Privacy-Policy

Version 1.0 | Effective date: June 1, 2024

Privacy-Policy

Version 1.0 | Effective date: June 1, 2024

Privacy-Policy

Version 1.0 | Effective date: June 1, 2024

Privacy-Policy

Privacy-Policy

Privacy-Policy

Preamble

With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to as "data") 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 Services").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Status: July 2, 2024

Controller

Dominique Loenicker
Pflasteräckerstraße 12
70186 Stuttgart
Germany

Authorized Representatives: Dominique Loenicker
Email Address: privacy@scriptbee.ai
Imprint: https://scriptbee.ai/legal/imprint

Overview of Processing

The following overview summarizes the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing and refers to the data subjects.

Types of Data Processed

  • Master data (e.g., names, addresses).

  • Payment data.

  • Location data.

  • Contact data.

  • Content data.

  • Contract data.

  • Usage data.

  • Meta, communication, and process data.

  • Image and/or video recordings.

  • Audio recordings.

  • Contact information (Facebook).

  • Event data (Facebook).

  • Log data.

  • Creditworthiness data.

Categories of Data Subjects

  • Service recipients and clients.

  • Employees.

  • Interested parties.

  • Communication partners.

  • Users.

  • Business and contractual partners.

  • Participants.

  • Persons depicted.

  • Third parties.

Purposes of Processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.

  • Communication.

  • Security measures.

  • Direct marketing.

  • Reach measurement.

  • Tracking.

  • Office and organizational procedures.

  • Remarketing.

  • Conversion measurement.

  • Click tracking.

  • Target group formation.

  • Affiliate tracking.

  • Organizational and administrative procedures.

  • Feedback.

  • Surveys and questionnaires.

  • Marketing.

  • Profiles with user-related information.

  • Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.

  • Assessment of creditworthiness and credit standing.

  • Information technology infrastructure.

  • Financial and payment management.

  • Public relations.

  • Sales promotion.

  • Business processes and economic procedures.

Relevant Legal Bases

Relevant legal bases under the GDPR: Below is an overview of the legal bases of the GDPR on which we process personal data. Please note that in addition to the regulations of the GDPR, national data protection requirements in your or our country of residence or seat may apply. Furthermore, should more specific legal bases be relevant in individual cases, we will inform you of these in the privacy policy.

  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) - The data subject has given consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes.

  • Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the 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.

  • Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.

  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) 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.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national regulations on data protection apply in Germany. This includes, in particular, the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG). The BDSG contains special regulations on the right to information, the right to erasure, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes, and transmission as well as automated decision-making in individual cases including profiling. Furthermore, state data protection laws of the individual federal states may apply.

Note on the applicability of the GDPR and the Swiss DPA: These data protection notices serve to provide information according to both the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For this reason, please note that due to broader spatial application and understandability, the terms of the GDPR are used. In particular, instead of the terms "processing" of "personal data," "overriding interest," and "particularly sensitive personal data" used in the Swiss DPA, the terms "processing" of "personal data" as well as "legitimate interest" and "special categories of data" used in the GDPR are used. However, the legal meaning of the terms will continue to be determined according to the Swiss DPA within the scope of its applicability.

Security Measures

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures in accordance with legal requirements, taking into account the state of the art, implementation costs, and the nature, scope, circumstances, and purposes of processing, as well as the different probabilities of occurrence and the extent of the threat to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, to ensure a level of protection appropriate to the risk.

Measures include, in particular, securing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data as well as access, input, disclosure, assurance of availability, and separation of data. Furthermore, we have established procedures to ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the erasure of data, and responses to data threats. We also consider the protection of personal data as early as the development or selection of hardware, software, and procedures in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and by default.

Securing online connections through TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): To protect the data of users transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we use 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 transmitted between the website or app and the user's browser (or between two servers), thereby protecting the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the more advanced and secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions meet the highest security standards. When a website is secured by an SSL/TLS certificate, this is signaled by the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is transmitted securely and encrypted.

Transmission of Personal Data

In the context of our processing of personal data, it may happen that data is transmitted to other bodies, companies, legally independent organizational units, or persons or disclosed to them. Recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers commissioned with IT tasks or providers of services and content that are integrated into a website. In such cases, we comply with legal requirements and, in particular, conclude corresponding contracts or agreements that serve to protect your data with the recipients of your data.

International Data Transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we process data in a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA)) or if the processing takes place in the context of using third-party services or the disclosure or transmission of data to other persons, bodies, or companies, this only takes place in accordance with legal requirements. If the level of data protection in the third country has been recognized by means of an adequacy decision (Art. 45 GDPR), this serves as the basis for the data transfer. Otherwise, data transfers only take place if the level of data protection is otherwise secured, in particular by standard contractual clauses (Art. 46(2)(c) GDPR), explicit consent, or in the case of contractually or legally required transmission (Art. 49(1) GDPR). Furthermore, we will inform you of the bases for third-country transmission for individual providers from the third country, whereby adequacy decisions apply primarily as bases. Information on third-country transfers and existing adequacy decisions can be found on the information page of the EU Commission: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en.

EU-US Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework: In the context of the so-called "Data Privacy Framework" (DPF), the EU Commission has recognized the level of data protection for certain companies from the USA as secure within the framework of the adequacy decision of July 10, 2023. The list of certified companies and further information on the DPF can be found on the website of the US Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/. We will inform you in the data protection notices which of the service providers we use are certified under the Data Privacy Framework.

General Information on Data Storage and Erasure

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

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

Our privacy policy contains additional information on the retention and erasure of data that applies specifically to certain processing operations.

If several details are provided regarding the retention period or erasure deadlines for a piece of data, the longest period always applies.

If a deadline does not expressly begin on a specific date and is at least one year, it starts automatically at the end of the calendar year in which the event triggering the deadline occurred. In the case of ongoing contractual relationships in which data is stored, the event triggering the deadline is the time the termination becomes effective or other termination of the legal relationship.

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

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Retention and erasure of data: The following general periods apply to retention and archiving according to German law:

    • 10 years - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, as well as the work instructions and other organizational documents required for their understanding, accounting vouchers, and invoices (§ 147 para. 3 in conjunction with para. 1 nos. 1, 4, and 4a AO, § 14b para. 1 UStG, § 257 para. 1 nos. 1 and 4, para. 4 HGB).

    • 6 years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents, insofar as they are of importance for taxation, e.g., hourly wage slips, business analysis sheets, calculation documents, price tags, but also wage accounting documents, insofar as they are not already accounting vouchers, and cash register strips (§ 147 para. 3 in conjunction with para. 1 nos. 2, 3, 5 AO, § 257 para. 1 nos. 2 and 3, para. 4 HGB).

    • 3 years - Data required to consider potential warranty and damage claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practices, are stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

Rights of Data Subjects

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject under the GDPR, you have various rights, which arise in particular from Art. 15 to 21 GDPR:

  • Right to object: You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. If personal data concerning you are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing; this also applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.

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

  • Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not data concerning you are being processed and to access this data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with legal requirements.

  • Right to rectification: You have the right, in accordance with legal requirements, to demand the completion of data concerning you or the rectification of incorrect data concerning you.

