prevent any misuse of the customer account. If the customer account has been terminated, the customer account data will be deleted after the termination date, unless it is retained for purposes other than provision in the customer account or must be retained for legal reasons (e.g. internal storage of customer data, order transactions or invoices). It is the customers' responsibility to back up their data when terminating the customer Account; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • LiveChat: Chatbot and assistance software and related services; Service provider: LiveChat Inc., One International Place, Suite 1400 Boston, Massachusetts 02110, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.livechatinc.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.livechatinc.com/legal/privacy-policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Mailchimp: Email marketing, automation of marketing processes, collection, storage and management of contact information, measurement of campaign performance, recording and analysis of recipient interaction with content, personalisation of content; Service provider: Rocket Science Group, LLC, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE #5000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://mailchimp.com; Privacy Policy: https://mailchimp.com/legal/; Data Processing Agreement: https://mailchimp.com/legal/data-processing-addendum/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: Special safety measures: https://mailchimp.com/help/Mailchimp-european-data-transfers/.
  • ManyChat: Chatbot with assistance software and messaging; Service provider: ManyChat, Inc.,535 Everett Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://manychat.com; Privacy Policy: https://manychat.com/privacy.html; Data Processing Agreement: https://manychat.com/legal/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (https://manychat.com/legal/dpa).
  • ManyChat: Chatbot and assistance software and related services; Service provider: ManyChat, Inc.,535 Everett Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://manychat.com; Privacy Policy: https://manychat.com/privacy.html; Data Processing Agreement: https://manychat.com/legal/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (v).
  • ManyChat Pixel: Service provider: ManyChat, Inc.,535 Everett Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://manychat.com; Privacy Policy: https://manychat.com/privacy.html; Data Processing Agreement: https://manychat.com/legal/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (https://manychat.com/legal/dpa).
  • Mastercard: Payment-Service-Provider (technical integration of online-payment-methods); Service provider: Mastercard Europe SA, Chaussée de Tervuren 198A, B-1410 Waterloo, Belgium; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Website: https://www.mastercard.co.uk. Privacy Policy: https://www.mastercard.co.uk/en-gb/vision/terms-of-use/commitment-to-privacy/privacy.html.
  • Meta Pixel and Custom Audiences (Custom Audiences): With the help of the Meta-Pixel  (or equivalent functions, to transfer Event-Data or Contact Information via interfaces or other software in apps), Meta is on the one hand able to determine the visitors of our online services as a target group for the presentation of ads (so-called "Meta ads"). Accordingly, we use Meta-Pixels to display Meta ads placed by us only to Meta users and within the services of partners cooperating with Meta (so-called "audience network" https://www.facebook.com/audiencenetwork/ ) who have shown an interest in our online services or who have certain characteristics (e.g. interests in certain topics or products that are determined on the basis of the websites visited) that we transmit to Meta (so-called "custom audiences"). With the help of Meta-Pixels, we also want to ensure that our Meta ads correspond to the potential interest of users and do not appear annoying. The Meta-Pixel also enables us to track the effectiveness of Meta ads for statistical and market research purposes by showing whether users were referred to our website after clicking on a Meta ad (known as "conversion tracking"); Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: User event data, i.e. behavioral and interest data, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience building on the basis of the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which concerns in particular the transfer of the data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).
  • Meta - Custom Audiences from File: Creation of target groups for marketing purposes - We submit Contact Information (names, email addresses and phone numbers) to Meta in list form for the purpose of creating Custom Audiences for content and advertising information based on the presumed interests of users. The transmission and matching with data available on Meta is not in plain text, but as so-called "hash values", i.e. mathematical representations of the data (this method is used, for example, in the storage of passwords). After the matching to create target groups, the Contact Information is deleted; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Microsoft Cloud Services: Cloud storage, cloud infrastructure services and cloud-based application software; Service provider: Microsoft Irland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://microsoft.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement, Security information: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/trustcenter; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Microsoft-Products-and-Services-Data-Protection-Addendum-DPA. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Microsoft Teams: Audio and video conferencing, chat, file sharing, integration with Office 365 applications, real-time collaboration on documents, calendar functions, task management, screen sharing, optional recording; Service provider: Microsoft Irland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement, Security information: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/trustcenter. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Online Courses and Online Training: We process the data of participants in our online courses and training sessions (collectively referred to as "participants") in order to be able to provide them with our course and training services. The data processed, the type, scope, purpose, and necessity of their processing are determined by the underlying contractual relationship. The data generally includes information on the courses and services utilized, as well as personal preferences and results of the participants, insofar as they are part of our service offering. Processing forms also include performance evaluation and the evaluation of our services as well as those of the course and training instructors. Additionally, depending on the equipment and structure of the respective courses or learning content, further processing operations may be implemented, such as attendance tracking for documenting participation, progress monitoring for measuring and analyzing learning progress by collecting exam and test results, and analyzing interactions on learning platforms, such as forum posts and assignment submissions; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • OpenAI API: An AI API that provides developers with access to a variety of advanced language and image models, including GPT-4 and DALL-E. The OpenAI API enables the integration of complex tasks such as text generation, language processing, and image analysis into applications; Service provider: OpenAI Ireland Ltd, 117-126 Sheriff Street Upper, D01 YC43 Dublin 1, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://openai.com/product; Privacy Policy: https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://openai.com/policies/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-Out: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevgtKyiSWIOj6CV6XWBHl1daPZSOcIWzcUYUXQ1xttjBgDpA/viewform.
  • ChatGPT: AI-based service designed to understand and generate natural language and related input and data, analyze information, and make predictions ("AI", meaning "Artificial Intelligence" shall be construed in the applicable legal sense of the term); Service provider: OpenAI Ireland Ltd, 117-126 Sheriff Street Upper, D01 YC43 Dublin 1, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://openai.com/product; Privacy Policy: https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy/. Opt-Out: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevgtKyiSWIOj6CV6XWBHl1daPZSOcIWzcUYUXQ1xttjBgDpA/viewform.
  • PayPal: Payment-Service-Provider (technical integration of online-payment-methods) (e.g. PayPal, PayPal Plus, Braintree, Braintree); Service provider: PayPal (Europe) S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Website: https://www.paypal.com. Privacy Policy: https://www.paypal.com/de/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full.
  • Podcaster: Podcast hosting and statistical analysis of podcast performance; Service provider: Fabio Bacigalupo, podcaster.de, Brunnenstraße 147, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Website: https://www.podcaster.de. Privacy Policy: https://www.podcaster.de/privacy.
  • Legal Bases (Gemany): To the extent that we process data to fulfil our legal obligations in accordance with the Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG), the legal basis for processing is Article 6(1)(c) GDPR and, in the case of special categories of personal data, Article 9(2)(g) GDPR, § 22 BDSG, in conjunction with § 10 HinSchG. This relates to the obligation to establish and operate an internal whistleblower reporting office, the fulfilment of its legal duties, and, in the case of using data collected in the reporting process, the initiation of further investigations or employment-related steps against individuals found to have committed a violation.

