Introduction

With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to as "data") that we process, for what purposes and to what extent. The privacy policy 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 offer").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

As of: 03 April 2025

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Controller

• Contact Data Protection Officer

• Overview of Processing Activities

• Relevant Legal Bases

• Security Measures

• Transfer of Personal Data

• Data Processing in Third Countries

• Deletion of Data

• Use of Cookies

• Business Services

• Use of Online Platforms for Offering and Sales Purposes

• Providers and Services Used in the Course of Business

• Payment Methods

• Credit Checks

• Provision of the Online Offering and Web Hosting

• Registration, Login and User Account

• Community Functions

• Blogs and Publication Media

• Contact and Enquiry Management

• Video Conferences, Online Meetings, Webinars and Screen Sharing

• Application Procedures

• Newsletters and Electronic Notifications

• Promotional Communication via Email, Post, Fax or Telephone

• Prize Draws and Competitions

• Web Analysis, Monitoring and Optimisation

• Online Marketing

• Customer Reviews and Rating Procedures

• Presence on Social Networks (Social Media)

• Plug-ins and Embedded Functions and Content

• Data Processing When Using the Payment Method Leasing (Albis)

• Management, Organisation and Auxiliary Tools

• Amendment and Update of the Privacy Policy

• Rights of Data Subjects

• Definitions

Responsible Party

medacom GmbH
R.-Samesreuther-Str. 25
35510 Butzbach
Deutschland

Authorised representatives:

Olaf Gerlach

Email address:

info@medacom.de

Telephone:

+49 6033 74888-0

Legal notice: https://plottix.de/en/impressum/

Contact Data Protection Officer

Carina Quast
Ingenieurbüro für Datenschutz und Qualitätsmanagement

Birkenweg 20
35447 Reiskirchen
Phone: 06408 968 6689

E-Mail: Post@Ingenieurbuero-Quast.de
Internet: www.Ingenieurbüro-Quast.de

Overview of Processing Activities

The following overview summarises the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing, and refers to the individuals concerned.

Types of Data Processed

• Inventory data.
• Payment data.
• Contact details.
• Content data.
• Contract data.
• Usage data.
• Meta/communication data.
• Applicant data.
• Event data (Facebook).

Categories of Affected Individuals

• Customers.
• Employees.
• Prospective customers.
• Communication partners.
• Users.
• Job applicants.
• Participants in prize draws and competitions.
• Business and contractual partners.

Purposes of Processing

• Provision of contractual services and customer service.
• Enquiries and communication.
• Security measures.
• Direct marketing.
• Audience measurement.
• Tracking.
• Administrative and organisational procedures.
• Remarketing.
• Conversion measurement.
• Click tracking.
• Target group segmentation.
• Management and response to enquiries.
• Recruitment procedures.
• Running prize draws and competitions.
• Firewall.
• Feedback.
• Marketing.
• Profiles containing user-related information.
• Target group segmentation.
• Cross-device tracking.
• Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Assessment of creditworthiness and credit rating.
• IT infrastructure.

Automated Decisions in Individual Cases

• Credit report.

Relevant Legal Bases

Below you will find an overview of the legal bases of the GDPR, on the basis of which we process personal data. Please note that, in addition to the provisions of the GDPR, national data protection regulations may apply in your or our country of residence or registered office. Should more specific legal bases be relevant in individual cases, we will inform you of these in the privacy policy.

• Consent (Article 6(1), first sentence, point (a) of the GDPR) – The data subject has given their consent to the processing of personal data relating to them for a specific purpose or for several specific purposes.
• Performance of a contract and pre-contractual enquiries (Article 6(1), first sentence, point (b) of the GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures taken at the data subject’s request.
• Legal obligation (Article 6(1), first sentence, point (c) of the GDPR) – Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
• Legitimate interests (Article 6(1), first sentence, point (f) of the GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data.

In addition to the data protection regulations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), national data protection regulations apply in Germany. These include, in particular, the Act to Protect against the Misuse of Personal Data during Data Processing (Federal Data Protection Act – BDSG). The BDSG contains specific regulations on the right to information, the right to erasure, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, the processing for other purposes and transmission, as well as automated decision-making in individual cases, including profiling. Furthermore, it governs the processing of data for employment purposes (§ 26 BDSG), particularly with regard to the establishment, execution, or termination of employment relationships, as well as the consent of employees. In addition, the data protection laws of the individual federal states may also apply.

Safety Measures

In accordance with the statutory requirements, and taking into account the state of the art, the costs of implementation, and the nature, scope, context and purposes of the processing, as well as the varying likelihoods and severity of threats to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, we implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of protection appropriate to the risk.

These 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 of, disclosure of, and availability of the data, and ensuring its segregation. Furthermore, we have established procedures to ensure that data subjects’ rights are upheld, that data is erased, and that appropriate action is taken in the event of a data breach. Furthermore, we take the protection of personal data into account right from the development or selection of hardware, software and procedures, in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and through privacy-friendly default settings.

IP address truncation: Where IP addresses are processed by us or by the service providers and technologies we use, and where the processing of a full IP address is not necessary, the IP address is truncated (also known as ‘IP masking’). In this process, the last two digits, or the last part of the IP address following a full stop, are removed or replaced with placeholders. The purpose of truncating the IP address is to prevent or significantly impede the identification of an individual on the basis of their IP address.

SSL encryption (https): To protect the data you transmit via our online service, we use SSL encryption. You can recognise such encrypted connections by the prefix https:// in your browser’s address bar.

Transmission of Personal Data

As part of our processing of personal data, it may happen that the data is transferred to or disclosed to other bodies, companies, legally independent organisational units or individuals. Recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers commissioned to carry out IT tasks or providers of services and content that are integrated into a website. In such cases, we comply with the statutory requirements and, in particular, enter into appropriate contracts or agreements with the recipients of your data to ensure the protection of your data.

Data Processing in Third Countries

Where we process data in a third country (i.e. outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)), or where processing takes place in connection with the use of third-party services or the disclosure or transfer of data to other individuals, bodies or organisations, this is done solely in accordance with the relevant legal requirements.

Subject to express consent or where transfer is required by contract or law, we process data, or arrange for it to be processed, only in third countries with a recognised level of data protection, where there is a contractual obligation through the European Commission’s so-called standard data protection clauses, where certifications are in place, or where binding internal data protection regulations apply (Articles 44 to 49 of the GDPR, European Commission information page: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_de).

Deletion of Data

The data we process is deleted in accordance with statutory requirements as soon as the consent permitting its processing is withdrawn or other authorisations cease to apply (e.g. if the purpose for which the data is being processed no longer applies or if the data is no longer necessary for that purpose). Where the data is not deleted because it is required for other, legally permissible purposes, its processing is restricted to those purposes. This means that the data will be blocked and not processed for any other purposes. This applies, for example, to data which must be retained for commercial or tax law reasons, or where storage is necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal claims, or to protect the rights of another natural or legal person.

As part of our privacy policy, we may provide users with further information on the erasure and retention of data that applies specifically to the respective processing operations.

Use of Cookies

The term ‘cookies’ refers to functions that store and retrieve information on users’ devices. Cookies may also be used for various purposes, such as ensuring the functionality, security and user-friendliness of online services, as well as for analysing visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with legal requirements. To this end, we obtain users’ consent in advance where necessary. Where consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies where the storage and retrieval of information is essential to provide explicitly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, the storage of settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online service. Consent may be withdrawn at any time. We provide clear information on the scope of this processing and which cookies are used.

Notes on the legal basis under data protection law: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on consent. Where consent has been given, this serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, which are explained above in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.

Storage period: With regard to the storage period, a distinction is made between the following types of cookies:

• Temporary cookies (also known as session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest once a user has left an online service and closed their device (e.g. browser or mobile application).
• Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after the device has been closed. This allows, for example, the login status to be saved and preferred content to be displayed immediately when the user visits a website again. Similarly, user data collected via cookies may be used for audience measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information regarding the type and storage period of cookies (e.g. when obtaining consent), they should assume that these are permanent and that the storage period may be up to two years.

General information on withdrawal of consent and objection (opt-out): Users may withdraw the consent they have given at any time and may also object to the processing of their data in accordance with legal requirements, including via their browser’s privacy settings.

Types of data processed: Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, individuals involved).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Article 6(1), first sentence, point (f) of the GDPR); consent (Article 6(1), first sentence, point (a) of the GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Processing of cookie data on the basis of consent: We use a consent management solution through which users’ consent is obtained for the use of cookies or for the procedures and providers specified within the consent management solution. This procedure serves to obtain, record, manage, and revoke consent, in particular with regard to the use of cookies and comparable technologies that are used to store, read, and process information on users’ terminal devices. As part of this procedure, users’ consent is obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing activities and providers named in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consent. The declarations of consent are stored in order to avoid repeated requests and to be able to provide proof of consent in accordance with legal requirements. Storage takes place on the server side and/or in a cookie (a so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies in order to be able to assign the consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information is provided about the providers of consent management services, the following general information applies: Consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored together with the time of consent, information on the scope of consent (e.g. the relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), as well as information about the browser, system, and device used; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR).
• Cookie Consent Manager CCM19: Consent management: procedures for obtaining, recording, managing, and withdrawing consent, in particular for the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing, reading, and processing information on users’ terminal devices, as well as for their processing; Service provider: Papoo Software & Media GmbH, Auguststr. 4, 53229 Bonn, Germany; Website: https://www.ccm19.de/; Privacy Policy: https://www.ccm19.de/datenschutzerklaerung.html; Further information: A pseudonymous user ID is stored together with the consent status.