  • Right to erasure and restriction of processing: You have the right, in accordance with legal requirements, to demand that data concerning you be deleted immediately, or alternatively, in accordance with legal requirements, to demand a restriction of the processing of the data.

  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive data concerning you, which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format or to demand its transmission to another controller in accordance with legal requirements.

  • Complaint to a supervisory authority: In accordance with legal requirements 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 an authority in the Member State of your habitual residence, the supervisory authority of your place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

Business Services

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

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

We inform the contractual partners which data is required for the aforementioned purposes before or during data collection, e.g., in online forms, through special marking (e.g., colors) or symbols (e.g., asterisks or similar), or personally.

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, e.g., as long as it must be kept for legal archiving reasons (e.g., for tax purposes generally ten years). Data disclosed to us by the contractual partner within the scope of an order will be deleted according to the specifications and generally after the end of the order.

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., 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., subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category).

  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Interested parties. Business and contractual partners.

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Communication; Office and organizational procedures; Organizational and administrative procedures. Business processes and economic procedures.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Data analysis: We process the data of our customers and clients to enable data analysis, evaluation, and consulting as well as related services. The required information includes the data needed for analysis, evaluation, and billing as well as contact information for necessary coordination. To the extent we receive access to information of end customers, employees, or other persons, we process this in accordance with legal and contractual requirements; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Marketing and advertising: We process the data of our customers and clients (hereinafter collectively referred to as "customers") to offer marketing services such as market research, advertising campaigns, content creation, and social media management. The required information is marked as such in the context of the order and includes the information required for service provision and billing as well as contact information to be able to consult if necessary. To the extent we receive access to information of end customers, employees, or other persons, we process this in accordance with legal and contractual requirements.

    • Procedures required in the context of marketing and advertising measures include the creation of marketing strategies and campaigns, the design of advertising materials and content, the selection of advertising channels and platforms, the implementation of market analyses and target group surveys, as well as success measurement and analysis of marketing measures. Furthermore, they include the management and maintenance of customer and prospect data, the segmentation of target groups, the sending of newsletters and promotional emails, the tracking of online marketing activities, and collaboration with external service providers in the field of marketing and advertising.

    • These procedures serve to develop effective marketing strategies for our customers, to design advertising measures tailored to target groups, to measure and analyze the success of marketing activities, and to ensure efficient management of customer contacts and information; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • IT Services: We process the data of our customers and clients to enable the planning, implementation, and support of IT solutions and related services. The required information is marked as such in the context of the order, project, or comparable contract conclusion and includes the information required for service provision and billing as well as contact information to be able to consult if necessary. To the extent we receive access to information of end customers, employees, or other persons, we process this in accordance with legal and contractual requirements.

    • Processing operations include, among others, project management and documentation, which cover all phases from the initial requirements analysis to project completion. This includes creating and managing project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations. Data processing also supports change management, where changes in the project process are documented and tracked to ensure compliance and transparency.

    • Another process is Customer Relationship Management (CRM), which involves recording and analyzing customer interactions and feedback to improve service quality and efficiently address individual customer needs. In addition, the processing operation includes technical support and troubleshooting, which includes capturing and processing support requests, bug fixes, and regular maintenance.

    • Furthermore, reporting and performance analysis are carried out, through which key performance indicators are captured and evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the IT solutions provided and to continuously optimize them. All these processes are aimed at ensuring high customer satisfaction and compliance with all relevant requirements; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Project and development services: We process the data of our customers and clients (hereinafter collectively referred to as "customers") to enable them to select, acquire, or commission the chosen services or works and associated activities, as well as their payment and provision or execution or performance.

    • The required information is marked as such in the context of the order, order, or comparable contract conclusion and includes the information required for service provision and billing as well as contact information to be able to consult if necessary. To the extent we receive access to information of end customers, employees, or other persons, we process this in accordance with legal and contractual requirements; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

  • Offering software and platform services: We process the data of our users, registered and potential test users (hereinafter collectively referred to as "users"), in order to be able to provide our contractual services to them as well as on the basis of legitimate interests to ensure the security of our offer and to be able to further develop it. The required information is marked as such in the context of the order, order, or comparable contract conclusion and includes the information required for service provision and billing as well as contact information to be able to consult if necessary; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Business Processes and Procedures

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

The data collected serves to fulfill contractual obligations and to organize operational processes efficiently. This includes handling business transactions, managing customer relationships, optimizing sales strategies, and ensuring internal accounting and financial processes. In addition, the data supports the protection of the rights of the controller and promotes administrative tasks and the organization of the company.

Personal data may be passed on to third parties if this is necessary to fulfill the aforementioned purposes or legal obligations. After the expiry of statutory retention periods or if the purpose of processing no longer applies, the data will be deleted. This also includes data that must be stored longer due to tax law and statutory evidentiary obligations.

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category); Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or retrieval of data or access times); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Creditworthiness data (e.g., credit score received, estimated probability of default, risk classification based on this, historical payment behavior). Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved).

  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Interested parties; Communication partners; Business and contractual partners; Third parties; Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services). Employees (e.g., employees, applicants, temporary staff, and other employees).

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Office and organizational procedures; Business processes and economic procedures; Communication; Marketing; Sales promotion; Public relations; Assessment of creditworthiness and credit standing; Financial and payment management. Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)).

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Contact management and contact maintenance: Procedures required within the framework of organization, maintenance, and securing of contact information (e.g., establishment and maintenance of a central contact database, regular updates of contact information, monitoring of data integrity, implementation of data protection measures, ensuring access controls, performing backups and restores of contact data, training employees in the effective use of contact management software, regular review of communication history and adjustment of contact strategies); Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • General payment transactions: Procedures required for the execution of payment transactions, monitoring of bank accounts, and control of payment flows (e.g., creation and checking of transfers, handling of direct debit transactions, checking of bank statements, monitoring of incoming and outgoing payments, chargeback management, account reconciliation, cash management); Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable: Procedures required for recording, processing, and controlling business transactions in the area of accounts payable and accounts receivable (e.g., creation and checking of incoming and outgoing invoices, monitoring and management of open items, execution of payment transactions, handling of dunning procedures, account reconciliation within the framework of receivables and payables, accounts payable and accounts receivable); Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Financial accounting and taxes: Procedures required for recording, managing, and controlling financially relevant business transactions as well as for calculating, reporting, and paying taxes (e.g., account assignment and booking of business transactions, preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, execution of payment transactions, handling of dunning procedures, account reconciliation, tax advice, preparation and submission of tax returns, handling of tax affairs); Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Marketing, advertising, and sales promotion: Procedures required in the context of marketing, advertising, and sales promotion (e.g., market analysis and target group determination, development of marketing strategies, planning and implementation of advertising campaigns, design and production of advertising materials, online marketing including SEO and social media campaigns, event marketing and participation in trade fairs, customer loyalty programs, sales promotion measures, performance measurement and optimization of marketing activities, budget management and cost control); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Public relations: Procedures required in the context of public relations and PR (e.g., development and implementation of communication strategies, planning and implementation of PR campaigns, creation and distribution of press releases, maintenance of media contacts, monitoring and analysis of media response, organization of press conferences and public events, crisis communication, creation of content for social media and corporate websites, support of corporate branding); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Providers and Services Used in the Context of Business Activities

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

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation). Contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category).