    To the extent that we process data (especially in cases of identified misconduct) for the purpose of or in preparation for legal defence, this is done on the basis of our legitimate interests in lawful and ethical conduct in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

    To the extent that consent has been given for processing personal data for specific purposes, processing is based on this consent according to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and in case of special categories of personal data Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR. An example would be disclosing a whistleblower's identity or creating a verbatim report during a personal meeting. Given consent can be revoked at any time with effect for the future.
  • Protection of own data: Users decide for themselves what data they disclose about themselves within our online services. For example, when users provide personal information or participate in conversations. We ask users to protect their data and to publish personal data only with caution and only to the extent necessary. In particular, we ask users to note that they must protect their login credentials in particular and use secure passwords (preferably long and random combinations of characters); Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR).
  • Soundcloud: Soundcloud - Music hosting; Service provider: SoundCloud Limited, Rheinsberger Str. 76/77, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://soundcloud.com. Privacy Policy: https://soundcloud.com/pages/privacy.
  • Spotify: Spotify - Music hosting and Widget; Service provider: Spotify AB, Regeringsgatan 19, SE-111 53 Stockholm, Sweden; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://podcasters.spotify.com/. Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/legal/privacy-policy/.
  • Stripe: Payment-Service-Provider (technical integration of online-payment-methods); Service provider: Stripe, Inc., 510 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Website: https://stripe.com/de; Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/en-de/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Telegram: Sending and receiving messages, voice calls, and video calls; creating groups and channels; sharing files and media; using bots for automation; end-to-end encryption for secret chats; synchronisation across multiple devices; Service provider: Representative in the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://telegram.org/. Privacy Policy: https://telegram.org/privacy.
  • Telegram Groups: We use the Telegram platform to create interest groups within which Telegram users can contact each other or us and share information; Service provider: Representative in the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium; Website: https://telegram.org/; Privacy Policy: https://telegram.org/privacy. Further Information: We process the personal data of the group members only insofar as we can manage the group members, i.e. add, delete, restrict the use of the group and moderate the content. Beyond that, i.e. in particular for the provision of technical functions, the evaluation and provision of anonymous dispatch statistics for the group operators and the administration of the users, Telegram is the controller.
  • Telegram Channels: We use the Telegram platform to send messages to subscribers of our Telegram channel; Service provider: Representative in the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium; Website: https://telegram.org/; Privacy Policy: https://telegram.org/privacy/de. Further Information: We process the subscribers' personal data only to the extent that we can view and delete the subscribers as recipients of the channel. Beyond that, i.e. in particular for the sending of the messages, the evaluation and provision of anonymous sending statistics for the channel operators and the administration of the subscribers, Telegram is responsible under data protection law.
  • WhatsApp: Text messages, voice and video calls, sending images, videos and documents, group chat functionality, end-to-end encryption for enhanced security; Service provider: WhatsApp Ireland Limited, Merrion Road 4, D04 X2K5 Dublin, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.whatsapp.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • WhatsApp-Gruppen: We use the WhatsApp platform to create interest groups, within which WhatsApp users can communicate with each other or with us and exchange information; Service provider: WhatsApp Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, D02 KH28, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.whatsapp.com/. Privacy Policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal.
  • sevDesk: Online software for invoicing, accounting, banking and tax filing with document storage; Service provider: sevDesk GmbH, Hauptstraße 115, 77652 Offenburg, Germany; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://sevdesk.com/; Privacy Policy: https://sevdesk.com/privacy-policy. Data Processing Agreement: https://sevdesk.com/security-data-protection.
  • Vimeo: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Vimeo Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 555 West 18th Street New York, New York 10011, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://vimeo.com. Privacy Policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy.

Communication via Messenger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Telegram: Sending and receiving messages, voice calls, and video calls; creating groups and channels; sharing files and media; using bots for automation; end-to-end encryption for secret chats; synchronisation across multiple devices; Service provider: Representative in the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://telegram.org/. Privacy Policy: https://telegram.org/privacy.
  • WhatsApp: Text messages, voice and video calls, sending images, videos and documents, group chat functionality, end-to-end encryption for enhanced security; Service provider: WhatsApp Ireland Limited, Merrion Road 4, D04 X2K5 Dublin, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.whatsapp.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook-Messenger: Sending and receiving text messages, making voice and video calls, creating group chats, sharing files and media, transmitting location information, synchronising contacts, encrypting messages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Instagram: Messaging via the social network Instagram; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com. Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.

Chatbots and chat functions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We use artificial intelligence (AI), which involves the processing of personal data. The specific purposes and our interest in using AI are mentioned below. According to the term "AI system" as defined in Article 3 No. 1 of the AI Regulation, we understand AI to be a machine-based system designed for varying degrees of autonomous operation, capable of adaptation after deployment, and producing outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments.

Our AI systems are used in strict compliance with legal requirements. These include both specific regulations for artificial intelligence and data protection requirements. In particular, we adhere to the principles of lawfulness, transparency, fairness, human oversight, purpose limitation, data minimisation, integrity and confidentiality. We ensure that the processing of personal data is always based on a legal foundation. This may either be the consent of the data subjects or a statutory permission.

When using external AI systems, we carefully select their providers (hereinafter referred to as "AI providers"). In accordance with our legal obligations, we ensure that the AI providers comply with applicable provisions. We also observe our duties when using or operating the acquired AI services. The processing of personal data by us and the AI providers is carried out exclusively on the basis of consent or legal authorisation. We place particular emphasis on transparency, fairness and maintaining human oversight over AI-supported decision-making processes.

To protect processed data, we implement appropriate and robust technical as well as organisational measures. These ensure the integrity and confidentiality of processed data and minimise potential risks. Through regular reviews of AI providers and their services, we ensure ongoing compliance with current legal and ethical standards.

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Video Conferences, Online Meetings, Webinars and Screen-Sharing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Audio Content

We utilise hosting services from service providers to offer our audio content for listening and downloading. In this process, we employ platforms that enable the uploading, storage, and distribution of audio material.