Business Services

We process the data of our contractual and business partners, e.g. customers and prospective customers (collectively referred to as “contractual partners”), within the scope of contractual and comparable legal relationships as well as related measures and in the context of communication with the contractual partners (or pre-contractually), e.g. in order to respond to inquiries.

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

We inform contractual partners which data is required for the aforementioned purposes before or at the time of data collection, e.g. in online forms, by means of special markings (e.g. colors) or symbols (e.g. asterisks or similar), or in person.

We delete the data after the expiry of statutory warranty and comparable obligations, i.e. generally after four years, unless the data is stored in a customer account, for example for as long as it must be retained for legal archiving purposes. The statutory retention period is ten years for documents relevant under tax law as well as for commercial books, inventories, opening balances, annual financial statements, work instructions necessary for understanding these documents, other organizational documents, and accounting records, and six years for received commercial and business letters and reproductions of sent commercial and business letters. The retention period begins at the end of the calendar year in which the last entry was made in the book, the inventory, opening balance sheet, annual financial statement, or management report was prepared, the commercial or business letter was received or sent, or the accounting record was created, and furthermore when the record was made or the other documents came into existence.

Insofar as we use third-party providers or platforms to provide our services, the terms and conditions and privacy notices of the respective third-party providers or platforms shall apply in the relationship between the users and those providers.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Customers; prospective customers; business and contractual partners.

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; security measures; contact requests and communication; office and organizational procedures; administration and response to inquiries; conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles).

Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Customer account: Contractual partners may create an account within our online offering (e.g. a customer or user account, hereinafter “customer account”). If registration of a customer account is required, contractual partners will be informed accordingly, as well as of the information required for registration. Customer accounts are not public and cannot be indexed by search engines. As part of the registration process and subsequent logins and use of the customer account, we store customers’ IP addresses together with the access times in order to be able to verify the registration and prevent any misuse of the customer account. If customers have terminated their customer account, the data relating to the customer account will be deleted, unless its retention is required for legal reasons. Customers are responsible for securing their data upon termination of the customer account; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Saved items / wish list: Customers may create a product or wish list. In this case, the products will be stored within the scope of fulfilling our contractual obligations until the account is deleted, unless the product list entries are removed by the customer or we expressly inform the customer of different retention periods; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Business analyses and market research: For business management purposes and in order to identify market trends and the wishes of contractual partners and users, we analyze the data available to us regarding business transactions, contracts, inquiries, etc., whereby the group of data subjects may include contractual partners, prospective customers, customers, visitors, and users of our online offering. The analyses are carried out for the purpose of business evaluations, marketing, and market research (e.g. to determine customer groups with different characteristics). In doing so, we may, where available, take into account the profiles of registered users together with their information, e.g. regarding services used. The analyses serve us alone and are not disclosed externally, unless they are anonymous analyses with aggregated, i.e. anonymized, values. Furthermore, we take users’ privacy into account and process the data for analysis purposes in as pseudonymized a manner as possible and, where feasible, in anonymized form (e.g. as aggregated data); Legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Shop and e-commerce: We process our customers’ data in order to enable them to select, purchase, or order the chosen products, goods, and related services, as well as their payment and delivery or execution. Where necessary for the execution of an order, we use service providers, in particular postal, freight, and shipping companies, in order to carry out the delivery or execution for our customers. For the processing of payment transactions, we make use of the services of banks and payment service providers. The required information is identified as such within the ordering or comparable purchase process and includes the information required for delivery or provision and billing, as well as contact information in order to be able to make any necessary inquiries; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Events and functions: We process the data of participants in the events, functions, and similar activities offered or organized by us (hereinafter collectively referred to as “participants” and “events”) in order to enable them to participate in the events and make use of the services or activities associated with participation. Where, in this context, we process health-related data, religious, political, or other special categories of data, this is done within the scope of manifestly public disclosure (e.g. in the case of thematically oriented events), for the purposes of preventive healthcare or safety, or on the basis of the data subjects’ consent. The required information is identified as such within the order, booking, or comparable contract conclusion process and includes the information required for the provision of services and billing, as well as contact information in order to make any necessary inquiries. Insofar as we gain access to information relating to end customers, employees, or other persons, we process such information in accordance with legal and contractual requirements; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Using Online Platforms for Sales and Distribution Purposes

We offer our services on online platforms operated by other service providers. In this context, in addition to our own privacy notices, the privacy notices of the respective platform operators also apply. This applies in particular with regard to the execution of payment transactions and the procedures used on the platforms for reach measurement and interest-based marketing.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Customers.

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; marketing.

Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Amazon: Online marketplace for e-commerce; Service provider: Amazon EU S.à r.l. (Société à responsabilité limitée), 38 avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg; Legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.amazon.de/; Privacy Policy: https://www.amazon.de/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201909010.

eBay: Online marketplace for e-commerce; Service provider: eBay Marketplaces GmbH, Helvetiastrasse 15/17, 3005 Bern, Switzerland; Legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.ebay.de/; Privacy Policy: https://www.ebay.de/help/policies/member-behavior-policies/datenschutzerklrung?id=4260.

Providers and Services Used in the Course of Business

In the course of our business activities, we use additional services, platforms, interfaces, or plug-ins provided by third parties (collectively referred to as “services”) in compliance with the applicable legal requirements. Their use is based on our interests in the proper, lawful, and efficient operation of our business and our internal organization.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).

Data subjects: Customers; prospective customers; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); business and contractual partners; employees (e.g. staff members, applicants, former employees).

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; office and organizational procedures.

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

DATEV: Software for accounting, communication with tax advisors and public authorities, and document storage; Service provider: DATEV eG, Paumgartnerstr. 6–14, 90429 Nuremberg, Germany; Legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.datev.de/web/de/mydatev/online-anwendungen/; Privacy Policy: https://www.datev.de/web/de/m/ueber-datev/datenschutz/; Data processing agreement: Provided by the service provider.

Payment Methods

In the context of contractual and other legal relationships, on the basis of legal obligations, or otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests, we offer data subjects efficient and secure payment options and, for this purpose, use not only banks and credit institutions but also other service providers (collectively referred to as “payment service providers”).

The data processed by the payment service providers includes inventory data, such as name and address, banking data, such as account numbers or credit card numbers, passwords, TANs, and checksums, as well as contract-related, amount-related, and recipient-related information. This information is required in order to carry out the transactions. However, the data entered is processed and stored only by the payment service providers. This means that we do not receive any account- or credit card-related information, but only information confirming or rejecting the payment. Under certain circumstances, the payment service providers may transmit the data to credit agencies. The purpose of this transmission is identity and creditworthiness verification. In this respect, we refer to the general terms and conditions and the privacy notices of the payment service providers.

The terms and conditions and the privacy notices of the respective payment service providers, which can be accessed on their respective websites or transaction applications, apply to payment transactions. We also refer to these for further information and for the assertion of rights of withdrawal, rights of access, and other data subject rights.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Customers; prospective customers.

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service.

Legal basis: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Giropay: Payment services (technical integration of online payment methods); Service provider: giropay GmbH, An der Welle 4, 60322 Frankfurt, Germany; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); Website: https://www.giropay.de; Privacy Policy: https://www.giropay.de/agb/index.html.

Klarna / Sofortüberweisung: Payment services (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 pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); Website: https://www.klarna.com/de; Privacy Policy: https://www.klarna.com/de/datenschutz.

Mastercard: Payment services (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 pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); Website: https://www.mastercard.de/de-de.html; Privacy Policy: https://www.mastercard.de/de-de/datenschutz.html.

PayPal: Payment services (technical integration of online payment methods) (e.g. PayPal, PayPal Plus, 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 pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); Website: https://www.paypal.com/de; Privacy Policy: https://www.paypal.com/de/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full.

Visa: Payment services (technical integration of online payment methods); Service provider: Visa Europe Services Inc., London Branch, 1 Sheldon Square, London W2 6TT, United Kingdom; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); Website: https://www.visa.de; Privacy Policy: https://www.visa.de/nutzungsbedingungen/visa-privacy-center.html.

Saferpay: Payment services (technical integration of online payment methods); Service provider: Worldline Suisse SA, Hardturmstrasse 201, 8021 Zurich, Switzerland; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); Website: https://worldline.com/de-ch/home; Privacy Policy: https://worldline.com/de-ch/compliancy/privacy.

Credit Check

Where we make advance payments or assume comparable financial risks (e.g. in the case of purchase on account), we reserve the right, in order to safeguard our legitimate interests, to obtain information on identity and creditworthiness from service providers specialized in this area (credit agencies) for the purpose of assessing the credit risk on the basis of mathematical-statistical procedures.

We process the information received from the credit agencies regarding the statistical probability of a payment default within the framework of an appropriate discretionary decision concerning the establishment, performance, and termination of the contractual relationship. We reserve the right to refuse payment on account or any other advance performance in the event of a negative result of the credit check.

The decision as to whether we provide advance performance is made in accordance with Art. 22 GDPR solely on the basis of an automated decision in the individual case, which is carried out by our software on the basis of the information provided by the credit agency.

