App data protection statement

Preamble

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

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Last Update: 19 November 2024

Table of contents

• Preamble
• Controller
• Contact information of the Data Protection Officer
• Overview of processing operations
• Relevant legal bases
• Security Precautions
• General Information on Data Retention and Deletion
• Rights of Data Subjects
• Provision of online services and web hosting
• Use of Cookies
• Special Notes on Applications (Apps)
• Purchase of applications via Appstores
• Contact and Inquiry Management
• Communication via Messenger
• Push notifications
• Newsletter and Electronic Communications
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Online Marketing
• Profiles in Social Networks (Social Media)
• Plugins and embedded functions and content
• Changes and Updates
• Terminology and Definitions
• Changes

Controller

Fazit Communication GmbH, Pariser Str. 1, 60486 Frankfurt am Main

E-mail address: datenschutz@fazit.de

Contact information of the Data Protection Officer

datenschutz@fazit.de

Overview of processing operations

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

Categories of Processed Data

• Inventory data.
• Payment Data.
• Contact data.
• Content data.
• Contract data.
• Usage data.
• Meta, communication and process data.
• Event Data (Facebook).
• Log data.

Categories of Data Subjects

• Service recipients and clients.
• Communication partner.
• Users.
• Participants.

Purposes of Processing

• Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
• Communication.
• Security measures.
• Direct marketing.
• Web Analytics.
• Targeting.
• Conversion tracking.
• Affiliate Tracking.
• Organisational and Administrative Procedures.
• Feedback.
• Polls and Questionnaires.
• Marketing.
• Profiles with user-related information.
• Provision of our online services and usability.
• Information technology infrastructure.
• Public relations.

Relevant legal bases

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

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

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

Relevant legal basis according to the Swiss Data Protection Act: If you are located in Switzerland, we process your data based on the Federal Act on Data Protection (referred to as "Swiss DPA"). Unlike the GDPR, for instance, the Swiss DPA does not generally require that a legal basis for processing personal data be stated and that the processing of personal data is conducted in good faith, lawfully and proportionately (Art. 6 para. 1 and 2 of the Swiss DPA). Furthermore, we only collect personal data for a specific purpose recognizable to the data subject and process it only in a manner compatible with this purpose (Art. 6 para. 3 of the Swiss DPA).

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

Security Precautions

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

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

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

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

General Information on Data Retention and Deletion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Data Retention and Deletion: The following general deadlines apply for the retention and archiving according to German law:
  • 10 Years - Fiscal Code/Commercial Code - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheet as well as the necessary work instructions and other organisational documents, booking receipts and invoices (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 1, 4 and 4a of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 14b Paragraph 1 of the German VAT Act (UStG), Section 257 Paragraph 1 Numbers 1 and 4, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
  • 6 Years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, copies of dispatched commercial or business letters, and other documents to the extent that they are significant for taxation purposes, for example, hourly wage slips, operating accounting sheets, calculation documents, price tags, as well as payroll accounting documents, provided they are not already accounting vouchers and cash register tapes Section (Section 147 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 1 No. 2, 3, 5 of the German General Tax Code (AO), Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 2 and 3, Paragraph 4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
  • 3 Years - Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experiences and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years. This period begins at the end of the year in which the relevant contractual transaction took place or the contractual relationship ended in the case of ongoing contracts (Sections 195, 199 of the German Civil Code).
• Data Retention and Deletion: The following general retention and archiving periods apply under Swiss law:
  • 10 years - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balances, accounting vouchers and invoices, as well as all necessary working instructions and other organizational documents (Article 958f of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR)).
  • 10 years - Data necessary to consider potential claims for damages or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as for the processing of related inquiries based on previous business experiences and usual industry practices, will be stored for the statutory limitation period of ten years, unless a shorter period of five years is applicable, which is relevant in certain cases (Articles 127, 130 OR). Claims for rent, lease, and interest on capital, as well as other periodic services, for the delivery of food, for board and lodging, for innkeeper debts, as well as for craftsmanship, small-scale sales of goods, medical care, professional services by lawyers, legal agents, procurators, and notaries, and from the employment relationship of employees, expire after five years (Article 128 OR).

Rights of Data Subjects

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

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

Rights of the data subjects under the Swiss DPA: 

As the data subject, you have the following rights in accordance with the provisions of the Swiss DPA:

• Right to information: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether personal data concerning you are being processed, and to receive the information necessary for you to assert your rights under the Swiss DPA and to ensure transparent data processing.
• Right to data release or transfer: You have the right to request the release of your personal data, which you have provided to us, in a common electronic format, as well as its transfer to another data controller, provided this does not require disproportionate effort.
• Right to rectification: You have the right to request the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning you.
• Right to object, deletion, and destruction: You have the right to object to the processing of your data, as well as to request that personal data concerning you be deleted or destroyed.