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Log data (e.g. log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles). Provision of our online services and usability.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion".
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Cloud Services

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Newsletter and Electronic Communications

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

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

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

Contents:

 

Information about us, our services, promotions and offers.

  • Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.). Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal). Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Retention and deletion: 3 years - Contractual claims (AT) (Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experiences and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (Sections 1478, 1480 of the Austrian Civil Code).). 10 years - Contractual claims (CH) (Data required to consider potential compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experiences and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the statutory limitation period of ten years, unless a shorter period of 5 years is applicable, which is relevant in certain cases. This period begins at the end of the calendar year in which the claim arose (Articles 127 and 128 Swiss Code of Obligations (CO))).
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Opt-Out: You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e. revoke your consent or object to further receipt. You will find a link to cancel the newsletter either at the end of each newsletter or you can otherwise use one of the contact options listed above, preferably e-mail.

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Measurement of opening rates and click rates: The newsletters contain a so-called "web beacons", which is a pixel-sized file that is retrieved from our server, or the server of the dispatch service provider if one is used, when the newsletter is opened. In the course of this retrieval, technical information such as details about the browser and your system, as well as your IP address and the time of access are collected. This information is used to technically improve our newsletter based on technical data or target audiences and their reading behavior, which can be determined by their access locations (identifiable by IP address) or access times. This analysis also includes determining whether and when newsletters are opened and which links are clicked. The information is assigned to individual newsletter recipients and stored in their profiles until deletion. The evaluations serve to recognize the reading habits of our users and adjust our content to them or send different content according to the interests of our users. The measurement of opening and click rates, as well as the storage of the measurement results in user profiles and their further processing, are based on user consent. Unfortunately, it is not possible to revoke success measurement separately; in this case, the entire newsletter subscription must be cancelled or objected to. In that case, stored profile information will be deleted; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Prerequisite for the use of free services: Consent to the sending of mailings can be made dependent on the use of free services (e.g. access to certain content or participation in certain campaigns) as a prerequisite. If the users would like to take advantage of the free service without registering for the newsletter, we offer them to contact us.
  • Order process reminder emails: When users cancel an order process, we can send them a notice of the cancellation and remind them to continue. This function can be useful, for example, if the purchase process could not be continued due to a browser crash, oversight or forgetting. The dispatch is based on consent, which users can object to at any time; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Sending via text messages: The electronic communications can also be sent via text messages (or are sent exclusively via text messages, if the sending authorization, e.g., consent, only includes sending via SMS); Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Mailchimp: Email marketing, automation of marketing processes, collection, storage and management of contact information, measurement of campaign performance, recording and analysis of recipient interaction with content, personalisation of content; Service provider: Rocket Science Group, LLC, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE #5000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://mailchimp.com; Privacy Policy: https://mailchimp.com/legal/; Data Processing Agreement: https://mailchimp.com/legal/data-processing-addendum/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: Special safety measures: https://mailchimp.com/help/Mailchimp-european-data-transfers/.

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

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

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

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

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

Sweepstakes and Contests

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surveys and Questionnaires

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Online Marketing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes on revocation and objection:

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

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

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

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

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

  • Processed data types: Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties); Event Data (Facebook) ("Event Data" is data that can be transmitted from us to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels (via apps or other means) and relates to persons or their actions; the data includes, for example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, functions, installations of apps, purchases of products, etc.; Event data is processed for the purpose of creating target groups for content and advertising information (Custom Audiences); Event Data does not include the actual content (such as written comments), login information, and Contact Information (such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Event Data is deleted by Facebook after a maximum of two years, the Custom Audiences created from them with the deletion of our Facebook account); Contact Information (Facebook) ("Contact Information" is data that (clearly) identifies data subjects, such as names, email addresses and phone numbers, that can be transmitted to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels or uploads for matching purposes to form Custom Audiences.  After the matching to create target groups, the Contact Information is deleted).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behaviour, use of cookies); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Affiliate Tracking; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles). Provision of our online services and usability.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.).
  • Security measures: IP Masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address).
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Meta Pixel and Custom Audiences (Custom Audiences): With the help of the Meta-Pixel  (or equivalent functions, to transfer Event-Data or Contact Information via interfaces or other software in apps), Meta is on the one hand able to determine the visitors of our online services as a target group for the presentation of ads (so-called "Meta ads"). Accordingly, we use Meta-Pixels to display Meta ads placed by us only to Meta users and within the services of partners cooperating with Meta (so-called "audience network" https://www.facebook.com/audiencenetwork/ ) who have shown an interest in our online services or who have certain characteristics (e.g. interests in certain topics or products that are determined on the basis of the websites visited) that we transmit to Meta (so-called "custom audiences"). With the help of Meta-Pixels, we also want to ensure that our Meta ads correspond to the potential interest of users and do not appear annoying. The Meta-Pixel also enables us to track the effectiveness of Meta ads for statistical and market research purposes by showing whether users were referred to our website after clicking on a Meta ad (known as "conversion tracking"); Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: User event data, i.e. behavioral and interest data, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience building on the basis of the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which concerns in particular the transfer of the data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).
  • Advanced matching for the Meta-Pixel: In addition to the processing of Event Data in the context of the use of the Meta-Pixel (or equivalent functions, e.g. in apps), Contact Information (data identifying individual persons, names, email addresses and telephone numbers) is also collected by Meta within our online offer or transmitted to Meta. The processing of contact information serves to form target groups (so-called " Custom Audiences") for the display of content and advertising information based on the presumed interests of users. The collection, or transmission and matching with data available on Meta is not in plain text, but as so-called "hash values", i.e. mathematical representations of the data (this method is used, for example, in the storage of passwords). After the matching to create target groups, the Contact Information is deleted; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Privacy Policy: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further Information: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms.
  • Meta - Custom Audiences from File: Creation of target groups for marketing purposes - We submit Contact Information (names, email addresses and phone numbers) to Meta in list form for the purpose of creating Custom Audiences for content and advertising information based on the presumed interests of users. The transmission and matching with data available on Meta is not in plain text, but as so-called "hash values", i.e. mathematical representations of the data (this method is used, for example, in the storage of passwords). After the matching to create target groups, the Contact Information is deleted; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook Ads: Placement of ads within the Facebook platform and analysis of ad results; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Opt-Out: We refer to the privacy and advertising settings in the users' profiles on the Facebook platforms, as well as to Facebook's consent procedures and contact options for exercising access and other data subject rights, as described in Facebook's privacy policy. Further Information: User event data, i.e. behavioral and interest data, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience building on the basis of the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which concerns in particular the transfer of the data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).
  • Instagram Ads: Placement of ads within the Instagram platform and analysis of ad results; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Opt-Out: We refer to the data protection and advertising settings in the user's profile on the Instagram platform as well as Instagram's consent procedure and Instagram's contact options for exercising information and other data subject rights in Instagram's privacy policy. Further Information: User event data, i.e. behavioral and interest data, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience building on the basis of the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which concerns in particular the transfer of the data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).