Where we obtain the express consent of contractual partners, the legal basis for the credit check and for the transmission of the customer’s data to the credit agencies is consent. If no consent is obtained, the credit check is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests in protecting our payment claims against default.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).

Data subjects: Customers; prospective customers.

Purposes of processing: Assessment of creditworthiness and solvency.

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Automated decisions in individual cases: Credit check (decision based on a creditworthiness assessment).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Creditreform Boniversum GmbH and Verband der Vereine Creditreform e.V.: Credit agency; Service provider: Creditreform Boniversum GmbH, Hellersbergstraße 11, 41460 Neuss, Germany; Legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.boniversum.de/; Privacy Policy: https://www.boniversum.de/datenschutzerklaerung/.

Provision of the Online Services and Web Hosting

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

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visits, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved); log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment such as computers, servers, etc.).

Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General information on data storage and deletion.”

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Email delivery and hosting: The web hosting services we use also include the sending, receiving, and storage of emails. For these purposes, the addresses of recipients and senders, as well as further information relating to the sending of emails (e.g. the providers involved) and the contents of the respective emails, are processed. The aforementioned data may also be processed for the purpose of detecting spam. Please note that emails sent over the Internet are generally not encrypted. As a rule, emails are encrypted during transmission, but (unless so-called end-to-end encryption is used) not on the servers from which they are sent and received. We can therefore assume no responsibility for the transmission path of emails between the sender and receipt on our server; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called “server log files.” The server log files may include the address and name of the accessed web pages and files, date and time of access, volume of data transferred, notification of successful retrieval, browser type and version, the user’s operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. On the one hand, the server log files may be used for security purposes, e.g. to prevent server overload (especially in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and on the other hand to ensure server utilization and stability; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Deletion of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further retention is required for evidentiary purposes is excluded from deletion until the respective incident has been finally clarified.

IONOS by 1&1: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: 1&1 IONOS SE, Elgendorfer Str. 57, 56410 Montabaur, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.ionos.de; Privacy Policy: https://www.ionos.de/terms-gtc/terms-privacy; Data processing agreement: https://www.ionos.de/hilfe/datenschutz/allgemeine-informationen-zur-datenschutz-grundverordnung-dsgvo/auftragsverarbeitung/?utm_source=search&utm_medium=global&utm_term=Auft&utm_campaign=HELP_CENTER&utm_content=https://shop.hobbyplotter.de/hilfe/.

Wordfence: Firewall and security as well as error detection functions; Service provider: Defiant, Inc., 800 5th Ave Ste 4100, Seattle, WA 98104, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.wordfence.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.wordfence.com/privacy-policy/; Standard contractual clauses (ensuring the level of data protection for processing in third countries): https://www.wordfence.com/standard-contractual-clauses/.

Provision of the online offering on rented storage space: For the provision of our online offering, 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 host”); Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Mittwald: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: Mittwald CM Service GmbH & Co. KG, Königsberger Straße 4–6, 32339 Espelkamp, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.mittwald.de; Privacy Policy: https://www.mittwald.de/datenschutz; Data processing agreement: https://www.mittwald.de/faq/service-informationen/faq/datenschutz-alles-wichtige-zur-dsgvo.

Registration, Login and User Account

Users may create a user account. As part of the registration process, users are informed of the required mandatory information, which is processed for the purpose of providing the user account on the basis of the performance of contractual obligations. The processed data includes, in particular, login information (username, password, and an email address).

In the course of using our registration and login functions and the user account, we store the IP address and the time of the respective user action. The storage is based on our legitimate interests as well as those of the users in protection against misuse and other unauthorized use. As a rule, this data is not disclosed to third parties unless this is necessary for the pursuit of our claims or there is a legal obligation to do so.

Users may be informed by email about events relevant to their user account, such as technical changes.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); customers.

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; security measures; administration and response to inquiries; provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.

Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Registration using pseudonyms: Users may use pseudonyms as usernames instead of their real names; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Setting the visibility of profiles: Users may determine by means of settings the extent to which their profiles are visible or accessible to the public or only to certain groups of persons; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Deletion of data after termination: If users terminate their user account, their data relating to the user account will be deleted, subject to any legal permission, obligation, or the users’ consent; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

No retention obligation for data: Users are responsible for securing their data before the end of the contract upon termination. We are entitled to irretrievably delete all of the user’s data stored during the term of the contract; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Customer account: Contractual partners may create an account within our online offering (e.g. a customer or user account, hereinafter “customer account”). If registration of a customer account is required, contractual partners will be informed accordingly, as well as of the information required for registration. Customer accounts are not public and cannot be indexed by search engines. As part of the registration process and subsequent logins and use of the customer account, we store customers’ IP addresses together with the access times in order to be able to verify the registration and prevent any misuse of the customer account. If customers have terminated their customer account, the data relating to the customer account will be deleted, unless its retention is required for legal reasons. Customers are responsible for securing their data upon termination of the customer account; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Community Features

The community functions we provide allow users to engage in conversations with one another or otherwise interact with each other. Please note that the use of the community functions is permitted only in compliance with the applicable law, our terms and guidelines, and the rights of other users and third parties.

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; security measures.

Legal basis: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

User contributions are public: Contributions and content created by users are publicly visible and accessible; Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Protection of users’ own data: Users themselves decide which data they disclose about themselves within our online offering, for example when users provide information about themselves or participate in conversations. We ask users to protect their data and to publish personal data only carefully and only to the extent necessary. In particular, we ask users to note that they must protect their access data with particular care and use secure passwords (i.e. above all, combinations of characters that are as long and random as possible); Legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Blogs and Publication Media

We use blogs or comparable means of online communication and publication (hereinafter “publication medium”). The data of readers is processed for the purposes of the publication medium only insofar as this is necessary for its presentation and for communication between authors and readers or for security reasons. Otherwise, we refer to the information on the processing of visitors to our publication medium within the framework of these privacy notices.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; feedback (e.g. collection of feedback via online form); provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; security measures; contact requests and communication; administration and response to inquiries.

Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Comments and posts: If users leave comments or other contributions, their IP addresses may be stored on the basis of our legitimate interests. This is done for our security in the event that someone leaves unlawful content in comments and posts (insults, prohibited political propaganda, etc.). In such cases, we ourselves may be held liable for the comment or post and are therefore interested in the identity of the author. Furthermore, on the basis of our legitimate interests, we reserve the right to process users’ information for the purpose of spam detection. On the same legal basis, in the case of surveys, we reserve the right to store users’ IP addresses for their duration and to use cookies in order to avoid multiple votes. The personal information communicated in the context of comments and posts, any contact and website information, as well as the content-related information, will be stored by us permanently until the users object; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Comment subscriptions: Follow-up comments may be subscribed to by users with their consent. Users will receive a confirmation email in order to verify that they are the owner of the email address entered. Users may unsubscribe from ongoing comment subscriptions at any time. The confirmation email will contain information on the revocation options. For the purpose of proving users’ consent, we store the time of registration together with the users’ IP address and delete this information when users unsubscribe from the subscription. You may cancel receipt of our subscription at any time, i.e. revoke your consent. We may store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years on the basis of our legitimate interests before deleting them, in order to be able to prove that consent had previously been given. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a possible defense against claims. An individual request for deletion is possible at any time, provided that the former existence of consent is confirmed at the same time; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR).

Retrieval of WordPress emojis and smilies: Retrieval of WordPress emojis and smilies – Within our WordPress blog, graphic emojis (or smilies), i.e. small graphic files expressing emotions, are used for the purpose of efficiently integrating content elements, and are obtained from external servers. The providers of the servers collect users’ IP addresses. This is necessary so that the emoji files can be transmitted to the users’ browsers; Service provider: Automattic Inc., 60 29th Street #343, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://automattic.com; Privacy Policy: https://automattic.com/privacy.

Akismet anti-spam check: Akismet anti-spam check – On the basis of our legitimate interests, we use the “Akismet” service. With the help of Akismet, comments from real people are distinguished from spam comments. For this purpose, all comment information is sent to a server in the USA, where it is analyzed and stored for comparison purposes for four days. If a comment has been classified as spam, the data will be stored beyond this period. This information includes the entered name, email address, IP address, comment content, referrer, details regarding the browser used and the computer system, as well as the time of entry. Users are welcome to use pseudonyms or refrain from entering their name or email address. They may prevent the transmission of data entirely by not using our comment system. That would be a pity, but unfortunately we do not see any alternatives that work equally effectively; Service provider: Automattic Inc., 60 29th Street #343, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://automattic.com; Privacy Policy: https://automattic.com/privacy.

Profile images from Gravatar: Profile images – We use the Gravatar service within our online offering and in particular in the blog. Gravatar is a service where users can register and store profile images and their email addresses. If users leave posts or comments on other online presences (especially in blogs) using the respective email address, their profile images may be displayed next to the posts or comments. For this purpose, the email address provided by the users is transmitted to Gravatar in encrypted form for the purpose of checking whether a profile is stored for it. This is the sole purpose of transmitting the email address. It is not used for any other purposes and is deleted afterwards. The use of Gravatar is based on our legitimate interests, as with the help of Gravatar we offer post and comment authors the opportunity to personalize their contributions with a profile image. By displaying the images, Gravatar obtains users’ IP addresses, as this is necessary for communication between a browser and an online service. If users do not want a user image linked to their email address at Gravatar to appear in the comments, they should use an email address for commenting that is not stored with Gravatar. We also point out that it is possible to use an anonymous email address or no email address at all if users do not wish their own email address to be transmitted to Gravatar. Users may prevent the transmission of data entirely by not using our comment system; Service provider: Automattic Inc., 60 29th Street #343, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://automattic.com; Privacy Policy: https://automattic.com/privacy.