Provision of online services and web hosting

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• blackpint: Services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: blackpoint GmbH, Friedberger Str. 106 b, 61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany; Website:https://www.blackpoint.de/. Privacy Policy: https://www.blackpoint.de/datenschutz.

Use of Cookies

The term "cookies" refers to functions that store information on users' devices and read it from them. Cookies can also be used for different purposes, such as ensuring the functionality, security, and convenience of online services, as well as analyzing visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with legal regulations. If necessary, we obtain users' consent in advance. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies when storing and reading information is essential to provide explicitly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, saving settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online services. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. We clearly inform users about the scope of the consent and which cookies are used.

Information on legal data protection bases: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on users' consent. If consent is given, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, as outlined in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.

Storage duration: The following types of cookies are distinguished based on their storage duration:

• Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user leaves an online service and closes their device (e.g., browser or mobile application).
• Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after the device is closed. For example, the login status can be saved, and preferred content can be displayed directly when the user revisits a website. Additionally, the user data collected with cookies may be used for audience measurement. Unless we provide explicit information to users about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., when obtaining consent), users should assume that these are permanent and may have a storage duration of up to two years.

General information on withdrawal and objection (opt-out): Users can withdraw their consent at any time and also object to the processing according to legal regulations, including through the privacy settings of their browser.

• Processed data types: Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Processing Cookie Data on the Basis of Consent: We implement a consent management solution that obtains users' consent for the use of cookies or for the processes and providers mentioned within the consent management framework. This procedure is designed to solicit, log, manage, and revoke consents, particularly regarding the use of cookies and similar technologies employed to store, read from, and process information on users' devices. As part of this procedure, user consents are obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including specific processing and providers named in the consent management process. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consents. Consent declarations are stored to avoid repeated queries and to provide proof of consent according to legal requirements. The storage is carried out server-side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies in order to associate the consent with a specific user or their device.If no specific details about the providers of consent management services are provided, the following general notes apply: The duration of consent storage is up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored along with the time of consent, details on the scope of consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), as well as information about the browser, system, and device used; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
• Usercentrics: Cookie Consent Management: Procedures for obtaining, recording, managing, and revoking consents, particularly for the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing, accessing, and processing information on users' devices as well as their processing; Service provider: Usercentrics GmbH, Sendlinger Strasse 7, 80331 Munich, Germany; Website: https://usercentrics.com/; Privacy Policy: https://usercentrics.com/privacy-policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Germany).

Special Notes on Applications (Apps)

We process the data of the users of our application to the extent necessary to provide the users with the application and its functionalities, to monitor its security and to develop it further. Furthermore, we may contact users in compliance with the statutory provisions if communication is necessary for the purposes of administration or use of the application. In addition, we refer to the data protection information in this privacy policy with regard to the processing of user data.

Legal basis: The processing of data necessary for the provision of the functionalities of the application serves to fulfil contractual obligations. This also applies if the provision of the functions requires user authorisation (e.g. release of device functions). If the processing of data is not necessary for the provision of the functionalities of the application, but serves the security of the application or our business interests (e.g. collection of data for the purpose of optimising the application or security purposes), it is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests. If users are expressly requested to give their consent to the processing of their data, the data covered by the consent is processed on the basis of the consent.

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Storage of the universally unique identifier (UUID): The application stores a so-called Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) for the purpose of analysing the use and functionality of the application and storing the user's settings. This identifier is generated when the application is installed (but is not connected to the device, so no device ID in this sense), remains stored between the start of the application and its updates and is deleted when users remove the application from their device.
• Device authorizations for access to functions and data: The use of certain functions of our application may require access to the camera and the stored recordings of the users. By default, these authorizations must be granted by the user and can be revoked at any time in the settings of the respective devices. The exact procedure for controlling app permissions may depend on the user's device and software. Users can contact us if they require further explanation. We would like to point out that the refusal or revocation of the respective authorizations can affect the functionality of our application.
• Location history and movement profiles: The location data is only used selectively and is not processed to create a location history or a movement profile of the devices used or of their users.

Purchase of applications via Appstores

The purchase of our apps is done via special online platforms operated by other service providers (so-called "appstores"). In this context, the data protection notices of the respective appstores apply in addition to our data protection notices. This applies in particular with regard to the methods used on the platforms for webanalytics and for interest-related marketing as well as possible costs.

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Apple App Store: App and software distribution platform; Service provider: Apple Inc., Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.apple.com/app-store/. Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy/.
• Google Play: App and software distribution platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://play.google.com/store/apps?hl=en; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).