  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Interested parties. Business and contractual partners.

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Office and organizational procedures. Business processes and economic procedures.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Lexoffice: Online software for invoicing, accounting, banking, and tax submission with document storage; Service provider: Haufe Service Center GmbH, Munzinger Straße 9, 79111 Freiburg, Germany; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.lexoffice.de; Privacy Policy: https://www.lexoffice.de/datenschutz/. Data Processing Agreement: https://www.lexoffice.de/auftragsverarbeitung/.

  • Stripe: Payment services (technical integration of online payment methods); Service provider: Stripe, Inc., 510 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR); Website: https://stripe.com; Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Payment Procedures

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

The data processed by the payment service providers includes master data, such as name and address, bank data, such as account numbers or credit card numbers, passwords, TANs, and checksums, as well as contractual, total, and recipient-related information. The information is required to carry out the transactions. However, the data entered is only processed by the payment service providers and stored by them. This means that we do not receive any account or credit card-related information, but only information with confirmation or negative information about the payment. Under certain circumstances, the data is transmitted by the payment service providers to credit reporting agencies. The purpose of this transmission is identity and creditworthiness checks. For this purpose, we refer to the GTC and the privacy notices of the payment service providers.

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

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); Contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved).

  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Business and contractual partners. Interested parties.

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Business processes and economic procedures.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Stripe: Payment services (technical integration of online payment methods); Service provider: Stripe, Inc., 510 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR); Website: https://stripe.com; Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Provision of Online Offer and Web Hosting

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

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved); Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or retrieval of data or access times). Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation).

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

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)); Security measures. Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors).

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Provision of online offer on rented storage space: For the provision of our online offer, we use storage space, computing capacity, and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also called "web hoster"); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offer is logged in the form of so-called "server log files." The server log files may include the address and name of the accessed websites and files, the date and time of access, transmitted data volumes, report on successful access, browser type and version, the user's operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and usually IP addresses and the requesting provider. The server log files can be used for security purposes, e.g., to avoid overloading the servers (especially in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and to ensure server utilization and stability; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Erasure of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum period of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further retention is required for evidentiary purposes is excluded from erasure until the final clarification of the respective incident.

  • Hetzner: Services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and associated services (e.g., storage space and/or computing capacities); Service provider: Hetzner Online GmbH, Industriestr. 25, 91710 Gunzenhausen, Germany; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.hetzner.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.hetzner.com/legal/privacy-policy. Data Processing Agreement: https://docs.hetzner.com/general/general-terms-and-conditions/data-privacy-faq/.

  • Vercel: Services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and associated services (e.g., storage space and/or computing capacities) as well as development environment; Service provider: Vercel Inc., 340 S Lemon Ave #4133, Walnut, CA 91789, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://vercel.com; Privacy Policy: https://vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy; Data Processing Agreement: https://vercel.com/legal/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (https://vercel.com/legal/dpa).

  • Google Cloud CDN: Content Delivery Network (CDN) - Service with the help of which content of an online offer, in particular large media files such as graphics or program scripts, can be delivered faster and more securely with the help of regionally distributed and Internet-connected servers; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://cloud.google.com/cdn; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • Google Cloud Services: Cloud infrastructure services and cloud-based application software; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://cloud.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://cloud.google.com/privacy.

  • Framer: Creation, management, and hosting of websites, online forms, and other web elements, real-time collaboration, integration of design workflows, and functions for user testing; Service provider: Framer B.V., Rozengracht 207B, 1016 LZ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.framer.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.framer.com/legal/privacy-statement/. Data Processing Agreement: https://www.framer.com/legal/data-processing-addendum/.

Use of Cookies

Cookies are small text files or other memory notes that store information on end devices and read it from them. For example, to store the login status in a user account, a shopping cart content in an e-shop, the content accessed, or functions used of an online offer. Cookies can also be used for various other concerns, such as for purposes of functionality, security, and convenience of online offers as well as for creating analyses of visitor flows.

Notes on consent: We use cookies in accordance with legal regulations. Therefore, we obtain prior consent from users, unless it is not required by law. Consent is not necessary in particular if the storage and reading of information, including cookies, is strictly necessary to provide the users with a telemedia service explicitly requested by them (i.e., our online offer). The revocable consent will be clearly communicated to them and contains the information on the respective cookie use.

Notes on data protection legal bases: On which data protection legal basis we process the personal data of users with the help of cookies depends on whether we ask them for consent. If users accept, the legal basis for the utilization of their data is the declared consent. Otherwise, the data utilized with the help of cookies will be processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (e.g., in an economic operation of our online offer and improvement of its usability) or, if this takes place within the framework of fulfilling our contractual obligations, if the use of cookies is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations. For what purposes the cookies are utilized by us, we explain in the course of this privacy policy or within the framework of our consent and processing operations.

Storage period: With regard to the storage period, the following types of cookies are distinguished:

  • Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online offer and closed their end device (e.g., browser or mobile application).

  • Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after closing the end device. For example, the login status can be saved and preferred content can be displayed directly when the user visits a website again. Likewise, user data collected with the help of cookies can be used for reach measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information on the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., in the context of obtaining consent), they should assume that these are permanent and the storage duration can be up to two years.

General notes on withdrawal and objection (opt-out): Users can withdraw the consents they have given at any time and also declare an objection to processing in accordance with legal requirements, including by means of the privacy settings of their browser.

  • Processed data types: Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved).

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

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Processing of cookie data based on consent: We use a consent management solution in which users' consent to the use of cookies or to the procedures and providers mentioned in the consent management solution is obtained. This procedure serves to obtain, log, manage, and withdraw consents, in particular regarding the use of cookies and comparable technologies used for storing, reading, and processing information on users' end devices. Within the framework of this procedure, users' consents for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing and providers mentioned in the consent management procedure, are obtained. Users also have the possibility to manage and withdraw their consents. The declarations of consent are stored to avoid a renewed query and to be able to provide proof of consent according to legal requirements. Storage takes place on the server and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies to be able to assign the consent to a specific user or their device. In the absence of specific information on the providers of consent management services, the following general information applies: The duration of the storage of consent is up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored together with the time of consent, information on the scope of consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers) as well as information about the browser, system, and end device used; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Registration, Login, and User Account

Users can create a user account. In the context of registration, the required mandatory information is communicated to the users and processed for the purpose of providing the user account on the basis of contractual fulfillment. The processed data includes in particular the login information (username, password, and an email address).

Within the framework of using our registration and login functions and the use of the user account, we store the IP address and the time of the respective user action. The storage takes place on the basis of our legitimate interests as well as those of the users in protection against misuse and other unauthorized use. Passing on this data to third parties does not take place in principle, unless it is necessary to pursue our claims or there is a legal obligation to do so.

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

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or retrieval of data or access times).

  • 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; Organizational and administrative procedures. Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section. Erasure after termination.

  • Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Registration with pseudonyms: Users may use pseudonyms as usernames instead of clear names; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

  • Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security for your user account and ensures that only you can access your account, even if someone else knows your password. For this purpose, you must carry out another authentication measure in addition to your password (e.g., entering a code sent to a mobile device). We will inform you about the procedure we use; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

  • Erasure of data after termination: If users have terminated their user account, their data will be deleted with regard to the user account, subject to legal permission, obligation, or consent of the users; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

  • No retention obligation for data: It is the responsibility of the users to back up their data before the end of the contract in the event of termination. We are entitled to irretrievably delete all data of the user stored during the term of the contract; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Blogs and Publication Media

We use blogs or comparable means of online communication and publication (hereinafter "publication medium"). The data of the readers are processed for the purposes of the publication medium only insofar as it is necessary for its presentation and 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 data protection notices.

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved).

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

  • Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Contact and Inquiry Management

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

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved).

  • Data subjects: Communication partners.

  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Organizational and administrative procedures; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Contact form: When contacting us via our contact form, by email, or other communication channels, we process the personal data transmitted to us to answer and process the respective concern. This usually includes information such as name, contact information, and any other information provided to us that is required for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contacting and communication; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and prior requests (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Video Conferences, Online Meetings, Webinars, and Screen Sharing

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

Data processed by conference platforms: Within the framework of participation in a conference, the conference platforms process the personal data of the participants mentioned below. The scope of processing depends on which data is required in the context of a specific conference (e.g., provision of access data or clear names) and which optional information is provided by the participants. In addition to processing to conduct the conference, the participants' data may also be processed by the conference platforms for security purposes or service optimization. Processed data includes personal data (first name, last name), contact information (email address, phone number), access data (access codes or passwords), profile pictures, information on professional status/function, the IP address of Internet access, information on the participants' end devices, their operating system, the browser and its technical and linguistic settings, information on communication processes in terms of content, i.e., inputs in chats as well as audio and video data, as well as the use of other available functions (e.g., surveys). Communication content is encrypted to the extent technically provided by the conference providers. If participants are registered as users on the conference platforms, further data can be processed in accordance with the agreement with the respective conference provider.

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

Data protection measures of the participants: Please note the details of the processing of your data by the conference platforms in their privacy notices and choose the optimal security and privacy settings within the settings of the conference platforms. Furthermore, please ensure data and personality protection in the background of your recording for the duration of a video conference (e.g., by informing housemates, locking doors, and using, as far as technically possible, the function for blurring the background). Links to the conference rooms as well as access data must not be passed on to unauthorized third parties.

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

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Image and/or video recordings (e.g., photographs or video recordings of a person); Audio recordings. Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or retrieval of data or access times).

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

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Communication. Office and organizational procedures.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Cloud Services

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

In this context, personal data can be processed and stored on the servers of the providers to the extent that these are part of communication processes with us or are otherwise processed by us as set out in this privacy policy. This data may include, in particular, master data and contact data of users, data on transactions, contracts, other processes, and their content. The providers of cloud services also process usage data and metadata used by them for security purposes and for service optimization.

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

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation). Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).

  • Data subjects: Interested parties; Communication partners; Business and contractual partners. Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).

  • Purposes of processing: Office and organizational procedures. Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)).

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Newsletters and Electronic Notifications

We send newsletters, emails, and other electronic notifications (hereinafter "newsletter") exclusively with the consent of the recipients or on the basis of a legal basis. Insofar as the contents of a newsletter are named in the context of a registration, these contents are decisive for the user's consent. Providing your email address is usually sufficient for registering for our newsletter. However, in order to offer you a personalized service, we may ask for your name for a personal address in the newsletter or for further information if this is necessary for the purpose of the newsletter.

Erasure and restriction of processing: We can store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years on the basis of our legitimate interests before we delete them to be able to prove a previously given consent. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a potential defense against claims. An individual request for erasure is possible at any time, provided that the former existence of consent is confirmed at the same time. In the 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 procedure takes place on the basis of our legitimate interests for the purpose of proving its proper course. Insofar as we commission a service provider to send emails, this takes place on the basis of our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure dispatch system.

Contents: Information about us, our services, promotions, and offers.

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., 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, times, identification numbers, persons involved). Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).

  • Data subjects: Communication partners.

  • Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g., by email or post); Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Conversion measurement (measuring the effectiveness of marketing measures); Click tracking; Marketing. Profiles with user-related information (creating user profiles).

  • Retention and erasure:

    • 3 years - Contractual claims (AT) (Data required to consider potential warranty and damage claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practices, are stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 1478, 1480 ABGB)).

    • 10 years - Contractual claims (CH) (Data necessary to consider potential damage claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as for processing related inquiries, based on earlier business experience and customary industry practices, are stored for the period of the statutory limitation period of ten years, unless a shorter period of 5 years is relevant, which is applicable in certain cases (Art. 127, 130 OR)).

  • Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Possibility of objection (opt-out): You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e., withdraw your consents or object to further receipt. A link to cancel the newsletter can be found either at the end of each newsletter or you can otherwise use one of the contact options given above, preferably email, for this purpose.

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • ActiveCampaign: Email marketing, automation of marketing processes, collection, storage, and management of contact data, creation and management of landing pages, measurement of campaign performance, collection and analysis of recipient interaction with content, personalization of content; Service provider: ActiveCampaign, Inc., 1 N Dearborn, 5th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60602, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.activecampaign.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.activecampaign.com/privacy-policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • SendGrid: Email delivery and communication platform for transactional and marketing emails; Service provider: Twilio Ireland Limited, 25 – 28 North Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, D01 H104, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://sendgrid.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.twilio.com/legal/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.twilio.com/legal/data-protection-addendum. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • Brevo: Email delivery and automation services; Service provider: Sendinblue GmbH, Köpenicker Str. 126, 10179 Berlin, Germany; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.brevo.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.brevo.com/legal/privacypolicy/. Data Processing Agreement: Provided by the service provider.

Surveys and Polls

We conduct surveys and polls to collect information for the respectively communicated survey or poll purpose. The surveys and polls conducted by us (hereinafter "surveys") are evaluated anonymously. Personal data is processed only to the extent necessary for the provision and technical implementation of the surveys (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 help of a cookie).

  • Processed data types: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation). Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).

  • Data subjects: Participants.

  • Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Surveys and questionnaires (e.g., surveys with input options, multiple-choice questions).

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Web Analysis, Monitoring, and Optimization

Web analysis (also referred to as "reach measurement") serves to evaluate the visitor flows of our online offer and can include behavior, interests, or demographic information about the 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 offer or its functions or contents are used most frequently, or invite for reuse. Likewise, it is possible for us to understand which areas need optimization.

In addition to web analysis, we can also use test procedures, for example, to test and optimize different versions of our online offer or its components.

Unless otherwise stated below, profiles, i.e., data summarized for a usage process, can be created for these purposes and information can be stored in a browser or in an end device and then read out. Collected information includes 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 agreed to the collection of their location data to us or to the providers of the services used by us, processing of location data is also possible.

In addition, the IP addresses of the users are stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect the users. Generally, no clear data of the users (such as email addresses or names) are stored in the context of web analysis, A/B testing, and optimization, but pseudonyms. This means that we as well as the providers of the software used do not know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles for the purpose of the respective procedures.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask the users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is the consent. Otherwise, the user data will be processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economic, and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved).