ManageWP: Management of WordPress websites; Service provider: ManageWP, LLC, 14455 N. Hayden Rd, Ste. 219, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://managewp.com/; Privacy Policy: https://managewp.com/privacy.

Contact and Enquiry Management

When contacting us (e.g. via contact form, email, telephone, or social media) as well as within the framework of existing user and business relationships, the information provided by the inquiring persons is processed insofar as this is necessary to respond to the contact requests and any requested measures.

The response to contact requests and the management of contact and inquiry data within the framework of contractual or pre-contractual relationships takes place for the fulfillment of our contractual obligations or for responding to (pre-)contractual inquiries and otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests in responding to inquiries and maintaining user and business relationships.

Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Communication partners.

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; contact requests and communication; administration and response to inquiries; feedback (e.g. collection of feedback via online form); provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.

Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Contact form: If users contact us via our contact form, email, or other communication channels, we process the data communicated to us in this context for the purpose of handling the matter communicated. For this purpose, we process personal data within the framework of pre-contractual and contractual business relationships insofar as this is necessary for their fulfillment and otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests as well as the interests of the communication partners in responding to the matters and our legal retention obligations; Legal bases: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Video Conferencing, 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 selecting the conference platforms and their services, we observe the legal requirements.

Data processed by conference platforms: In the course of participating in a conference, the conference platforms process the participants’ personal data listed below. The scope of the processing depends, on the one hand, on which data is required in the context of a specific conference (e.g. provision of access data or real names) and, on the other hand, on 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 data includes personal data (first name, last name), contact information (email 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, browser and its technical and language settings, information on the communication content, i.e. entries in chats as well as audio and video data, and the use of other available functions (e.g. surveys). Communication content is encrypted to the extent technically provided by the conference providers. If the 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 recordings: If text entries, participation results (e.g. from surveys), and video or audio recordings are logged, this will be transparently communicated to the participants in advance and, where required, they will be asked for their consent.

Data protection measures for participants: Please refer to the privacy notices of the conference platforms for details on the processing of your data by them and choose the security and privacy settings that are optimal for you within the settings of the conference platforms. Furthermore, please ensure the protection of your data and privacy in the background of your recording during a video conference (e.g. by informing cohabitants, locking doors, and, where technically possible, using the function to blur the background). Links to the conference rooms and access data must not be passed on to unauthorized third parties.

Information on legal bases: Insofar as, in addition to the conference platforms, we also process users’ data and request users’ consent for the use of the conference platforms or certain functions (e.g. consent to the recording of conferences), the legal basis for the processing is this consent. Furthermore, our processing may be necessary for the performance of our contractual obligations (e.g. in participant lists, in the case of processing discussion results, etc.). Otherwise, users’ data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests in efficient and secure communication with our communication partners.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Communication partners; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; contact requests and communication; office and organizational procedures.

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

TeamViewer: Conference software; Service provider: TeamViewer GmbH, Jahnstr. 30, 73037 Göppingen, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.teamviewer.com/de; Privacy Policy: https://www.teamviewer.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung/.

Application Process

The application process requires applicants to provide us with the data necessary for their assessment and selection. The required information is determined by the job description or, in the case of online forms, by the information requested there.

As a rule, the required information includes personal details, such as name, address, contact details, and proof of the qualifications necessary for a position. Upon request, we are also happy to inform applicants which information is required.

Where available, applicants may submit their applications to us by means of an online form. The data is transmitted to us in encrypted form in accordance with the state of the art. Applicants may also submit their applications to us by email. Please note, however, that emails sent over the Internet are generally not encrypted. As a rule, emails are encrypted during transmission, but not on the servers from which they are sent and received. We can therefore assume no responsibility for the transmission path of the application between the sender and receipt on our server.

For the purposes of searching for applicants, receiving applications, and selecting applicants, we may, in compliance with the legal requirements, use applicant management or recruitment software and platforms and services provided by third parties.

Applicants are welcome to contact us regarding the method of submitting their application or to send us their application by post.

Processing of special categories of data: Insofar as special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 para. 1 GDPR (e.g. health data, such as severe disability status, or ethnic origin) are requested from applicants as part of the application process so that the controller or the data subject can exercise the rights arising from employment law and the law on social security and social protection and comply with the related obligations, such data is processed in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. b GDPR; in the case of the protection of the vital interests of the applicants or other persons pursuant to Art. 9 para. 2 lit. c GDPR; or for purposes of preventive healthcare or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the employee’s working capacity, for medical diagnosis, for the provision of health or social care or treatment, or for the management of systems and services in the health or social sector pursuant to Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h GDPR. In the case of voluntary disclosure of special categories of data based on consent, such data is processed on the basis of Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR.

Deletion of data: The data provided by applicants may be further processed by us for the purposes of the employment relationship in the event of a successful application. Otherwise, if an application for a job posting is unsuccessful, the applicants’ data will be deleted. Applicants’ data will also be deleted if an application is withdrawn, which applicants are entitled to do at any time. Deletion takes place, subject to a justified revocation by the applicants, no later than after the expiry of a period of six months, so that we can answer any follow-up questions regarding the application and comply with our obligations to provide evidence under the provisions on equal treatment of applicants. Invoices for any reimbursement of travel expenses are archived in accordance with tax law requirements.

Inclusion in an applicant pool: Inclusion in an applicant pool, where offered, is based on consent. Applicants are informed that their consent to inclusion in the talent pool is voluntary, has no effect on the ongoing application process, and that they may revoke their consent at any time with effect for the future.

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); applicant data (e.g. personal details, postal and contact addresses, application documents and the information contained therein, such as cover letter, résumé/CV, certificates, as well as other information relating to a specific position or voluntarily provided by applicants concerning their person or qualifications).

Data subjects: Applicants.

Purposes of processing: Application procedure (establishment and any subsequent performance, as well as possible later termination, of the employment relationship).

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Stepstone: Services related to employee recruitment / recruiting (search for employees, communication, application procedures, contract negotiations); Service provider: StepStone Deutschland GmbH, Völklinger Straße 1, 40219 Düsseldorf, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.stepstone.de; Privacy Policy: https://www.stepstone.de/Ueber-StepStone/Rechtliche-Hinweise/datenschutzerklaerung/.

Xing: Social network; Service provider: XING AG, Dammtorstraße 29–32, 20354 Hamburg, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.xing.de; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.xing.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung.

Newsletter and Electronic Notifications

Wir versenden Newsletter, E-Mails und weitere elektronische Benachrichtigungen (nachfolgend "Newsletter“) nur mit der Einwilligung der Empfänger oder einer gesetzlichen Erlaubnis. Sofern im Rahmen einer Anmeldung zum Newsletter dessen Inhalte konkret umschrieben werden, sind sie für die Einwilligung der Nutzer maßgeblich. Im Übrigen enthalten unsere Newsletter Informationen zu unseren Leistungen und uns.

Um sich zu unseren Newslettern anzumelden, reicht es grundsätzlich aus, wenn Sie Ihre E-Mail-Adresse angeben. Wir können Sie jedoch bitten, einen Namen, zwecks persönlicher Ansprache im Newsletter, oder weitere Angaben, sofern diese für die Zwecke des Newsletters erforderlich sind, zu tätigen.

Double-Opt-In-Verfahren: Die Anmeldung zu unserem Newsletter erfolgt grundsätzlich in einem sogenannte Double-Opt-In-Verfahren. D.h., Sie erhalten nach der Anmeldung eine E-Mail, in der Sie um die Bestätigung Ihrer Anmeldung gebeten werden. Diese Bestätigung ist notwendig, damit sich niemand mit fremden E-Mail-Adressen anmelden kann. Die Anmeldungen zum Newsletter werden protokolliert, um den Anmeldeprozess entsprechend den rechtlichen Anforderungen nachweisen zu können. Hierzu gehört die Speicherung des Anmelde- und des Bestätigungszeitpunkts als auch der IP-Adresse. Ebenso werden die Änderungen Ihrer bei dem Versanddienstleister gespeicherten Daten protokolliert.

Löschung und Einschränkung der Verarbeitung:  Wir können die ausgetragenen E-Mail-Adressen bis zu drei Jahren auf Grundlage unserer berechtigten Interessen speichern, bevor wir sie löschen, um eine ehemals gegebene Einwilligung nachweisen zu können. Die Verarbeitung dieser Daten wird auf den Zweck einer möglichen Abwehr von Ansprüchen beschränkt. Ein individueller Löschungsantrag ist jederzeit möglich, sofern zugleich das ehemalige Bestehen einer Einwilligung bestätigt wird. Im Fall von Pflichten zur dauerhaften Beachtung von Widersprüchen behalten wir uns die Speicherung der E-Mail-Adresse alleine zu diesem Zweck in einer Sperrliste (sogenannte "Blocklist") vor.

Die Protokollierung des Anmeldeverfahrens erfolgt auf Grundlage unserer berechtigten Interessen zu Zwecken des Nachweises seines ordnungsgemäßen Ablaufs. Soweit wir einen Dienstleister mit dem Versand von E-Mails beauftragen, erfolgt dies auf Grundlage unserer berechtigten Interessen an einem effizienten und sicheren Versandsystem.