Contact and Inquiry Management

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Contact form: Upon contacting us via our contact form, email, or other means of communication, we process the personal data transmitted to us for the purpose of responding to and handling the respective matter. This typically includes details such as name, contact information, and possibly additional information provided to us that is necessary for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal Basis: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
• Firebase Cloud Messaging: Sending cross-platform messages and information; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Website:https://firebase.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://firebase.google.com/terms/data-processing-terms. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).
• Firebase: Google Firebase is a platform for developers of apps for mobile devices and websites. Google Firebase offers a variety of features for testing apps, monitoring their functionality and optimizing them (shown on the following overview page: https://firebase.google.com/products).The functions include the storage of apps including personal data of the application users, such as content created by them or information regarding their interaction with the apps (so-called "cloud computing"). Google Firebase also offers interfaces that allow interaction between the users of the app and other services, e.g. authentication using services such as Facebook, Twitter or an e-mail password combination; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).

Communication via Messenger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• WhatsApp: Text messages, voice and video calls, sending images, videos and documents, group chat functionality, end-to-end encryption for enhanced security; Service provider: WhatsApp Ireland Limited, Merrion Road 4, D04 X2K5 Dublin, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.whatsapp.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).

Push notifications

With the consent of the users, we can send the users so-called "push notifications". These are messages that are displayed on users' screens, devices or browsers, even if our online services are not being actively used. 

In order to sign up for push messages, users must confirm that their browser or device has requested to receive push messages. This approval process is documented and stored. The storage is necessary to recognize whether users have consented to receive the push messages and to be able to prove their consent. For these purposes, a pseudonymous identifier of the browser (so-called "push token") or the device ID of a terminal device is stored.

The push messages may be necessary for the fulfilment of contractual obligations (e.g. technical and organisational information relevant for the use of our online offer) and will otherwise be sent, unless specifically mentioned below, on the basis of user consent. Users can change the receipt of push messages at any time using the notification settings of their respective browsers or end devices.

Our settings and options to unsubscribe: 

- Allow push notifications about new monthly issues

- Allow push notifications about new exclusive content

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
• Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.). Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Communication; Provision of our online services and usability. Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors).
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion". Deletion after termination.
• Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Analysis and performance measurement: We statistically evaluate push messages and can thus identify if and when push messages were displayed and clicked on. This information is used for the technical improvement of our push messages based on technical data or target groups and their retrieval behavior or retrieval times. This analysis also includes determining whether the push messages are opened, when they are opened and whether users interact with their content or buttons. For technical reasons, this information can be assigned to individual push message recipients. However, it is neither our intention nor, if used, that of the push message service provider to monitor individual users. Rather, the evaluations serve to identify the usage habits of our users and to adapt our push messages to them or to send different push messages according to the interests of our users.
  
  The evaluation of the push messages and the measurement of performance are based on the consent of the users, which is given with their permission to receive the push messages. Users can object to the analysis and performance measurement by unsubscribing from the push messages. Unfortunately, it is not possible to cancel the analysis and performance measurement separately; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
• Firebase: Google Firebase is a platform for developers of apps for mobile devices and websites. Google Firebase offers a variety of features for testing apps, monitoring their functionality and optimizing them (shown on the following overview page: https://firebase.google.com/products).The functions include the storage of apps including personal data of the application users, such as content created by them or information regarding their interaction with the apps (so-called "cloud computing"). Google Firebase also offers interfaces that allow interaction between the users of the app and other services, e.g. authentication using services such as Facebook, Twitter or an e-mail password combination; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).
• Firebase Cloud Messaging: Sending cross-platform messages and information; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Website:https://firebase.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://firebase.google.com/terms/data-processing-terms. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).

Newsletter and Electronic Communications

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

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

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

Contents:

Topics of Global Development

• Processed data types: Inventory data (For example, the full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
• Data subjects: Communication partner (Recipients of e-mails, letters, etc.).
• Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal).
• Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
• Opt-Out: You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e. revoke your consent or object to further receipt. You will find a link to cancel the newsletter either at the end of each newsletter or you can otherwise use one of the contact options listed above, preferably e-mail. 

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• XQueue Maileon: Newsletter dispatch; Service provider: XQueue GmbH
  Christian-Pleß-Str. 11-13
  63069 Offenbach am Main
  Germany; Website: https://maileon.com/en. Privacy Policy: https://maileon.com/privacy-policy/.
• Measurement of opening rates and click rates: The newsletters contain a so-called "web beacons", which is a pixel-sized file that is retrieved from our server, or the server of the dispatch service provider if one is used, when the newsletter is opened. In the course of this retrieval, technical information such as details about the browser and your system, as well as your IP address and the time of access are collected. This information is used to technically improve our newsletter based on technical data or target audiences and their reading behavior, which can be determined by their access locations (identifiable by IP address) or access times. This analysis also includes determining whether and when newsletters are opened and which links are clicked. The information is assigned to individual newsletter recipients and stored in their profiles until deletion. The evaluations serve to recognize the reading habits of our users and adjust our content to them or send different content according to the interests of our users. The measurement of opening and click rates, as well as the storage of the measurement results in user profiles and their further processing, are based on user consent. Unfortunately, it is not possible to revoke success measurement separately; in this case, the entire newsletter subscription must be cancelled or objected to. In that case, stored profile information will be deleted; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Surveys and Questionnaires

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• LimeSurvey: Realization of online surveys; Service provider: LimeSurvey GmbH Umfragedienste & Beratung, Papenreye 63, 22453 Hamburg, Germany; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.limesurvey.org; Privacy Policy: https://www.limesurvey.org/policies/privacy-policy. Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Germany).