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

  • Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Profiles with user-related information (creating user profiles); Provision of our online services and user-friendliness. Tracking (e.g., interest/behavioral profiling, use of cookies).

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section. Storage of cookies of up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).

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

  • Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to measure and analyze the use of our online offer on the basis of a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number contains no unique data, such as names or email addresses. It serves to assign analysis information to an end device in order to recognize which content the users have accessed within one or different usage processes, which search terms they have used, have accessed these again, or have interacted with our online offer. Likewise, the time of use and its duration are stored, as well as the sources of the users who refer to our online offer and technical aspects of their end devices and browsers.

    • In the process, pseudonymous profiles of users are created with information from the use of various devices, whereby cookies can be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses for EU users. However, Analytics provides coarse geographic location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: city (and the derived latitude and longitude of the city), continent, country, region, subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). In EU traffic, IP address data is used exclusively for this derivation of geolocation data before it is immediately deleted. It is not logged, not accessible, and not used for further purposes. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are performed on EU-based servers before traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/en/about/analytics/; Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Possibility of objection (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff. Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (types of processing as well as the processed data).

  • Google Tag Manager: We use the Google Tag Manager, software from Google that allows us to manage so-called website tags centrally via a user interface. Tags are small code elements on our website that serve to record and analyze visitor activities. This technology supports us in improving our website and the content offered on it. The Google Tag Manager itself does not create user profiles, does not store cookies with user profiles, and does not perform independent analyses. Its function is limited to making the integration and management of tools and services that we use on our website easier and more efficient. Nevertheless, when using the Google Tag Manager, the IP address of the users is transmitted to Google, which is technically necessary to implement the services we use. Cookies can also be set. However, this data processing only takes place if services are integrated via the Tag Manager. For more detailed information on these services and their data processing, we refer to the following sections of this privacy policy; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • Microsoft Clarity: Web analysis, reach measurement, and analysis of user behavior with regard to usage and interests concerning functions and content as well as their usage duration on the basis of a pseudonymous user identification number and profile formation; Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://clarity.microsoft.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-gb/privacystatement; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Microsoft-Products-and-Services-Data-Protection-Addendum-DPA. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Online Marketing

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

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

In addition, the IP addresses of the users are stored. However, we use available IP masking procedures (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) for user protection. Generally, no clear data of the users (such as email addresses or names) are stored in the context of the online marketing procedure, but pseudonyms. This means that we as well as the providers of the online marketing procedures do not know the actual user identity, but only the information stored in their profiles.

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

Exceptionally, it is possible to assign clear data to the profiles, primarily if the users are, for example, members of a social network whose online marketing procedure we use and the network connects the user profiles with the aforementioned information. We ask to note that users can make additional agreements with the providers, for example through consent in the context of registration.

We generally only receive access to aggregated information about the success of our advertisements. However, in the context of so-called conversion measurements, we can check which of our online marketing procedures have led to a so-called conversion, i.e., for example, to a contract conclusion with us. Conversion measurement is used solely to analyze the success of our marketing measures.

Unless otherwise stated, we ask you to assume that used cookies are stored for a period of two years.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask the users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is the permission. Otherwise, the users' data will be processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economic, and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

Notes on withdrawal and objection: We refer to the privacy notices of the respective providers and the objection possibilities (so-called "opt-out") given for the providers. If no explicit opt-out possibility has been given, you have the possibility to switch off cookies in the settings of your browser. However, this may restrict functions of our online offer. We therefore also recommend the following opt-out possibilities, which are offered collectively directed to respective areas:

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

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

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

  • d) Cross-territorial: https://optout.aboutads.info.

  • Processed data types: Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved); Event data (Facebook) ("Event data" is information that is sent to the provider Meta via Meta pixels (whether via apps or other channels), for example, and relates to persons or their actions. This data includes, for example, details of website visits, interactions with content and functions, app installations, and product purchases. The processing of event data is carried out with the aim of creating target groups for content and advertising messages (Custom Audiences). It is important to note that event data does not include actual content such as written comments, login information, or contact information such as names, email addresses, or phone numbers. "Event data" is deleted by Meta after a maximum of two years, and the target groups formed from it disappear with the deletion of our Meta user accounts.); Contact information (Facebook) ("Contact information" is data that (clearly) identifies data subjects, such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers, which can be transmitted to Facebook, e.g., via Facebook Pixel or upload for comparison purposes in order to form Custom Audiences. After the comparison for the purpose of forming target groups, the contact information 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/behavioral profiling, use of cookies); Conversion measurement (measuring the effectiveness of marketing measures); Target group formation; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (creating user profiles); Provision of our online services and user-friendliness. Remarketing.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section. Storage of cookies of up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).

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

  • Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Meta Pixel and target group formation (Custom Audiences): With the help of the Meta Pixel (or comparable functions, for transmitting event data or contact information by means of interfaces in apps), it is possible for the company Meta to determine the visitors of our online offer as a target group for the display of advertisements (so-called "Meta Ads"). Accordingly, we use the Meta Pixel to display the Meta Ads placed by us only to such users on platforms of Meta and within the services of partners cooperating with Meta (so-called "Audience Network" https://www.facebook.com/audiencenetwork/) who have also shown an interest in our online offer or who have certain characteristics (e.g., interest in certain topics or products that are apparent from the websites visited) that we transmit to Meta (so-called "Custom Audiences"). With the help of the Meta Pixel, we also want to ensure that our Meta Ads correspond to the potential interest of the users and are not annoying. With the help of the Meta Pixel, we can also track the effectiveness of the Meta Ads for statistical and market research purposes by seeing whether users were redirected to our website after clicking on a Meta Ad (so-called "conversion measurement"); Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Event data of users, i.e., behavioral and interest information, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and target group formation on the basis of the joint controller agreement ("Controller Addendum," https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). Joint controllership is limited to the collection by 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 concerns in particular the transmission 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.).

  • Advanced matching for the Meta Pixel: In addition to the processing of event data within the framework of using the Meta Pixel (or comparable functions, e.g., in apps), contact information (data identifying individual persons, such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers) is also collected by Meta within our online offer or transmitted to Meta. The processing of contact information serves the formation of target groups (so-called "Custom Audiences") for a display of content and advertising information oriented towards the presumed interests of the users. The collection or transmission and comparison with data available at Meta do not take place in clear text, but as so-called "hash values," i.e., mathematical mappings of the data (this method is used, e.g., for storing passwords). After the comparison for the purpose of forming target groups, the contact information is deleted; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Privacy Policy: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms.