Inhalte:

Informationen zu uns, unseren Leistungen, Aktionen und Angeboten.

• Verarbeitete Datenarten: Bestandsdaten (z.B. Namen, Adressen); Kontaktdaten (z.B. E-Mail, Telefonnummern); Meta-/Kommunikationsdaten (z.B. Geräte-Informationen, IP-Adressen); Nutzungsdaten (z.B. besuchte Webseiten, Interesse an Inhalten, Zugriffszeiten).
• Betroffene Personen: Kommunikationspartner; Nutzer (z.B. Webseitenbesucher, Nutzer von Onlinediensten).
• Zwecke der Verarbeitung: Direktmarketing (z.B. per E-Mail oder postalisch); Reichweitenmessung (z.B. Zugriffsstatistiken, Erkennung wiederkehrender Besucher); Erbringung vertraglicher Leistungen und Kundenservice; Konversionsmessung (Messung der Effektivität von Marketingmaßnahmen); Profile mit nutzerbezogenen Informationen (Erstellen von Nutzerprofilen).
• Rechtsgrundlagen: Einwilligung (Art. 6 Abs. 1 S. 1 lit. a) DSGVO); Berechtigte Interessen (Art. 6 Abs. 1 S. 1 lit. f) DSGVO).
• Widerspruchsmöglichkeit (Opt-Out): Sie können den Empfang unseres Newsletters jederzeit kündigen, d.h. Ihre Einwilligungen widerrufen, bzw. dem weiteren Empfang widersprechen. Einen Link zur Kündigung des Newsletters finden Sie entweder am Ende eines jeden Newsletters oder können sonst eine der oben angegebenen Kontaktmöglichkeiten, vorzugswürdig E-Mail, hierzu nutzen.

Weitere Hinweise zu Verarbeitungsprozessen, Verfahren und Diensten:

• Messung von Öffnungs- und Klickraten: Die Newsletter enthalten einen sogenannte "web-beacon“, d.h., eine pixelgroße Datei, die beim Öffnen des Newsletters von unserem Server, bzw., sofern wir einen Versanddienstleister einsetzen, von dessen Server abgerufen wird. Im Rahmen dieses Abrufs werden zunächst technische Informationen, wie Informationen zum Browser und Ihrem System, als auch Ihre IP-Adresse und der Zeitpunkt des Abrufs, erhoben. Diese Informationen werden zur technischen Verbesserung unseres Newsletters anhand der technischen Daten oder der Zielgruppen und ihres Leseverhaltens auf Basis ihrer Abruforte (die mit Hilfe der IP-Adresse bestimmbar sind) oder der Zugriffszeiten genutzt. Diese Analyse beinhaltet ebenfalls die Feststellung, ob die Newsletter geöffnet werden, wann sie geöffnet werden und welche Links geklickt werden. Diese Informationen werden den einzelnen Newsletterempfängern zugeordnet und in deren Profilen bis zu deren Löschung gespeichert. Die Auswertungen dienen uns dazu, die Lesegewohnheiten unserer Nutzer zu erkennen und unsere Inhalte an sie anzupassen oder unterschiedliche Inhalte entsprechend den Interessen unserer Nutzer zu versenden.Die Messung der Öffnungsraten und der Klickraten sowie Speicherung der Messergebnisse in den Profilen der Nutzer sowie deren weitere Verarbeitung erfolgen auf Grundlage einer Einwilligung der Nutzer. Ein getrennter Widerruf der Erfolgsmessung ist leider nicht möglich, in diesem Fall muss das gesamte Newsletterabonnement gekündigt, bzw. muss ihm widersprochen werden. In diesem Fall werden die gespeicherten Profilinformationen gelöscht; Rechtsgrundlagen: Einwilligung (Art. 6 Abs. 1 S. 1 lit. a) DSGVO).
• Voraussetzung der Inanspruchnahme kostenloser Leistungen: Die Einwilligungen in den Versand von Mailings kann als Voraussetzung zur Inanspruchnahme kostenloser Leistungen (z.B. Zugang zu bestimmten Inhalten oder Teilnahme an bestimmten Aktionen) abhängig gemacht werden. Sofern die Nutzer die kostenlose Leistung in Anspruch nehmen möchten, ohne sich zum Newsletter anzumelden, bitten wir Sie um eine Kontaktaufnahme.
• Erinnerungsmails zum Bestellprozess: Falls Nutzer einen Bestellprozess nicht abschließen, können wir die Nutzer per E-Mail an den Bestellprozesses erinnern und ihnen dazu einen Link zu dessen Fortsetzung zusenden. Diese Funktion kann z.B. dann sinnvoll sein, wenn der Kaufprozess aufgrund eines Browserabsturzes, Versehens oder Vergessens nicht fortgesetzt werden konnte. Der Versand erfolgt auf Grundlage einer Einwilligung, die Nutzer jederzeit widerrufen können; Rechtsgrundlagen: Einwilligung (Art. 6 Abs. 1 S. 1 lit. a) DSGVO).
• SendinBlue: E-Mail-Marketing-Plattform; Dienstanbieter: SendinBlue SAS, 55, rue d’Amsterdam, 75008 Paris, Frankreich; Rechtsgrundlagen: Einwilligung (Art. 6 Abs. 1 S. 1 lit. a) DSGVO); Website: https://de.sendinblue.com/; Datenschutzerklärung: https://www.sendinblue.com/legal/privacypolicy/; Auftragsverarbeitungsvertrag: Provided by the service provider.
• Sendinblue: E-Mail-Marketing-Plattform; Dienstanbieter: Sendinblue GmbH, Köpenicker Str. 126, 10179 Berlin, Deutschland; Rechtsgrundlagen: Berechtigte Interessen (Art. 6 Abs. 1 S. 1 lit. f) DSGVO); Website: https://sendinblue.com/; Datenschutzerklärung: https://de.sendinblue.com/legal/privacypolicy/; Auftragsverarbeitungsvertrag: https://de.sendinblue.com/datenschutz-uebersicht/.

Promotional Communication via Email, Post, Fax or Telephone

We process personal data for the purposes of marketing communication, which may take place via various channels, such as email, telephone, post, or fax, in accordance with the legal requirements.

Recipients have the right to revoke any consent given at any time or to object to marketing communication at any time.

Following revocation or objection, we store the data required as proof of the previous authorization to contact or send communications for up to three years after 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. On the basis of the legitimate interest in permanently observing the revocation or objection of users, we also store the data required to avoid renewed contact (e.g. depending on the communication channel, the email address, telephone number, or name).

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers).

Data subjects: Communication partners.

Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by email or post).

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Prize Draws and Competitions

We process the personal data of participants in sweepstakes and contests only in compliance with the applicable data protection provisions, insofar as the processing is contractually necessary for the provision, implementation, and handling of the sweepstakes, the participants have consented to the processing, or the processing serves our legitimate interests (e.g. in the security of the sweepstakes or the protection of our interests against misuse through the possible collection of IP addresses when sweepstakes entries are submitted).

If participants’ contributions are published as part of the sweepstakes (e.g. in the context of a vote or presentation of the sweepstakes entries or the winners, or in reporting on the sweepstakes), we point out that the names of the participants may also be published in this context. Participants may object to this at any time.

If the sweepstakes takes place within an online platform or social network (e.g. Facebook or Instagram, hereinafter referred to as “online platform”), the terms of use and data protection provisions of the respective platforms also apply. In these cases, we point out that we are responsible for the information provided by the participants in the context of the sweepstakes and that inquiries regarding the sweepstakes should be directed to us.

Participants’ data will be deleted as soon as the sweepstakes or contest has ended and the data is no longer required to inform the winners or because follow-up questions regarding the sweepstakes are no longer to be expected. As a rule, participants’ data will be deleted no later than 6 months after the end of the sweepstakes. Winners’ data may be retained for longer in order, for example, to answer questions regarding the prizes or to fulfill the prize services; in this case, the retention period depends on the type of prize and is, for example, up to three years in the case of goods or services in order to be able to process warranty cases. Furthermore, participants’ data may be stored for longer, for example in the form of reporting on the sweepstakes in online and offline media.

If data was also collected for other purposes in the context of the sweepstakes, its processing and retention period are governed by the privacy notices for that use (e.g. in the case of newsletter registration as part of a sweepstakes).

Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Sweepstakes and contest participants.

Purposes of processing: Conducting sweepstakes and contests.

Legal basis: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Web Analysis, Monitoring and Optimisation

Web analytics (also referred to as “reach measurement”) serves to evaluate the flow of visitors to our online offering and may include behavior, interests, or demographic information about visitors, such as age or gender, as pseudonymous values. With the help of reach analysis, we can, for example, recognize at what time our online offering or its functions or content are most frequently used or invite repeated use. Likewise, we can understand which areas require optimization.

In addition to web analytics, we may also use testing procedures in order, for example, to test and optimize different versions of our online offering or its components.

Unless otherwise stated below, profiles, i.e. data summarized for a usage process, may be created for these purposes and information may be stored in and read from a browser or device. The information collected includes, in particular, visited websites and elements used there, as well as technical information such as the browser used, the computer system used, and information on usage times. If users have consented to the collection of their location data vis-à-vis us or vis-à-vis the providers of the services we use, location data may also be processed.