Online Marketing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this data protection statement.

Notes on revocation and objection:

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

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

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

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

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

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behaviour, use of cookies); Affiliate Tracking; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles). Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities).
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.).
• Security measures: IP Masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address).
• Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Google Ads and Conversion Tracking: Online marketing process for purposes of placing content and advertisements within the provider's advertising network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on web pages, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the ads. Furthermore, we measure the conversion of the ads, i.e. whether the users took them as a reason to interact with the ads and make use of the advertised offers (so-called conversion). However, we only receive anonymous information and no personal information about individual users; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland); Further Information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Google Ads Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms and standard contractual clauses for data transfers to third countries: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

Profiles in Social Networks (Social Media)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Facebook Pages: Profiles within the social network Facebook - We are jointly responsible (so called "joint controller") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection (but not the further processing) of data of visitors to our Facebook page. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see "Things that you and others do and provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/), and information about the devices used by users (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie information; see "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How we use this information?" Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, known as "page insights," to site operators to help them understand how people interact with their pages and with content associated with them. We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Information about Page-Insights", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum), which regulates in particular the security measures that Facebook must observe and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of the persons concerned (i.e. users can send information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook. Further information can be found in the "Information about Page Insights" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data). The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transfer of the data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company located in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).
• LinkedIn: Social network - We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of visitor data, which is used to create "Page Insights" (statistics) for our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. It also includes details about the devices used, such as IP addresses, operating systems, browser types, language settings, and cookie data, as well as profile details of users, such as job function, country, industry, seniority, company size, and employment status. Privacy information regarding the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.
  We have entered into a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum," https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which specifically regulates the security measures LinkedIn must comply with and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, direct requests for information or deletion directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (particularly the right to information, deletion, objection, and to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by our agreements with LinkedIn. The joint responsibility is limited to the collection of data and its transmission to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, particularly concerning the transfer of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland). Opt-Out: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
• X: Social network; Service provider: Twitter International Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://x.com; Privacy Policy: https://x.com/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).
• WhatsApp: Text messages, voice and video calls, sending images, videos and documents, group chat functionality, end-to-end encryption for enhanced security; Service provider: WhatsApp Ireland Limited, Merrion Road 4, D04 X2K5 Dublin, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.whatsapp.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).

Plugins and embedded functions and content

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

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

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this data protection statement.

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

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used:

• Facebook plugins and contents: Facebook Social Plugins and contents - This can include content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online service within Facebook. The list and appearance of the Facebook Social Plugins can be viewed here: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/ - We are jointly responsible (so-called "joint-controllership") with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or transmission (but not further processing) of "Event Data" that Facebook collects or receives as part of a transmission using the Facebook Social Plugins that run on our website for the following purposes: a) displaying content advertising information that matches users' presumed interests; b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g. b) delivering commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalizing features and content (e.g., improving recognition of which content or advertising information is believed to be of interest to users). We have entered into a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which specifically addresses the security measures that Facebook must take (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to comply with the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, submit information access or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurements, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain information on individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing is not carried out within the scope of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a DPA ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing/update), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to access to information, erasure, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).
• LinkedIn plugins and contents: LinkedIn plugins and contents - This can include content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online service within LinkedIn; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Data Processing Agreement: https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa; Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland). Opt-Out: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
• X plugins and contents: Plugins and buttons of the platform "X" - This may include, for example, content such as images, videos or texts and buttons with which users can share content of this online offer within X; Service provider: Twitter International Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland; Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://x.com; Privacy Policy: https://x.com/privacy, (Settings: https://x.com/personalization); Data Processing Agreement: https://privacy.x.com/en/for-our-partners/global-dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Standard Contractual Clauses (https://privacy.x.com/en/for-our-partners/global-dpa), Switzerland - Adequacy decision (Ireland).

Changes and Updates

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

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

Terminology and Definitions

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

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

Changes

From time to time it is necessary to adapt the content of this data protection notice. We therefore reserve the right to change these at any time in the future. We will also publish the modified version of the data protection information here. If you visit us again, you should therefore read the data protection information again.