  • Meta - Target Group Formation via Data Upload: Formation of target groups for marketing purposes - We transmit contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) in list form to Meta for the purpose of forming target groups (so-called "Custom Audiences") for a display of content and advertising information oriented towards the presumed interests of the users. The transmission and comparison with data available at Meta do not take place in clear text, but as so-called "hash values," i.e., mathematical mappings of the data (this method is used, e.g., for storing passwords). After the comparison for the purpose of forming target groups, the contact information is deleted; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • Facebook Advertisements: Placement of advertisements within the Facebook platform and evaluation of the advertisement results; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Possibility of objection (opt-out): We refer to the privacy and advertising settings in the users' profiles on the Facebook platforms as well as to Facebook's consent procedure and contact possibilities for exercising information and other data subject rights as described in Facebook's privacy policy; Further information: Event data of users, i.e., behavioral and interest information, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and target group formation on the basis of the joint controller agreement ("Controller Addendum," https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). Joint controllership is limited to the collection by 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 concerns in particular the transmission 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 service "Google Ad Manager" to place advertisements in the Google advertising network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.). The Google Ad Manager is characterized by the fact that advertisements are displayed in real time based on users' presumed interests. This allows us to display advertisements for our online offer to users who could have a potential interest in our offer or were previously interested in it, as well as to measure the success of the advertisements; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing as well as the processed data: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/; Data processing conditions for Google advertising products: Information on the services Data processing conditions between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third-country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms. Insofar as Google acts as a processor, data processing conditions for Google advertising products and standard contractual clauses for third-country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms.

  • AdMob: Platform for displaying advertising content in mobile applications; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://admob.google.com/home/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: Processing by Google as controller: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms/.

  • Google Ads and conversion measurement: Online marketing procedures for the purpose of placing content and advertisements within the advertising network of the service provider (e.g., in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the advertisements. In addition, we measure the conversion of the advertisements, i.e., whether users have taken them as an occasion to interact with the advertisements and use the advertised offers (so-called conversions). 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 bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing as well as the processed data: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third-country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

  • Google Ads Remarketing: Google Remarketing, also called Retargeting, is a technology with which users who use an online service are included in a pseudonymous remarketing list so that advertisements can be displayed to the users on other online offers based on their visit to the online service; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing as well as the processed data: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third-country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

  • Enhanced Conversions for Google Ads: When users click on our Google Ads and subsequently use the advertised service (so-called "conversion"), the data entered by the user, such as the email address, name, residential address, or phone number, can be transmitted to Google. The hash values are then compared with existing Google accounts of the users in order to better evaluate and improve the interaction of the users with the advertisements (e.g., clicks or views) and thus their performance; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Website: https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/9888656.

  • Google Adsense with personalized advertisements: We integrate the service Google Adsense, which makes it possible to place personalized advertisements within our online offer. Google Adsense analyzes user behavior and uses this data to play out targeted advertising tailored to the interests of our visitors. For each advertisement display or other usage types of these advertisements, we receive financial compensation; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing as well as the processed data: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions for Google advertising products: Information on the services Data processing conditions between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third-country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

  • Google Adsense with non-personalized advertisements: We use the service Google Adsense to place non-personalized advertisements in our online offer. These advertisements are not based on individual user behavior, but are selected based on general characteristics such as the content of the page or your approximate geographical location. For the display or other use of these advertisements, we receive compensation; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing as well as the processed data: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions for Google advertising products: Information on the services Data processing conditions between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third-country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

  • LinkedIn Insight Tag: Code that is loaded when a user visits our online offer and tracks the behavior and conversions of the user and stores them in a profile (possible purposes: measuring campaign performance, optimizing ad delivery, building custom and similar target groups); Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(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; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/dpa; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

  • Microsoft Advertising: Online marketing procedures for the purpose of placing content and advertisements within the advertising network of the service provider (e.g., in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the advertisements. In addition, we measure the conversion of the advertisements, i.e., whether users have taken them as an occasion to interact with the advertisements and use the advertised offers (so-called conversion). However, we only receive anonymous information and no personal information about individual users; Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://about.ads.microsoft.com/en-us; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-gb/privacystatement; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Possibility of objection (opt-out): https://account.microsoft.com/privacy/ad-settings/. Further information: https://about.ads.microsoft.com/en-gb/policies/legal-privacy-and-security.

Affiliate Programs and Affiliate Links

In our online offer, we integrate so-called affiliate links or other references (which can include, for example, search masks, widgets, or discount codes) to the offers and services of third-party providers (collectively referred to as "affiliate links"). If users follow the affiliate links or subsequently perceive the offers, we can receive a commission or other benefits from these third-party providers (collectively referred to as "commission").

In order to be able to track whether users have perceived the offers of an affiliate link used by us, it is necessary that the respective third-party providers learn that the users have followed an affiliate link used within our online offer. The assignment of the affiliate links to the respective business conclusions or other actions (e.g., purchases) serves solely the purpose of commission billing and is canceled as soon as it is no longer required for the purpose.

For the purposes of the aforementioned assignment of affiliate links, the affiliate links can be supplemented by certain values that are a component of the link or can be stored elsewhere, e.g., in a cookie. The values can include in particular the starting website (referrer), the time, an online identifier of the operators of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identifier of the respective offer, the type of link used, the type of offer, and an online identifier of the user.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask the users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for processing data is the consent. Otherwise, the user data will be processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economic, and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

  • Processed data types: Contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved). Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation).

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

  • Purposes of processing: Affiliate tracking; Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Provision of our online services and user-friendliness. Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)).

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Offering an Affiliate Program

We offer an affiliate program, i.e., commissions or other benefits (collectively referred to as "commission") for users (referred to as "affiliates") who refer to our offers and services. The reference takes place by means of a link assigned to the respective affiliate or other methods (e.g., discount codes) that allow us to recognize that the use of our services was based on the reference (collectively referred to as "affiliate links").

In order to be able to track whether users have perceived our services due to the affiliate links used by the affiliates, it is necessary that we learn that the users have followed an affiliate link. The assignment of the affiliate links to the respective business conclusions or other use of our services serves solely the purpose of commission billing and is canceled as soon as it is no longer required for the purpose.

For the purposes of the aforementioned assignment of affiliate links, the affiliate links can be supplemented by certain values that are a component of the link or can be stored elsewhere, e.g., in a cookie. The values can include in particular the starting website (referrer), the time, an online identifier of the operators of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identifier of the respective offer, the type of link used, the type of offer, and an online identifier of the user.

Notes on legal bases: The processing of our partners' data takes place for the provision of our (pre-)contractual services. The data of the users are processed on the basis of their consent.

  • Processed data types: Contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or retrieval of data or access times).

  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services). Business and contractual partners.

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Affiliate tracking.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

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

Furthermore, user data within social networks is usually processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created based on the usage behavior and resulting interests of the users. The latter may in turn be used to place advertisements within and outside the networks that presumably correspond to the interests of the users. For this purpose, cookies are usually stored on the users' computers, in which the usage behavior and interests of the users are stored. In addition, data can also be stored in the usage profiles independently of the devices used by the users (especially if they are members of the respective platforms and are logged in there).

For a detailed presentation of the respective forms of processing and the objection possibilities (opt-out), we refer to the privacy policies and information of the operators of the respective networks.

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

  • Processed data types: Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation). Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).

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

  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Public relations.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Instagram: Social network, allows sharing of photos and videos, commenting and favoriting contributions, messaging, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • LinkedIn: Social network - Together with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, we are responsible for the collection (but not the further processing) of data of visitors created for the purposes of creating "Page Insights" (statistics) of our LinkedIn profiles.

    • This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions taken by them as well as information about the devices used by users (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data) and details from users' profiles, such as job function, country, industry, hierarchy level, company size, and employment status. Data protection information on the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.

