Privacy Policy
It is generally possible to use our website without providing any personal data. If a data subject wishes to use special services provided by our website, it might be necessary to process personal data. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain consent from the data subject.
The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, email address, or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in compliance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to us. Through this privacy policy, we aim to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed of their rights through this privacy policy.
We have implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection of personal data processed through this website. However, internet-based data transmissions can generally have security vulnerabilities, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transfer personal data to us via alternative means, for example by telephone.
Definitions
This privacy policy is based on the terminology used by the European legislator when adopting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy should be easy to read and understand for the public as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminology used in advance.
In this privacy policy, we may use, among others, the following terms:
- 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.
- data subject
Data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.
- processing
Processing is any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction.
- restriction of processing
Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in the future.
- profiling
Profiling means any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyze or predict aspects concerning that natural person's performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or movements.
- pseudonymization
Pseudonymization is the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal data are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.
- controller or controller responsible for the processing
Controller or controller responsible for the processing is 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. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.
- processor
Processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.
- recipient
Recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or another body to which personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be regarded as recipients.
- third party
Third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or body other than the data subject, controller, processor, and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or processor, are authorized to process personal data.
- consent
Consent is any freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of the data subject's wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.
Cookies
We use cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored on a computer system via an internet browser.
Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier for the cookie. It consists of a string of characters through which websites and servers can be assigned to the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This allows the visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific internet browser can be recognized and identified via the unique cookie ID.
By using cookies, we can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the cookie setting.
Through a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimized for the user. Cookies allow us, as mentioned, to recognize the users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. For example, the user of a website that uses cookies does not have to re-enter their access data each time they visit the website because this is handled by the website and the cookie stored on the user's computer system. Another example is the cookie of a shopping cart in an online shop. The online shop remembers the items that a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart via a cookie.
The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, already set cookies can be deleted at any time via an internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the internet browser used, not all functions of our website may be fully usable.
You can find out how to manage (including disable) cookies in the main browsers via the links below:
Chrome Browser: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/61416?hl=de
Internet Explorer: https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/help/17442/windows-internet-explorer-delete-manage-cookies
Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/de/kb/cookies-erlauben-und-ablehnen
Safari: https://support.apple.com/de-de/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/mac
Collection of General Data and Information
Our website collects a series of general data and information with each call by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information are stored in the server's log files. The following may be collected: (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrers), (4) the sub-websites which are accessed via an accessing system on our website, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an Internet Protocol address (IP address), (7) the internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serve to avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.
When using this general data and information, we do not draw any conclusions about the data subject. This information is needed rather to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) optimize the content of our website as well as the advertising for it, (3) ensure the permanent functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in the event of a cyber-attack. These anonymously collected data and information are therefore evaluated by us statistically and furthermore with the aim of increasing data protection and data security, in order to ultimately ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.
Contact Option via the Website
Our website contains information enabled by legal provisions that allow for quick electronic contact as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general address for so-called electronic mail (email address). If a data subject contacts the controller via email or a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject is automatically stored. Such personal data transmitted voluntarily by a data subject to the controller are stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the data subject. There is no transfer of this personal data to third parties.
Routine Erasure and Blocking of Personal Data
The controller processes and stores personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage, or as far as this is granted by the European legislator or other legislators in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.
If the storage purpose no longer applies, or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data are routinely blocked or erased in accordance with the legal provisions.
Rights of the Data Subject
- Right to confirmation
Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning them are being processed. If a data subject wishes to avail themselves of this right of confirmation, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.
- Right of access
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller free information about their personal data stored at any time and a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject access to the following information:- the purposes of the processing
- the categories of personal data concerned
- the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations
- where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
- the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing
- the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
- where the personal data are not collected from the data subject, any available information as to their source
- the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject
If a data subject wishes to avail themselves of this right of access, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.
- Right to rectification
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller without undue delay the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. Taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject shall also have the right to have incomplete personal data completed, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.
If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. - Right to erasure (Right to be forgotten)
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning them without undue delay, and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies and as long as the processing is not necessary:- The personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
- The data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based according to point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR, or point (a) of Article 9(2) of the GDPR, and where there is no other legal ground for the processing.
- The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR.
- The personal data have been unlawfully processed.
- The personal data have to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation in Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
- The personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) of the GDPR.
Where the controller has made personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) of the GDPR to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers which are processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data, as far as processing is not required. We will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.
- Right to restriction of processing
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:- The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
- The processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of their use instead.
- The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
- The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.
- Right to data portability
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to receive the personal data concerning them, which was provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. They also have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, where the processing is based on consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR or point (a) of Article 9(2) of the GDPR, or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, as long as the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
Furthermore, in exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) of the GDPR, the data subject shall have the right to have personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and when doing so does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.
To assert the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact us.
- Right to object
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to object, on grounds relating to their particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning them which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.
We shall no longer process the personal data in the event of the objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
If we process personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject shall have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning them for such marketing. This applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to us to the processing for direct marketing purposes, we will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.
In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to object to processing of personal data concerning them by us for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.
To exercise the right to object, the data subject may directly contact us. The data subject is also free, in the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise their right to object by automated means using technical specifications.