Users’ IP addresses are also stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e. pseudonymization by truncating the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear data of users (such as email addresses or names) is stored within the scope of web analytics, A/B testing, and optimization, but rather pseudonyms. This means that neither we nor the providers of the software used know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles for the purposes of the respective procedures.

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Remarketing; target group formation (determination of target groups relevant for marketing purposes or other output of content); reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles); tracking (e.g. interest-/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.

Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Google Analytics: Web analytics, reach measurement, and measurement of user flows; 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Standard contractual clauses (ensuring the level of data protection for processing in third countries): https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Right to object (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for the display of advertisements: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated; Further information: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices (types of processing and data processed).

Google Universal Analytics: Reach measurement and web analytics – We use Universal Analytics, a version of Google Analytics, in order to carry out user analysis on the basis of a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain any clear data, such as names or email addresses. It is used to assign analysis information to a user, e.g. to recognize which content users accessed within one usage process or whether they revisit our online offering. In this context, pseudonymous user profiles are created with information from the use of various devices; 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Terms: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Standard contractual clauses (ensuring the level of data protection for processing in third countries): https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Right to object (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for the display of advertisements: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated; Further information: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices (types of processing and data processed).

Google Analytics 4: We use Google Analytics to carry out user analysis on the basis of a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain any unique data, such as names or email addresses. It is used to assign analysis information to a device in order to recognize which content users have accessed within one or several usage processes, which search terms they have used, revisited, or how they have interacted with our online offering. Likewise, the time of use and its duration are stored, as well as the sources of users who refer to our online offering and technical aspects of their devices and browsers. Pseudonymous user profiles are created with information from the use of various devices, whereby cookies may be used. In Analytics, higher-level geographic location data is provided by collecting the following metadata via IP lookup: “city” (and the derived latitude and longitude of the city), “continent,” “country,” “region,” “subcontinent” (and the corresponding ID-based equivalents). To ensure the protection of user data in the EU, Google receives and processes all user data via domains and servers within the EU. Users’ IP addresses are not logged and are truncated by the last two digits by default. The truncation of the IP address takes place on EU servers for EU users. In addition, all sensitive data collected from users in the EU is deleted before being collected via EU domains and servers; 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Standard contractual clauses (ensuring the level of data protection for processing in third countries): https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Right to object (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for the display of advertisements: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated; Further information: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices (types of processing and data processed).

Target group formation with Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics in order to display the advertisements placed within Google’s advertising services and those of its partners only to such users who have also shown an interest in our online offering or who exhibit certain characteristics (e.g. interest in certain topics or products, determined on the basis of the websites visited) that we transmit to Google (so-called “remarketing” or “Google Analytics Audiences”). With the help of remarketing audiences, we also want to ensure that our advertisements correspond to the potential interests of the users; 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Legal terms: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices; Data processing terms for Google advertising products and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms.

Google Tag Manager: Google Tag Manager is a solution with which we can manage so-called website tags via an interface and thus integrate other services into our online offering (reference is made to further information in this privacy policy). With the Tag Manager itself (which implements the tags), no user profiles are created and no cookies are stored, for example. Google merely becomes aware of the user’s IP address, which is necessary in order to run Google Tag Manager; 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Standard contractual clauses (ensuring the level of data protection for processing in third countries): https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Further information: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices (types of processing and data processed).

Matomo (without cookies): Matomo is a privacy-friendly web analytics software used without cookies and in which returning users are recognized with the help of a so-called “digital fingerprint,” which is stored anonymously and changed every 24 hours; with the “digital fingerprint,” user movements within our online offering are recorded with the help of pseudonymized IP addresses in combination with user-side browser settings in such a way that conclusions about the identity of individual users are not possible. The user data collected in the context of the use of Matomo is processed only by us and is not shared with third parties; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://matomo.org/.

Matomo: Matomo is software that is used for the purposes of web analytics and reach measurement. In the course of using Matomo, cookies are generated and stored on the users’ devices. The user data collected in the context of the use of Matomo is processed only by us and is not shared with third parties. The cookies are stored for a maximum period of 13 months: https://matomo.org/faq/general/faq_146/; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Deletion of data: The cookies have a storage period of a maximum of 13 months.

Metricool: Analysis and reporting of social media performance, management of advertising campaigns, planning and publication of content on various platforms; Service provider: Metricool Software SL, C/ Téllez 12, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://metricool.com/; Privacy Policy: https://metricool.com/privacy-policy/.

Online Marketing

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

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

Users’ IP addresses are also stored. However, we use available IP masking procedures (i.e. pseudonymization by truncating the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear user data (such as email addresses or names) is stored within the scope of online marketing procedures, but rather pseudonyms. This means that neither we nor the providers of the online marketing procedures know the users’ actual identity, but only the information stored in their profiles.

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

In exceptional cases, clear data may be assigned to the profiles. This is the case if, for example, users are members of a social network whose online marketing procedure we use and the network connects the users’ profiles with the aforementioned information. We ask you to note that users may enter into additional agreements with the providers, e.g. by giving consent during registration.

As a rule, we only receive access to aggregated information about the success of our advertisements. However, within the framework of so-called conversion measurements, we can examine which of our online marketing procedures led to a so-called conversion, i.e. for example, to the conclusion of a contract with us. Conversion measurement is used solely for analyzing the success of our marketing measures.

Unless otherwise stated, please assume that cookies used are stored for a period of two years.

Types of data processed: Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses); event data (Facebook) (“event data” is data that may be transmitted by us to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook Pixel, via apps or by other means, and relates to persons or their actions; the data includes, for example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, functions, app installations, product purchases, etc.; the 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 comments written, login information, or contact information (i.e. names, email addresses, and telephone numbers). Event data is deleted by Facebook after a maximum of two years, and the target groups formed from it are deleted when our Facebook account is deleted).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); tracking (e.g. interest-/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures); target group formation; marketing; profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles); target group formation (determination of target groups relevant for marketing purposes or other output of content); provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; remarketing; click tracking; cross-device tracking (cross-device processing of user data for marketing purposes).

Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Right to object (opt-out): We refer to the privacy notices of the respective providers and the opt-out options specified for the providers. If no explicit opt-out option has been specified, there is, on the one hand, the option of disabling cookies in your browser settings. However, this may restrict functions of our online offering. We therefore additionally recommend the following opt-out options, which are offered in summary for the respective regions: 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.

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Facebook Pixel and target group formation (Custom Audiences): With the help of the Facebook Pixel (or comparable functions for transmitting event data or contact information by means of interfaces in apps), Facebook is able, on the one hand, to determine the visitors to our online offering as a target group for the display of ads (so-called “Facebook Ads”). Accordingly, we use the Facebook Pixel in order to display the Facebook Ads placed by us only to those users on Facebook and within the services of the partners cooperating with Facebook (so-called “Audience Network”) who have also shown an interest in our online offering or who exhibit certain characteristics (e.g. interest in certain topics or products, which can be seen from the websites visited) that we transmit to Facebook (so-called “Custom Audiences”). With the help of the Facebook Pixel, we also want to ensure that our Facebook Ads correspond to the users’ potential interests and are not perceived as annoying. With the help of the Facebook Pixel, we can also track the effectiveness of Facebook advertisements for statistical and market research purposes by seeing whether users were redirected to our website after clicking on a Facebook advertisement (so-called “conversion measurement”); Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy; Further information: Users’ event data, i.e. behavioral and interest information, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and target group formation on the basis of the joint controllership agreement (“Controller Addendum”). Joint controllership is limited to the collection of and transmission of data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which applies in particular to the transfer of data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of the standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).

Google Ad Manager: We use the “Google Marketing Platform” (and services such as “Google Ad Manager”) to place ads in the Google advertising network (e.g. in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.). The Google Marketing Platform is characterized by the fact that ads are displayed in real time based on the presumed interests of the users. This allows us to display ads for and within our online offering in a more targeted way in order to present users only with advertisements that potentially correspond to their interests. If, for example, a user is shown ads for products in which they have shown interest on other online offerings, this is referred to as “remarketing”; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices; Data processing terms for Google advertising products: information on services, controller-controller data processing terms, and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms; where Google acts as a processor, data processing terms for Google advertising products and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms.

Google Ads and conversion measurement: We use the online marketing procedure “Google Ads” in order to place ads in the Google advertising network (e.g. in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who are presumed to have an interest in the ads (so-called “conversion”). We also measure the conversion of the ads. However, we only learn the anonymous total number of users who clicked on our ad and were redirected to a page marked with a so-called “conversion tracking tag.” However, we ourselves do not receive any information with which users can be identified; 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices; Controller-controller data processing terms and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

Google AdSense with personalized ads: We use the Google AdSense service with personalized ads, with the help of which ads are displayed within our online offering and we receive remuneration for their display or other use; 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices; Data processing terms for Google advertising products: information on services, controller-controller data processing terms, and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

LinkedIn: Insights Tag / conversion measurement; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy, Cookie Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy; Standard contractual clauses (ensuring the level of data protection for processing in third countries): https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa; Right to object (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

Pinterest Tag: Interest- and behavior-based measurement and analysis of users’ interaction with our online services (in particular page visits, search queries, transactions, video and page views, as well as time and duration) for the purpose of forming target groups for the display of content and advertising content within the Pinterest platform and the partners participating in its advertising network; Service provider: Pinterest Inc., 635 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://help.pinterest.com/en/business/article/track-conversions-with-pinterest-tag; Privacy Policy: https://about.pinterest.com/de/privacy-policy.

