With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about what 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 the provision of our services and in particular on our websites, in mobile applications and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "online offer").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Status: May 01, 2024

B.1. Responsibility

Linde Material Handling Ireland Ltd
Unit 1, Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount Road Lower, Ballymount Little, Dublin 24, D24 E5ND

Phone: +353 1 456 6626
e-mail: info@linde-mh.ie

B.2. Contact of the data protection officer

Email: dataprotection@kiongroup.com

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

C.1. Types of data processed

• Inventory data.
• Location data.
• Contact details.
• Content data.
• Usage data.
• Meta, communication and process data.
• Applicant data.
• Image and/or video recordings.
• Contact information (Facebook).
• Event data (Facebook)

C.2. Categories of affected persons

• Customers.
• Employees.
• Interested parties.
• Communication partner.
• Users.
• Applicants.
• Competition and contest participants.
• Business and contractual partners.
• Pupils/ students/ participants.
• Participants.
• Persons depicted.

C.3. Purposes of the processing

• Provision of contractual services and customer service.
• Contact requests and communication.
• Safety measures.
• Direct marketing.
• Reach measurement.
• Tracking.
• Remarketing.
• Conversion measurement.
• Click tracking.
• Target group formation.
• Managing and responding to inquiries.
• Application procedure.
• Organizing competitions and contests.
• Server monitoring and error detection.
• Content Delivery Network (CDN).
• Firewall.
• Feedback.
• Heatmaps.
• Marketing.
• Profiles with user-related information.
• Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Establishment and implementation of employment relationships.
• Information technology infrastructure.

C.4. Relevant legal bases

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

• Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR) - The data subject has given their consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes.
• Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. 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 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
• Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. 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.
• Application procedure as a pre-contractual or contractual relationship (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR) - Insofar as special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 para. 1 GDPR (e.g. health data, such as severely disabled status or ethnic origin) are requested from applicants as part of the application procedure so that the controller or the data subject can exercise their rights under employment law and social security and social protection law and fulfill their obligations in this regard. rights arising from labor law and social security and social protection law and to comply with his or her obligations in this regard, their processing is carried out in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. b. GDPR. GDPR, in the case of the protection of vital interests of applicants or other persons pursuant to Art. 9 para. 2 lit. c. GDPR or for the purposes of preventive health care or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the employee's ability to work, for medical diagnosis, health or social care or treatment or for the management of health or social care systems and services in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h. GDPR. In the case of communication of special categories of data based on voluntary consent, their processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a. GDPR.

In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. These include, in particular, the Act on the Protection against Misuse of Personal Data in Data Processing (Federal Data Protection Act - BDSG). In particular, 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. It also regulates data processing for the purposes of the employment relationship (Section 26 BDSG), in particular with regard to the establishment, implementation or termination of employment relationships and the consent of employees. The data protection laws of the individual federal states may also apply.

D.1. Data for the provision of the website and the creation of log files

Each time you access content on the website, data is temporarily stored that may allow you to be identified.

Processed data types: IP address of the requesting client, time of the request, SSL protocol used for encryption, remote hostname (KION reverse proxy), HTTP request type and protocoll, final response code, size of response, the address of the web page (i.e., the URI or IRI), from which the resource has been requested, user agent (a computer program representing a person, for example, a browser)

Additionally, forms and statistical data regarding the usage of forms and products the user is searching for

• Processed data types: Date and time of access; IP address; host name of the accessing computer; website from which the website was accessed; websites that were accessed via the website; page visited on our website; notification of whether the access was successful; amount of data transferred; information about the browser type and version used; operating system; access status (e.g. whether the website could be accessed without problems or whether you received an error message); use of website functions; search terms entered; access frequency of the individual website; amount of data transferred; website from which you accessed the website without problems or whether you received an error message. whether the website could be accessed without problems or whether you received an error message); use of website functions; search terms entered; access frequency of the individual website; amount of data transferred; website from which you accessed this website; other websites that you visit from this website, either by clicking on a link on this website or by entering the domain directly in the input bar in the same tab (or window) of your browser:
  Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: The temporary storage of data is necessary for the course of a website visit in order to enable delivery of the website. Further storage in log files takes place in order to ensure the functionality of the website and the security of the information technology systems. Our legitimate interest in data processing also lies in these purposes.
• Legal basis: Legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
• Storage of the data: Storage of the data: The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended. The log files are stored 90 days directly and only accessible to administrators. After that, they are only indirectly available via the reconstruction of backup tapes and are permanently deleted after 104 days. In addition, the logfiles are forwarded to the security system (SIEM), only accessible for members of the IT-Security team. After 12 months they will be automatically deleted.