- Automated individual decision-making, including profiling
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning them or similarly significantly affects them, as long as the decision (1) is not necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) is not authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is not based on the data subject's explicit consent.
If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) it is based on the data subject's explicit consent, we shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express their point of view and contest the decision.
If the data subject wishes to exercise the rights concerning automated individual decision-making, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.
- Right to withdraw data protection consent
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time.
If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw the consent, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.
Data Protection in Applications and the Application Process
The controller collects and processes the personal data of applicants for the purpose of handling the application process. The processing may also be carried out electronically. This is particularly the case if an applicant submits corresponding application documents to the controller by electronic means, for example by email or via a web form on the website. If the controller concludes an employment contract with an applicant, the transmitted data will be stored for the purpose of processing the employment relationship in compliance with the legal requirements. If the controller does not conclude an employment contract with the applicant, the application documents will be automatically deleted two months after the notification of the rejection decision, provided that no other legitimate interests of the controller oppose deletion. Other legitimate interest in this sense is, for example, a duty of proof in proceedings under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
Use of Web Fonts
These Internet pages use external fonts, Google Fonts. Google Fonts is a service of Google Inc. ("Google"). The integration of these web fonts is done by a server call, usually a server of Google in the USA. This transmits to the server which of our Internet pages you have visited. The IP address of the browser of the visitor's device on these Internet pages is also stored by Google. For more information, please refer to Google's privacy policy, which you can access here:
www.google.com/fonts#AboutPlace:about
www.google.com/policies/privacy/
Privacy Policy on the Use and Application of Matomo
The controller has integrated the Matomo component on this website. Matomo is an open-source software tool for web analysis. Web analysis is the collection, gathering, and evaluation of data about the behavior of visitors to websites. A web analysis tool collects, among other things, data about from which website a data subject came to a website (so-called referrer), which sub-pages of the website were accessed or how often and for which duration a sub-page was viewed. A web analysis is mainly used to optimize a website and for the cost-benefit analysis of internet advertising.
The software is operated on the server of the controller, the privacy-sensitive log files are stored exclusively on this server.
The purpose of the Matomo component is to analyze the flow of visitors to our website. The controller uses the data and information obtained, among other things, to evaluate the use of this website in order to compile online reports showing the activities on our websites.
Matomo places a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has already been explained above. With the setting of the cookie, we are enabled to analyze the use of our website. Each time one of the individual pages of this website is called up, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the Matomo component to transmit data to our server for the purpose of online analysis. As part of this technical procedure, we obtain knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which we use, among other things, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks.
The cookie is used to store personal information, such as the access time, the location from which access was made, and the frequency of visits to our website. Each time you visit our website, this personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to our server. This personal data is stored by us. We do not pass this personal data on to third parties.
The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as shown above, at any time by means of a corresponding setting of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Matomo from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, a cookie already set by Matomo can be deleted at any time via an internet browser or other software programs.
Furthermore, the data subject has the possibility of objecting to and preventing the collection of data generated by Matomo relating to the use of this website. To do this, the data subject must set "Do Not Track" in their browser.
However, with the setting of the opt-out cookie, there is the possibility that the websites of the controller may no longer be fully usable for the data subject.
Further information and the applicable data protection provisions of Matomo may be retrieved under https://matomo.org/privacy/.
Object to Matomo usage here
Legal Basis for Processing
Art. 6(1)(a) of the GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing operations for which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations that are necessary for the delivery of goods or the provision of any other service or consideration, the processing is based on Art. 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations that are necessary for carrying out pre-contractual measures, for example in the case of inquiries concerning our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation by which the processing of personal data becomes necessary, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Art. 6(1)(c) of the GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured in our company and his or her name, age, health insurance data, or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital, or other third parties. Then the processing would be based on Art. 6(1)(d) of the GDPR. Finally, processing operations could be based on Art. 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations that are not covered by any of the aforementioned legal grounds, if the processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our company or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject. Such processing operations are particularly permissible because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. He considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a client of the controller (Recital 47 Sentence 2 of the GDPR).
Legitimate Interests in the Processing Pursued by the Controller or a Third Party
Where the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and our shareholders.
Period for which Personal Data will be Stored
The criterion for the period of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After the expiry of this period, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, as long as it is no longer necessary for the fulfillment or initiation of the contract.
Legal or Contractual Provisions for the Provision of Personal Data; Necessity for the Conclusion of the Contract; Obligation of the Data Subject to Provide the Personal Data; Possible Consequences of Non-Provision
We clarify that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or may also result from contractual provisions (e.g., information on the contractual partner). Sometimes it may be necessary for the conclusion of a contract that a data subject provides us with personal data that must subsequently be processed by us. The data subject is, for example, obliged to provide us with personal data when our company concludes a contract with them. The non-provision of the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before the data subject provides personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will clarify to the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of the personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and what the consequences of not providing the personal data would be.
Existence of Automated Decision-Making
As a responsible company, we do not use automatic decision-making or profiling.
Right to Lodge a Complaint with a Supervisory Authority
You have the right, pursuant to Art. 77 of the GDPR, to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority if you believe that the processing of your personal data is not lawful.
Last updated: 04/05/2022