Profiles in Social Networks (Social Media)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Instagram: Social network, allows the sharing of photos and videos, commenting on and favouriting posts, messaging, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook Pages: Profiles within the social network Facebook - We are jointly responsible (so called "joint controller") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection (but not the further processing) of data of visitors to our Facebook page. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see "Things that you and others do and provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), and information about the devices used by users (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie information; see "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How we use this information?" Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, known as "page insights," to site operators to help them understand how people interact with their pages and with content associated with them. We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Information about Page-Insights", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum), which regulates in particular the security measures that Facebook must observe and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of the persons concerned (i.e. users can send information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook. Further information can be found in the "Information about Page Insights" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook-Groups: We use the "Groups" function of the Facebook platform to create interest groups within which Facebook users can contact each other or us and exchange information. In doing so, we process personal data of the users of our groups as far as this is necessary for the purpose of the group use as well as its moderation. These data include information on first and last names, as well as published or privately shared content, as well as values on the status of group membership or group-related activities, such as entry or exit, as well as the time information on the aforementioned data. Our guidelines within the groups may contain further specifications and information on the use of the respective group. Furthermore, we would like to point out the processing of data of the users by Facebook itself. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see under "Things You and Others Do and Provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), as well as information about the devices users use (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How do we use this information?", Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, called "Insights," to group operators to provide them with insights about how people interact with their groups and with content associated with them; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook events: Event profiles within the social network Facebook - We use the "Events" function of the Facebook platform to refer to events and dates as well as to get in touch with users (participants and interested parties) and to exchange information. In doing so, we process personal data of the users of our event pages, as far as this is necessary for the purpose of the event page as well as its moderation. These data include information on first and last names, as well as published or privately communicated content, as well as values on the status of participation and the time information on the aforementioned data. Furthermore, we refer to the processing of data of users by Facebook itself. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see under "Things You and Others Do and Provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), as well as information about the devices users use (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How do we use this information?", Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, known as "insights," to event providers to provide them with insights about how people interact with their event pages and with content associated with them; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Telegram Groups: We use the Telegram platform to create interest groups within which Telegram users can contact each other or us and share information; Service provider: Representative in the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium; Website: https://telegram.org/; Privacy Policy: https://telegram.org/privacy. Further Information: We process the personal data of the group members only insofar as we can manage the group members, i.e. add, delete, restrict the use of the group and moderate the content. Beyond that, i.e. in particular for the provision of technical functions, the evaluation and provision of anonymous dispatch statistics for the group operators and the administration of the users, Telegram is the controller.
  • Telegram Channels: We use the Telegram platform to send messages to subscribers of our Telegram channel; Service provider: Representative in the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium; Website: https://telegram.org/; Privacy Policy: https://telegram.org/privacy/de. Further Information: We process the subscribers' personal data only to the extent that we can view and delete the subscribers as recipients of the channel. Beyond that, i.e. in particular for the sending of the messages, the evaluation and provision of anonymous sending statistics for the channel operators and the administration of the subscribers, Telegram is responsible under data protection law.
  • YouTube: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-Out: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
  • WhatsApp-Gruppen: We use the WhatsApp platform to create interest groups, within which WhatsApp users can communicate with each other or with us and exchange information; Service provider: WhatsApp Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, D02 KH28, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.whatsapp.com/. Privacy Policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal.

