**Privacy Policy in accordance with GDPR**
**I. Name and Address of the Controller**
The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other national data protection laws of the Member States as well as other data protection provisions is:
**I. Name and Address of the Controller**
The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other national data protection laws of the Member States as well as other data protection provisions is:
**II. General Information on Data Processing**
1. **Scope of Processing of Personal Data**
We process personal data of our users only to the extent necessary to provide a functional website as well as our content and services. The processing of personal data of our users generally takes place only with the user’s consent. An exception applies in cases where obtaining prior consent is not possible for factual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by legal provisions.
2. **Legal Basis for the Processing of Personal Data**
Where we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing operations involving personal data, Art. 6(1)(a) of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.
For the processing of personal data necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations required to carry out pre-contractual measures.
Where the processing of personal data is necessary to comply with a legal obligation to which our organization is subject, Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR serves as the legal basis.
In cases where processing personal data is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person, Art. 6(1)(d) GDPR serves as the legal basis.
If processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our organization or a third party, and such interests are not overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject, Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.
3. **Data Deletion and Storage Duration**
The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage ceases to apply. Storage may continue beyond this if provided for by European or national legislators in EU regulations, laws, or other provisions to which the controller is subject. Blocking or deletion of data also occurs when a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned regulations expires, unless further storage of the data is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract.
**III. Provision of the Website and Creation of Log Files**
1. **Description and Scope of Data Processing**
Each time our website is accessed, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing device.
The following data is collected:
1. Information about the browser type and version used
2. The user’s operating system
3. The user’s internet service provider
4. The user’s IP address
5. Date and time of access
6. Websites from which the user’s system accessed our website
7. Websites accessed by the user’s system via our website
The data is also stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user.
2. **Legal Basis for Data Processing**
The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.
3. **Purpose of Data Processing**
The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable the delivery of the website to the user’s device. For this purpose, the user’s IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.
Storage in log files is carried out to ensure the functionality of the website. Additionally, the data is used to optimize the website technically and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. No evaluation of the data for marketing purposes takes place in this context.
These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.
4. **Duration of Storage**
The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of data collection for the provision of the website, this occurs when the respective session ends.
In the case of data storage in log files, this occurs no later than seven days after collection. Further storage is possible; in such cases, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or anonymized, so that it is no longer possible to identify the accessing client.
5. **Objection and Removal Option**
The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, there is no option for the user to object.
**IV. Use of Cookies**
1. **Description and Scope of Data Processing**
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files stored in or by the internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user accesses a website, a cookie may be stored on the user’s operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string that enables unique identification of the browser when the website is accessed again.
We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website. Some elements of our website require that the accessing browser can be identified even after a page change.
When accessing our website, users are informed about the use of cookies for analytical purposes and their consent to the processing of personal data used in this context is obtained. Reference is also made to this privacy policy in this context.
2. **Legal Basis for Data Processing**
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically necessary cookies pursuant to Section 25(2) of the German Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.
3. **Purpose of Data Processing**
If technically necessary cookies are used:
The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to enable the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary that the browser is recognized even after a page change.
User data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.
These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.
4. **Duration of Storage, Objection, and Removal Option**
Cookies are stored on the user’s device and transmitted from there to our site. As a user, you therefore have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your internet browser, you can disable or restrict the storage of cookies. Cookies that have already been stored can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are disabled for our website, it may not be possible to use all functions of the website to their full extent.
**V. Newsletter**
1. **Description and Scope of Data Processing**
The newsletter is sent based on the user’s registration on the website:
Our website offers the option to subscribe to a free newsletter. During the subscription process, the data entered in the input form (freely chosen name, email address) is transmitted to us.
In addition, the following data is collected during registration:
1. IP address of the accessing device
2. Date and time of registration
Your consent for the processing of this data is obtained during the registration process, and reference is made to this privacy policy.
No data is passed on to third parties in connection with the data processing for sending newsletters. The data is used exclusively for sending the newsletter.
2. **Legal Basis for Data Processing**
The legal basis for the processing of data after the user’s registration for the newsletter, provided the user’s consent is given, is Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR.
3. **Purpose of Data Processing**
The collection of the user’s email address is used to deliver the newsletter.
The collection of other personal data during the registration process serves to prevent misuse of the services or the email address used.
4. **Duration of Storage**
The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. The user’s email address will therefore be stored as long as the newsletter subscription is active.
Other personal data collected during the registration process is generally deleted after a period of seven days.
5. **Objection and Removal Option**
The newsletter subscription can be canceled by the user at any time. For this purpose, each newsletter contains a corresponding link.
This also enables the revocation of consent to the storage of personal data collected during the registration process.
**VI. Contact Form and Email Contact**
1. **Description and Scope of Data Processing**
Our website includes a contact form that can be used for electronic contact. If a user makes use of this option, the data entered in the input form is transmitted to us and stored. This data includes:
- Name
- Subject
- Message
At the time the message is sent, the following data is also stored:
1. The user’s IP address
2. Date and time of registration
Your consent for the processing of this data is obtained during the sending process, and reference is made to this privacy policy.