    • We have concluded a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum (the 'Addendum')," https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), in which it is regulated in particular which security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the data subject rights (i.e., users can, for example, direct information or erasure requests directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (in particular to information, erasure, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. Joint controllership is limited to the collection of data by and transmission to Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Ireland Unlimited Company, which concerns in particular the transmission of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (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 bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://x.com. Privacy Policy: https://x.com/en/privacy.

  • YouTube: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (opt-out): https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.

Plug-ins and Embedded Functions as well as Content

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

Integration always presupposes that the third-party providers of this content process the IP address of the users, as they could not send the content to their browser without the IP address. The IP address is therefore required for the display of this content or functions. We strive to use only such content whose respective providers use the IP address solely for the delivery of the content. Third-party providers can also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also referred to as "web beacons") for statistical or marketing purposes. Through "pixel tags," information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website can be evaluated. The pseudonymous information can also be stored in cookies on the users' device and can include technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, visit time, and other information about the use of our online offer, but can also be connected with such information from other sources.

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

  • Processed data types: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved); Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Location data (information on the geographical position of a device or a person). Event data (Facebook) ("Event data" is information that is sent to the provider Meta via Meta pixels (whether via apps or other channels), for example, and relates to persons or their actions. This data includes, for example, details of website visits, interactions with content and functions, app installations, and product purchases. The processing of event data is carried out with the aim of creating target groups for content and advertising messages (Custom Audiences). It is important to note that event data does not include actual content such as written comments, login information, or contact information such as names, email addresses, or phone numbers. "Event data" is deleted by Meta after a maximum of two years, and the target groups formed from it disappear with the deletion of our Meta user accounts.).

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

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Profiles with user-related information (creating user profiles). Marketing.

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section. Storage of cookies of up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).

  • Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

  • Facebook Plugins and Content: Facebook Social Plugins and content - This can include, for example, content such as images, videos, or texts and buttons with which users can share content of this online offer within Facebook. The list and appearance of the Facebook Social Plugins can be viewed here: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/ - Together with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, we are responsible for the collection or receipt in the context of a transmission (but not further processing) of "event data" that Facebook collects by means of Facebook Social Plugins (and embedding functions for content) that are executed on our online offer or receives in the context of a transmission for the following purposes, jointly responsible: a) display of content as well as advertising information that corresponds to the users' presumed interests; b) delivery of commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improvement of ad delivery and personalization of functions and content (e.g., improving the recognition of which content or advertising information presumably corresponds to the users' interests). We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum," https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), in which it is regulated in particular which security measures Facebook must observe (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the data subject rights (i.e., users can, for example, direct information or erasure requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurement values, analyses, and reports (which are aggregated, i.e., do not receive details about individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing does not take place within the framework of joint controllership, but on the basis of a data processing agreement ("Data Processing Conditions," https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and with regard to processing in the USA on the basis of standard contractual clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum," https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to 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 bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • Google Fonts (Provision on our own server): Provision of font files for the purpose of a user-friendly presentation of our online offer; Service provider: The Google Fonts are hosted on our server, no data is transmitted to Google; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Google Fonts (Obtained from Google Server): Obtaining fonts (and symbols) for the purpose of a technically secure, maintenance-free, and efficient use of fonts and symbols with regard to actuality and loading times, their uniform presentation, 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 fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment. This data can be processed on a server of the font provider in the USA - When visiting our online offer, users' browsers send their browser HTTP requests to the Google Fonts Web API (i.e., a software interface for retrieving the fonts). The Google Fonts Web API provides users with the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) from Google Fonts and then the fonts specified in the CSS. These HTTP requests include (1) the IP address used by the respective user to access the Internet, (2) the requested URL on the Google server, and (3) the HTTP headers, including the user agent, which describes the browser and operating system versions of website visitors, and the referrer URL (i.e., the website on which the Google font is to be displayed). IP addresses are neither logged nor stored on Google servers and they are not analyzed. The Google Fonts Web API logs details of the HTTP requests (requested URL, user agent, and referrer URL). Access to this data is restricted and strictly controlled. The requested URL identifies the font families for which the user wants to load fonts. This data is logged so that Google can determine how often a specific font family is requested. For the Google Fonts Web API, the user agent must adapt the font generated for the respective browser type. The user agent is logged primarily for debugging and used to generate aggregated usage statistics with which the popularity of font families is measured. These aggregated usage statistics are published on the Google Fonts "Analytics" page. Finally, the referrer URL is logged so that the data can be used for maintenance of production and an aggregated report on the top integrations based on the number of font requests can be generated. According to its own statements, Google does not use any of the information collected by Google Fonts to create profiles of end users or to place targeted advertisements; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy?hl=en.

  • Font Awesome (Provision on our own server): Presentation of fonts and symbols; Service provider: The Font Awesome icons are hosted on our server, no data is transmitted to the provider of Font Awesome; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

  • Google Maps: We integrate the maps of the service "Google Maps" of the provider Google. Processed data may include IP addresses and location data of users in particular; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://mapsplatform.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • Instagram Plugins and Content: Instagram plugins and content - This can include, for example, content such as images, videos, or texts and buttons with which users can share content of this online offer within Instagram. - Together with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, we are responsible for the collection or receipt in the context of a transmission (but not further processing) of "event data" that Facebook collects by means of functions of Instagram (e.g., embedding functions for content) that are executed on our online offer or receives in the context of a transmission for the following purposes, jointly responsible: a) display of content as well as advertising information that corresponds to the users' presumed interests; b) delivery of commercial and transactional messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improvement of ad delivery and personalization of functions and content (e.g., improving the recognition of which content or advertising information presumably corresponds to the users' interests). We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Controller Addendum," https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), in which it is regulated in particular which security measures Facebook must observe (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the data subject rights (i.e., users can, for example, direct information or erasure requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurement values, analyses, and reports (which are aggregated, i.e., do not receive details about individual users and are anonymous to us), then this processing does not take place within the framework of joint controllership, but on the basis of a data processing agreement ("Data Processing Conditions," https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing), the "Data Security Conditions" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and with regard to processing in the USA on the basis of standard contractual clauses ("Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum," https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to 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 bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com. Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.

  • LinkedIn Plugins and Content: LinkedIn plugins and content - This can include, for example, content such as images, videos, or texts and buttons with which users can share content of this online offer within LinkedIn; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 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: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

  • reCAPTCHA: We integrate the function "reCAPTCHA" to recognize whether inputs (e.g., in online forms) are made by humans and not by automatically acting machines (so-called "bots"). Processed data may include IP addresses, information on 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, cookies under certain circumstances as well as results of manual recognition processes (e.g., answering questions asked or selecting objects in images). Data processing is based on our legitimate interest in protecting our online offer from abusive automated crawling and spam; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.google.com/recaptcha/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.

  • YouTube Videos: Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (opt-out): Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.

  • YouTube Videos: Video content; YouTube videos are integrated via a special domain (recognizable by the component "youtube-nocookie") in the so-called "Enhanced Data Protection Mode," which means that no cookies on user activities are collected to personalize video playback. Nevertheless, information on users' interaction with the video (e.g., remembering the last playback position) can be stored; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

  • Vimeo Video Player: Integration of a video player; Service provider: Vimeo Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 555 West 18th Street New York, New York 10011, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://vimeo.com; Privacy Policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://vimeo.com/enterpriseterms/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (https://vimeo.com/enterpriseterms/dpa).