TikTok Pixel: A TikTok Pixel is a snippet of HTML code that loads when a user visits a website. When a user comes to our online offering, the pixel is triggered and tracks the user’s behavior and conversions (possible purposes of use: measuring campaign performance, optimizing ad delivery, building custom and similar audiences); Service provider: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://ads.tiktok.com/help/article?aid=6669727593823993861; Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/de/privacy-policy.

TikTok ads: Placement of advertisements within the TikTok platform and evaluation of ad results; Service provider: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); Website: https://ads.tiktok.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/de/privacy-policy.

Customer Reviews and Rating Process

We participate in review and rating procedures in order to evaluate, optimize, and promote our services. If users rate us via the participating review platforms or procedures or otherwise provide feedback, the general terms and conditions or terms of use and the privacy notices of the providers also apply. As a rule, the rating also requires registration with the respective providers.

In order to ensure that the reviewing persons have actually used our services, we transmit, with the customer’s consent, the data required for this purpose regarding the customer and the service used to the respective review platform (including name, email address, and order number or item number). This data is used solely to verify the authenticity of the user.

Types of data processed: Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Customers; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g. collection of feedback via online form); marketing.

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Review widget: We integrate so-called “review widgets” into our online offering. A widget is a function and content element integrated into our online offering that displays changeable information. It may, for example, be displayed in the form of a seal or similar element, sometimes also called a “badge.” Although the corresponding content of the widget is displayed within our online offering, it is retrieved at that moment from the servers of the respective widget provider. Only in this way can the current content always be shown, especially the current rating. For this purpose, a data connection must be established from the website accessed within our online offering to the server of the widget provider, and the widget provider receives certain technical data (access data, including IP address) that is necessary for the content of the widget to be delivered to the user’s browser. Furthermore, the widget provider receives information that users have visited our online offering. This information may be stored in a cookie and used by the widget provider to recognize which online offerings participating in the review procedure have been visited by the user. The information may be stored in a user profile and used for advertising or market research purposes; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Google Customer Reviews: Service for collecting and/or displaying customer satisfaction and customer opinions; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Terms: https://support.google.com/merchants/topic/7259129?hl=de&ref_topic=7257954; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Further information: As part of obtaining customer reviews, an identification number and the time of the business transaction to be reviewed are processed; in the case of review requests sent directly to customers, the customer’s email address and their country of residence, as well as the review information itself, are also processed; further information on the types of processing and the data processed: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/adsservices; data processing terms for Google advertising products: information on services, controller-controller data processing terms, and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

Trustpilot: Review platform; Service provider: Trustpilot A/S, Pilestræde 58, 5, 1112 Copenhagen, Denmark; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://de.trustpilot.com; Privacy Policy: https://de.legal.trustpilot.com/end-user-privacy-terms.

Social Media Presence

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

We would like to point out that users’ data may be processed outside the European Union. This may result in risks for users because, for example, the enforcement of users’ rights could be made more difficult.

Furthermore, users’ data is generally processed within social networks for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created on the basis of users’ usage behavior and the resulting interests. The usage profiles may in turn be used, for example, to place advertisements within and outside the networks that presumably correspond to the users’ interests. For these purposes, cookies are generally stored on users’ computers, in which the usage behavior and the interests of the users are stored. Furthermore, data may also be stored in the usage profiles independently of the devices used by the users (in particular if the users are members of the respective platforms and are logged in to them).

For a detailed presentation of the respective forms of processing and the opt-out options, we refer to the privacy policies and information provided by the operators of the respective networks.

Also in the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we point out that these can be asserted most effectively with the providers. Only the providers have access to the users’ data and can directly take appropriate measures and provide information. Should you nevertheless require assistance, you can contact us.

Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Contact requests and communication; feedback (e.g. collection of feedback via online form); marketing.

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Instagram: Social network; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://instagram.com/about/legal/privacy.

Facebook Pages: Profiles within the Facebook social network – We are jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection (but not the further processing) of data from visitors to our Facebook page (so-called “fan page”). This data includes information on 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), as well as information about the devices used by the users (e.g. IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under “Device Information” in the Facebook Data 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, so-called “Page Insights”, for page operators so that they can gain insight into how people interact with their pages and with the content associated with them. We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook (“Page Insights Controller Addendum”), which in particular regulates which security measures Facebook must observe and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill data subject rights (i.e. users can, for example, address information or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Users’ rights (in particular to access, deletion, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook. Further information can be found in the “Information on Page Insights Data”; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy; Standard contractual clauses (ensuring the level of data protection for processing in third countries): https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum; Further information: Joint controllership agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data. Joint controllership is limited to the collection of and transmission of data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which applies in particular to the transfer of the data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (on the basis of the standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).

Facebook Groups: Interest groups within the Facebook social network – We use the “Groups” function of the Facebook platform in order to create interest groups within which Facebook users can contact one another or us and exchange information. In this context, we process personal data of the users of our groups insofar as this is necessary for the purpose of using the group and its moderation. This data includes information on first and last names, as well as published or privately communicated content, and values concerning the status of group membership or group-related activities, such as joining or leaving, as well as time information relating to the aforementioned data. We also refer to Facebook’s own processing of user data. This data includes information on 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), as well as information about the devices used by the users (e.g. IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under “Device Information” in the Facebook Data 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, so-called “Insights”, for group operators so that they can gain insight into how people interact with their groups and with the content associated with them; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy.

Facebook Events: Event profiles within the Facebook social network – We use the “Events” function of the Facebook platform in order to draw attention to events and dates and to be able to contact users (participants and interested persons) and exchange information. In this context, we process personal data of the users of our event pages insofar as this is necessary for the purpose of the event page and its moderation. This data includes information on first and last names, as well as published or privately communicated content, and values concerning participation status, as well as time information relating to the aforementioned data. We also refer to Facebook’s own processing of user data. This data includes information on 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), as well as information about the devices used by the users (e.g. IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under “Device Information” in the Facebook Data 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, so-called “Insights”, for event providers so that they can gain insight into how people interact with their event pages and with the content associated with them; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy.

Pinterest: Social network; Service provider: Pinterest Inc., 635 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.pinterest.com; Privacy Policy: https://about.pinterest.com/de/privacy-policy; Further information: Pinterest data sharing appendix (Appendix A): https://business.pinterest.com/de/pinterest-advertising-services-agreement/.

TikTok: Social network / video platform; Service provider: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.tiktok.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/de/privacy-policy.

Twitter: Social network; Service provider: Twitter International Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland, parent company: Twitter Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Privacy Policy: https://twitter.com/privacy (settings: https://twitter.com/personalization).

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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://vimeo.com; Privacy Policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy.

YouTube: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Right to object (opt-out): https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated.

Xing: Social network; Service provider: XING AG, Dammtorstraße 29–32, 20354 Hamburg, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.xing.de; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.xing.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung.

Plugins and Embedded Features and Content

We integrate functional and content elements into our online offering that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as “third-party providers”). These may include, for example, graphics, videos, or city maps (hereinafter collectively referred to as “content”).

The integration always requires that the third-party providers of this content process the users’ IP address, since without the IP address they would not be able to send the content to the users’ browser. The IP address is therefore required for the display of this content or functions. We endeavor to use only such content whose respective providers use the IP address solely for the delivery of the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also referred to as “web beacons”) for statistical or marketing purposes. The “pixel tags” may 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 users’ devices and may contain, among other things, technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, the time of the visit, and further information regarding the use of our online offering, and may also be combined with such information from other sources.

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses); inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email addresses, telephone numbers); content data (e.g. entries in online forms).

Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; provision of contractual services and customer service; profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles); marketing.

Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Integration of third-party software, scripts, or frameworks (e.g. jQuery): We integrate software into our online offering that we retrieve from the servers of other providers (e.g. function libraries that we use for the display or user-friendliness of our online offering). In this context, the respective providers collect the users’ IP address and may process it for the purposes of transmitting the software to the users’ browser as well as for security purposes and for the evaluation and optimization of their offering; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Font Awesome (hosted on our own server): Display of fonts and icons; Service provider: The Font Awesome icons are hosted on our server; no data is transmitted to the provider of Font Awesome; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Google Fonts (retrieved from Google server): Retrieval of fonts (and icons) for the purpose of a technically secure, maintenance-free, and efficient use of fonts and icons with regard to timeliness and loading times, their uniform display, and consideration of possible licensing restrictions. The provider of the fonts is informed of the user’s IP address so that the fonts can be made available in the user’s browser. In addition, technical data (language settings, screen resolution, operating system, hardware used) is transmitted, which is necessary for the provision of the fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.

Google Fonts (hosted on our own server): Fonts (“Google Fonts”) for the purpose of a user-friendly display of our online offering; Service provider: The Google Fonts are hosted on our server; no data is transmitted to Google; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Google Maps: We integrate the maps of the “Google Maps” service provided by Google. The processed data may include, in particular, users’ IP addresses and location data, which, however, are not collected without their consent (as a rule carried out within the settings of their mobile devices); Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Right to object (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for the display of advertisements: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated.

Google Maps APIs and SDKs: Interfaces to Google’s mapping and location services that allow, for example, the completion of address entries, location determination, distance calculations, or the provision of supplementary information about locations and other places; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.