Plugins and embedded functions and content

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

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

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties); Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Event Data (Facebook) ("Event Data" is data that can be transmitted from us to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels (via apps or other means) and relates to persons or their actions; the data includes, for example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, functions, installations of apps, purchases of products, etc.; Event data is processed for the purpose of creating target groups for content and advertising information (Custom Audiences). Event Data does not include the actual content (such as written comments), login information, and Contact Information (such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Event Data is deleted by Facebook after a maximum of two years, the Custom Audiences created from them with the deletion of our Facebook account).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and usability; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles). Marketing.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.).
  • Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

  • Facebook plugins and contents: Facebook Social Plugins and contents - This can include content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online service within Facebook. The list and appearance of the Facebook Social Plugins can be viewed here: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/ - We are jointly responsible (so-called "joint-controllership") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or transmission (but not further processing) of "Event Data" that Facebook collects or receives as part of a transmission using the Facebook Social Plugins that run on our website for the following purposes: a) displaying content advertising information that matches users' presumed interests; b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g. b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalizing features and content (e.g., improving recognition of which content or advertising information is believed to be of interest to users). We have entered into a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which specifically addresses the security measures that Facebook must take (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to comply with the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, submit information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurements, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain information on individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing is not carried out within the scope of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a DPA ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing/update), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Instagram plugins and contents: Instagram plugins and contents - This can include content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online service within Instagram . - We are jointly responsible (so-called "joint-controllership") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or transmission (but not further processing) of "Event Data" that Facebook collects or receives as part of a transmission using Instagram functions that run on our website for the following purposes: a) displaying content advertising information that matches users' presumed interests; b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g. b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalizing features and content (e.g., improving recognition of which content or advertising information is believed to be of interest to users). We have entered into a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which specifically addresses the security measures that Facebook must take (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to comply with the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, submit information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurements, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain information on individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing is not carried out within the scope of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a DPA ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing/update), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com. Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.
  • YouTube videos: Video contents; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, , parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-Out: Opt-Out-Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en,  Settings for the Display of Advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
  • Vimeo-Videoplayer: Integration of a video player; Service provider: Vimeo Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 555 West 18th Street New York, New York 10011, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://vimeo.com; Privacy Policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://vimeo.com/enterpriseterms/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (https://vimeo.com/enterpriseterms/dpa).

Management, Organization and Utilities

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

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

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

  • Processed data types: Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions, as well as information pertaining to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation.); Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers).
  • Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.); Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); Business and contractual partners; Prospective customers; Third parties. Service recipients and clients.
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Office and organisational procedures; Provision of our online services and usability; Information technology infrastructure (Operation and provision of information systems and technical devices, such as computers, servers, etc.).); Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors). Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion".
  • Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

Changes and Updates

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

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

Terminology and Definitions

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

 

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