Management, Organization, and Support Tools

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

In this context, personal data can be processed and stored on the servers of the third-party providers. Various data may be affected by this, which we process in accordance with this privacy policy. This data may include, in particular, master data and contact data of users, data on transactions, contracts, other processes, and their content.

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

  • Processed data types: Content data (e.g., text or visual messages and contributions as well as the information concerning them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, times, identification numbers, persons involved); Contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category). Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers).

  • Data subjects: Communication partners; Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services); Business and contractual partners. Third parties.

  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Office and organizational procedures; Provision of our online services and user-friendliness. Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)).

  • Retention and erasure: Erasure according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure" section.

  • Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Modification and Update

We ask you to inform yourself regularly 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 a co-operation act on your part (e.g., consent) or other individual notification.

Insofar as we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this privacy policy, we ask you to note that the addresses can change over time and ask you to check the details before contacting.

Definitions of Terms

In this section, you will receive an overview of the terminology used in this privacy policy. Insofar as the terms are defined by law, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations are intended primarily for understanding.

  • Affiliate tracking: Within the framework of affiliate tracking, links with the help of which the linking websites refer users to websites with product or other offers are logged. The operators of the respective linking websites can receive a commission if users follow these so-called affiliate links and subsequently perceive the offers (e.g., buy goods or use services). For this purpose, it is necessary that the providers can track whether users who are interested in certain offers subsequently perceive them on the instigation of the affiliate links. Therefore, for the functionality of affiliate links, it is necessary that they are supplemented by certain values that become a component of the link or are stored otherwise, e.g., in a cookie. The values include in particular the starting website (referrer), the time, an online identifier of the operator of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identifier of the respective offer, an online identifier of the user as well as tracking-specific values, such as, e.g., advertising material ID, partner ID, and categorizations.

  • Employees: Persons who are in an employment relationship, whether as employees, white-collar workers, or in similar positions, are referred to as employees. An employment relationship is a legal relationship between an employer and an employee that is established by an employment contract or agreement. It includes the obligation of the employer to pay remuneration to the employee while the employee performs their work. The employment relationship includes various phases, including initiation, in which the employment contract is concluded, execution, in which the employee carries out their work activity, and termination, when the employment relationship ends, whether through termination, termination agreement, or otherwise. Employee data is all information that relates to these persons and is in the context of their employment. This includes aspects such as personal identification data, identification numbers, salary and bank data, working hours, vacation entitlements, health data, and performance appraisals.

  • Master data: Master data includes essential information necessary for the identification and management of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles, and similar assignments. This data may include, among other things, personal and demographic details such as names, contact information (addresses, phone numbers, email addresses), birth dates, and specific identifiers (user IDs). Master data forms the basis for any formal interaction between persons and services, facilities, or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.

  • Content data: Content data includes information generated in the course of creating, editing, and publishing content of all kinds. This category of data can include texts, images, videos, audio files, and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the actual content, but also includes metadata that provides information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author information, and publication dates.

  • Click tracking: Click tracking allows overseeing the movements of users within an entire online offer. Since the results of these tests are more accurate if users' interaction can be tracked over a certain period of time (e.g., so that we can find out if a user likes to return), cookies are usually stored on users' computers for these testing purposes.

  • Contact data: Contact data are essential pieces of information that enable communication with persons or organizations. They include, among other things, phone numbers, postal addresses, and email addresses, as well as communication means such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.

  • Conversion measurement: Conversion measurement (also referred to as "visit action evaluation") is a procedure with which the effectiveness of marketing measures can be determined. For this purpose, a cookie is usually stored on the users' devices within the websites on which the marketing measures take place and then accessed again on the target website. For example, we can track whether the advertisements we have placed on other websites were successful.

  • Meta, communication, and process data: Meta, communication, and process data are categories that contain information about the way data is processed, transmitted, and managed. Meta data, also known as data about data, includes information that describes the context, origin, and structure of other data. They can include details of file size, creation date, the author of a document, and change histories. Communication data record the exchange of information between users via various channels, such as email traffic, call logs, messages in social networks, and chat histories, including the persons involved, timestamps, and transmission paths. Process data describe the processes and procedures within systems or organizations, including workflow documentations, logs of transactions and activities, as well as audit logs used to track and review operations.

  • Usage data: Usage data refers to information that records how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. This data includes a wide range of information that shows how users use applications, which functions they prefer, how long they stay on certain pages, and via which paths they navigate through 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 analyzing user behavior, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content, and improving products or services. Furthermore, usage data play a crucial role in recognizing trends, preferences, and possible problem areas within digital offers.

  • 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 kind of automated processing of personal data which consists of using these personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this can include different information concerning demographics, behavior, and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.), analyze or predict them (e.g., interest in certain content or products, click behavior on a website, or location). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes.

  • Log data: Log data are information about events or activities logged in a system or network. This data typically includes information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other details about the use or operation of a system. Log data are often used for analyzing system problems, for security monitoring, or for creating performance reports.

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

  • Remarketing: One speaks of "remarketing" or "retargeting" when, for example, for advertising purposes, it is noted which products a user was interested in on a website in order to remind the user of these products on other websites, e.g., in advertisements.

  • Location data: Location data is generated when a mobile device (or another device with the technical requirements of location determination) connects to a radio cell, a WLAN, or similar technical means and functions of location determination. Location data serves to indicate at which geographically determinable position on earth the respective device is located. Location data can be used, for example, to display map functions or other information dependent on a location.

  • Tracking: One speaks of "tracking" when the behavior of users can be tracked across several online offers. Generally, with regard to the online offers used, behavioral and interest information is stored in cookies or on servers of the providers of tracking technologies (so-called profiling). This information can then be used, for example, to display advertisements to the users that presumably correspond to their interests.

  • 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.

  • Processing: "Processing" means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and covers practically any handling of data, whether collecting, evaluating, storing, transmitting, or deleting.

  • Contract data: Contract data are specific pieces of information relating to the formalization of an agreement between two or more parties. They document the conditions under which services or products are provided, exchanged, or sold. This data category is essential for the management and fulfillment of contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data can include start and end dates of the contract, the type of agreed services or products, price agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options, and special conditions or clauses. They serve as a legal basis for the relationship between the parties and are crucial for clarifying rights and obligations, enforcing claims, and resolving disputes.

  • Payment data: Payment data includes all information needed to process payment transactions between buyers and sellers. This data is of crucial importance for electronic commerce, online banking, and any other form of financial transaction. It includes details such as credit card numbers, bank details, payment amounts, transaction data, verification numbers, and billing information. Payment data can also include information about the payment status, chargebacks, authorizations, and fees.

  • Target group formation: One speaks of target group formation (English "Custom Audiences") when target groups are determined for advertising purposes, e.g., displaying advertisements. For example, based on a user's interest in certain products or topics on the Internet, it can be concluded that this user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online shop in which they viewed the products. One speaks of "lookalike audiences" (or similar target groups) when content deemed suitable is displayed to users whose profiles or interests presumably correspond to the users for whom the profiles were formed. Cookies and web beacons are usually used for the purposes of forming custom audiences and lookalike audiences.