Pinterest plugins and content: Pinterest plugins and content – This may include, for example, content such as images, videos, or text, and buttons with which users can share content from this online offering within Pinterest; Service provider: Pinterest Inc., 635 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.pinterest.com; Privacy Policy: https://about.pinterest.com/de/privacy-policy.

reCAPTCHA: We integrate the “reCAPTCHA” function in order to recognize whether entries (e.g. in online forms) are made by humans and not by automatically acting machines (so-called “bots”). The processed data may include IP addresses, information about operating systems, devices or browsers used, language settings, location, mouse movements, keystrokes, time spent on websites, previously visited websites, interactions with reCAPTCHA on other websites, possibly cookies, as well as results of manual recognition processes (e.g. answering questions asked or selecting objects in images). The data processing is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interest in protecting our online offering against abusive automated crawling and spam; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.google.com/recaptcha/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Right to object (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for the display of advertisements: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated.

YouTube videos: Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Right to object (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for the display of advertisements: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated.

YouTube videos: Video content; YouTube videos are embedded via a special domain (recognizable by the component “youtube-nocookie”) in the so-called “enhanced privacy mode,” whereby no cookies relating to user activities are collected in order to personalize video playback. Nevertheless, information regarding users’ interaction with the video (e.g. remembering the last playback position) may be stored; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.

Vimeo: Video content; Service provider: Vimeo Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 555 West 18th Street, New York, New York 10011, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://vimeo.com; Privacy Policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy; Right to object (opt-out): We point out that Vimeo may use Google Analytics and refer in this regard to the privacy policy (https://policies.google.com/privacy) as well as the opt-out options for Google Analytics (https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de) or Google’s settings for the use of data for marketing purposes (https://adssettings.google.com/).

TikTok plugins and content: TikTok plugins and content – This may include, for example, content such as images, videos, or text and buttons; Service provider: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://www.tiktok.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/de/privacy-policy.

Data Processing When Using the Leasing Payment Method (Albis)

We offer our customers the option of processing purchases using the payment method “leasing.” In this context, we cooperate with the Albis Leasing Group (hereinafter “Albis”).

If you choose the payment method “leasing,” certain personal data (e.g. name, contact details, information relating to the leasing agreement) will be transmitted to Albis. This transfer of data takes place for the purpose of credit assessment, contract processing, and payment processing.

The processing of this data is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR (performance of a contract) and, where applicable, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interest in secure payment processing).

Further information on data processing by Albis can be found in Albis’s Privacy Policy, available at: https://www.albis-leasing.de/datenschutz

Management, Organisation and Auxiliary Tools

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

In this context, personal data may be processed and stored on the servers of the third-party providers. This may affect various types of data that we process in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Such data may include, in particular, users’ master data and contact data, data relating to transactions, contracts, other processes, and their content.

If users are referred to third-party providers or their software or platforms in the course of communication, business relationships, or other interactions with us, the third-party providers may process usage data and metadata for security purposes, service optimization, or marketing purposes. We therefore ask you to also observe the privacy notices of the respective third-party providers.

Types of data processed: Content data (e.g. text-based or image-based messages and posts, as well as information relating to them, such as details of authorship or the time of creation); usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visits, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types used and operating systems, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved); inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers).

Data subjects: Communication partners; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); third parties; business and contractual partners.

Further information on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Bitly: URL shortening service and link management platform; Service provider: Bitly, Inc., 139 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10010, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://bitly.com; Privacy Policy: https://bitly.com/pages/privacy.

WeTransfer: Transfer of files over the Internet; Service provider: WeTransfer BV, Oostelijke Handelskade 751, Amsterdam, 1019 BW, Netherlands; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); Website: https://wetransfer.com; Privacy Policy: https://wetransfer.com/legal/privacy.

DHL: We use the DHL Autocomplete API to provide you with automatic address completion and validation. In this process, the address you enter is transmitted to the DHL API for validation. This processing serves to improve user-friendliness and reduce incorrect entries. The provider of this service is Deutsche Post DHL Group, Charles-de-Gaulle-Straße 20, 53113 Bonn, Germany. Further information on data processing by DHL can be found in their Privacy Notice: https://www.dhl.com/content/dam/dhl/local/de/dhl-express/documents/pdf/de-de-express-privacy-notice-v1_2.pdf.

Leasing: We offer our customers the option of processing purchases using the payment method “leasing.” In this context, we cooperate with the Albis Leasing Group (hereinafter “Albis”). If you choose the payment method “leasing,” certain personal data (e.g. name, contact details, information relating to the leasing agreement) will be transmitted to Albis. This data transfer takes place for the purpose of credit assessment, contract processing, and payment processing.

Amendment and Update of the Privacy Policy

We ask you to regularly inform yourself about the content of our Privacy Policy. We adapt the Privacy Policy as soon as changes to the data processing carried out by us make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require any action on your part (e.g. consent) or any other individual notification.

Where we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this Privacy Policy, please note that the addresses may change over time and we ask you to verify the information before contacting them.

Rights of Data Subjects

As a data subject, you are entitled to various rights under the GDPR, arising in particular from Articles 15 to 21 GDPR:

Right to object: You have the right, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e or f GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on those provisions. Where personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purpose of such marketing; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.

Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw any consent you have given at any time.

Right of access: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether data concerning you is being processed and to obtain access to such data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with the statutory provisions.

Right to rectification: In accordance with the statutory provisions, you have the right to request the completion of data concerning you or the correction of inaccurate data concerning you.

Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with the statutory provisions, you have the right to request that data concerning you be deleted without undue delay or, alternatively, to request restriction of the processing of the data in accordance with the statutory provisions.

Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format in accordance with the statutory provisions, or to request its transmission to another controller.

Complaint to a supervisory authority: In accordance with the statutory provisions 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 in the Member State of your habitual residence, 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.

Definitions of Terms

In this section, you will find an overview of the terminology used in this Privacy Policy. Many of the terms are taken from the law and are defined in particular in Art. 4 GDPR. The statutory definitions are binding. The explanations below, however, are intended primarily to aid understanding. The terms are listed in alphabetical order.

Target group formation: Target group formation (or “Custom Audiences”) refers to the determination of target groups for advertising purposes, e.g. the display of advertisements. For example, based on a user’s interest in certain products or topics on the Internet, it may be inferred that this user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online shop in which they viewed the products. “Lookalike Audiences” (or similar audiences), in turn, refers to cases where content deemed suitable is displayed to users whose profiles or interests presumably correspond to the users for whom the profiles were created. Cookies and web beacons are generally used for the purposes of creating Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences.

Credit report / automated decisions: Automated decisions are based on automatic data processing without human intervention (e.g. in the case of an automatic rejection of a purchase on account, an online credit application, or an online application procedure without any human involvement). Such automated decisions are only permissible under Art. 22 GDPR if data subjects consent, if they are necessary for the performance of a contract, or if national laws permit such decisions.

Cross-device tracking: Cross-device tracking is a form of tracking in which users’ behavioral and interest information is recorded across devices in so-called profiles by assigning users an online identifier. This makes it possible, as a rule, to analyze user information for marketing purposes regardless of the browsers or devices used (e.g. mobile phones or desktop computers). For most providers, the online identifier is not linked to clear data such as names, postal addresses, or email addresses.

Firewall: A firewall is a security system that protects a computer network or an individual computer against unwanted network access.

Click tracking: Click tracking allows us to understand users’ movements within an entire online offering. Since the results of these tests are more accurate when user interaction can be tracked over a certain period of time (e.g. so that we can find out whether a user likes to return), cookies are generally stored on users’ computers for these testing purposes.

Conversion measurement: Conversion measurement (also referred to as “visit action evaluation”) is a procedure that can be used to determine the effectiveness of marketing measures. For this purpose, a cookie is generally stored on users’ devices within the websites on which the marketing measures take place and then retrieved again on the target website. For example, this allows us to understand whether the advertisements we placed on other websites were successful.

Personal data: “Personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter “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 (e.g. cookie), or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.

Profiles with user-related information: The processing of “profiles with user-related information,” or “profiles” for short, includes any type of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of such personal data to analyze, evaluate, or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profile formation, this may include different information relating to demographics, behavior, and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.), e.g. interests in certain content or products, clicking behavior on a website, or location. Cookies and web beacons are frequently used for profiling purposes.

Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also referred to as web analytics) serves to evaluate the flow of visitors to an online offering and may include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as website content. With the help of reach analysis, website operators can, for example, recognize at what time visitors visit their website and which content they are interested in. This enables them, for example, to adapt the website content more effectively to the needs of their visitors. For the purposes of reach analysis, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used in order to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online offering.

Remarketing: “Remarketing” or “retargeting” refers to the practice of noting, for advertising purposes, which products a user was interested in on a website in order to remind the user of these products on other websites, for example in advertisements.

Tracking: “Tracking” refers to the ability to trace users’ behavior across several online offerings. As a rule, behavioral and interest information regarding the online offerings used is stored in cookies or on the servers of the providers of the tracking technologies (so-called profiling). This information can subsequently be used, for example, to display advertisements to users that are likely to correspond to their interests.

Controller: The “controller” is the natural or legal person, authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.

Processing: “Processing” means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and covers practically any handling of data, whether it be the collection, evaluation, storage, transmission, or deletion of data.