Alternatively, contact can be made via the provided email address. In this case, the user’s personal data transmitted with the email will be stored.
No data is passed on to third parties in this context. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.
2. **Legal Basis for Data Processing**
The legal basis for the processing of data, provided the user’s consent is given, is Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR.
The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an email is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. If the email contact aims at concluding a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR.
3. **Purpose of Data Processing**
The processing of personal data from the input form is used solely for handling the contact request. In the case of contact via email, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data.
Other personal data processed during the sending process serves to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.
4. **Duration of Storage**
The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For personal data from the contact form input mask and those sent by email, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user is concluded. The conversation is concluded when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter in question has been fully resolved.
Additional personal data collected during the sending process will be deleted no later than seven days after collection.
5. **Objection and Removal Option**
The user has the option to revoke their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by email, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.
Any inquiries regarding data processing or revocation can be made via our contact form without providing reasons.
All personal data stored in the course of the contact will be deleted in this case.
**VII. Rights of the Data Subject**
The following list includes all rights of data subjects under the GDPR. Rights that are not relevant to the website in question do not need to be mentioned. In this respect, the list can be shortened.
If your personal data is processed, you are a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR, and you have the following rights vis-à-vis the controller:
1. **Right of Access**
You may request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by us.
If such processing exists, you may request information from the controller about the following:
- The purposes for which the personal data is processed;
- The categories of personal data being processed;
- The recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you has been or will be disclosed;
- The planned duration of storage of the personal data concerning you or, if specific information is not possible, the criteria for determining the storage duration;
- The existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning you, a right to restriction of processing by the controller, or a right to object to such processing;
- The existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
- All available information about the origin of the data if the personal data is not collected from the data subject;
- The existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Art. 22(1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.
You have the right to request information about whether the personal data concerning you is transferred to a third country or an international organization. In this context, you may request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 GDPR in connection with the transfer.
2. **Right to Rectification**
You have a right to rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the controller if the processed personal data concerning you is inaccurate or incomplete. The controller must carry out the rectification without delay.
3. **Right to Restriction of Processing**
You may request the restriction of the processing of personal data concerning you under the following conditions:
- If you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
- The processing is unlawful, and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of its use instead;
- The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but you need it for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims; or
- If you have objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) GDPR and it is not yet clear whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override your grounds.
If the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, such data may only be processed – apart from its storage – with your consent or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims, or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person, or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or a Member State.
If the restriction of processing has been restricted under the above conditions, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.
4. **Right to Erasure**
a. **Erasure Obligation**
You may request the controller to erase the personal data concerning you without undue delay, and the controller is obliged to erase such data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:
- The personal data concerning you is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed.
- You withdraw your consent on which the processing is based pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
- You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(2) GDPR.
- The personal data concerning you has been unlawfully processed.
- The erasure of personal data concerning you is necessary to comply with a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
- The personal data concerning you was collected in relation to the offer of information society services pursuant to Art. 8(1) GDPR.
b. **Information to Third Parties**
If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to erase it pursuant to Art. 17(1) GDPR, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers processing the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested the erasure of any links to, or copies or replications of, that personal data.
c. **Exceptions**
The right to erasure does not apply to the extent that processing is necessary:
- For exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
- For compliance with a legal obligation requiring processing under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;
- For reasons of public interest in the area of public health pursuant to Art. 9(2)(h) and (i) and Art. 9(3) GDPR;
- For archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89(1) GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; or
- For the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
5. **Right to Notification**
If you have asserted your right to rectification, erasure, or restriction of processing vis-à-vis the controller, the controller is obliged to notify all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you has been disclosed of such rectification, erasure, or restriction of processing, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.
You have the right to be informed by the controller about these recipients.
6. **Right to Data Portability**
You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you, which you have provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. Furthermore, you have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data was provided, where:
- The processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR; and
- The processing is carried out by automated means.
In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. The freedoms and rights of other persons must not be adversely affected by this.
The right to data portability does not apply to the processing of personal data necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
7. **Right to Object**
You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you that is based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions.
The controller will no longer process the personal data concerning you unless the controller can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override your interests, rights, and freedoms, or the processing serves the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
If personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.
If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for such purposes.
In the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, you may exercise your right to object by automated means using technical specifications.
8. **Right to Withdraw Consent**
You have the right to withdraw your consent to data processing at any time. The withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
9. **Automated Individual Decision-Making, Including Profiling**
You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This does not apply if the decision:
- Is necessary for entering into or performing a contract between you and the controller;
- Is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests; or
- Is based on your explicit consent.
However, such decisions must not be based on special categories of personal data pursuant to Art. 9(1) GDPR unless Art. 9(2)(a) or (g) GDPR applies and suitable measures to safeguard your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests are in place.
In the cases referred to in points (1) and (3), the controller shall implement suitable measures to safeguard your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express your point of view, and to contest the decision.
10. **Right to Lodge a Complaint with a Supervisory Authority**
Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work, or place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.
The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant of the progress and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy pursuant to Art. 78 GDPR.