D.2. Performing tasks in accordance with the articles of association or rules of procedure

We process the data of our, supporters, interested parties, business partners or other persons (collectively "data subjects") if we have a membership or other business relationship with them and perform our tasks and are recipients of services and benefits. Otherwise, we process the data of data subjects on the basis of our legitimate interests, e.g. in the case of administrative tasks or public relations work.

The data processed in this context, the type, scope and purpose and the necessity of their processing are determined by the underlying contractual relationship, from which the necessity of any data information also arises (we also refer to necessary data).

We delete data that is no longer required to fulfill our statutory and business purposes. This is determined according to the respective tasks and contractual relationships. We retain the data for as long as it may be relevant for business transactions and with regard to any warranty or liability obligations based on our legitimate interest in their regulation. The necessity of storing the data is regularly reviewed; otherwise, the statutory retention obligations apply.

• Processed data types: inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email, telephone numbers); contract data (e.g. subject matter of contract, term, customer category).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); business and contractual partners.
• Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and customer service; contact requests and communication; administration and response to requests.
• Legal basis: Fulfillment of contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.3. Business services

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

We process this data in order to fulfill our contractual obligations. These include, in particular, the obligations to provide the agreed services, any updating obligations and remedies in the event of warranty and other service disruptions. In addition, we process the data to safeguard our rights and for the purpose of the administrative tasks associated with these obligations and the company organization. In addition, we process the data on the basis of our legitimate interests in proper and efficient business management and in security measures to protect our contractual partners and our business operations from misuse, 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 tax 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, e.g. for marketing purposes, as part 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, by means of 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 4 years, unless the data is stored in a customer account, e.g. as long as it must be retained for legal archiving reasons. The statutory retention period is ten years for documents relevant under tax law as well as for trading books, inventories, opening balance sheets, annual financial statements, the work instructions required to understand these documents and other organizational documents and accounting records, and six years for commercial and business letters received and reproductions of commercial and business letters sent. The period begins at the end of the calendar year in which the last entry was made in the book, the inventory, the opening balance sheet, the annual financial statements or the management report was prepared, the commercial or business letter was received or sent or the accounting document was created, the record was made or the other documents were created.

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

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email, telephone numbers); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); applicant data (e.g. personal details, postal and contact addresses, the documents belonging to the application and the information contained therein, such as IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); applicant data (e.g. personal details, postal and contact addresses, the documents relating to the application and the information contained therein, such as cover letter, CV, certificates and other personal or qualification information provided by applicants with regard to a specific position or voluntarily).
• Data subjects: Customers; interested parties; business and contractual partners; pupils/students/participants; applicants;
• Purposes of Processing: Provision of contractual services and customer support; Security measures; Contact requests and communication; Office and organizational procedures; Managing and responding to inquiries; Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles).
• Legal basis: Fulfilment of contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.4. Provision of the online offer and web hosting

We process users' data in order to provide them with our online services. For this purpose, we process the user's IP address, which is necessary 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. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); content data (e.g. entries in online forms).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); business and contractual partners; customers.
• Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness; Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)); Security measures; Content Delivery Network (CDN); Server monitoring and error detection; Firewall; Provision of contractual services and customer service; Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures).
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information 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 host"); legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.5. Contact and inquiry management

When contacting us (e.g. by contact form, email, telephone or via social media) as well as in the context of existing user and business relationships, the data of the inquiring persons are processed insofar as this is necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

• Processed data types: Contact data (e.g. e-mail, telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); Contract data (e.g. subject matter of contract, duration, customer category);
• Data subjects: Communication partners; customers; interested parties; business and contractual partners; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of Processing: Contact requests and communication; Managing and responding to inquiries; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); Provision of our online services and usability; Provision of contractual services and customer support; Office and organizational procedures; Marketing; Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities).
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Contact form: If users contact us via our contact form, e-mail or other communication channels, we process the data provided to us in this context to process the communicated request; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.6. 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 the conference platforms and their services, we observe the legal requirements.

Data processed by conference platforms: In the context of participation in a conference, the conference platforms process the participants' personal data listed below. The scope of the processing depends on which data is required in the context of a specific conference (e.g. specification of access data or clear names) and which optional information is provided by the participants. In addition to processing for the purpose of holding the conference, the conference platforms may also process participants' data for security purposes or service optimization. The processed data includes personal data (first name, surname), contact information (e-mail address, telephone number), access data (access codes or passwords), profile pictures, information on professional position/function, the IP address of the Internet access, information on the participants' end devices, their operating system, the browser and its technical and language settings, information on the content of the communication processes, i.e. entries in chats and audio and video data, as well as the use of other available functions (e.g. surveys). The content of communications is encrypted to the extent technically provided by the conference providers. If the participants are registered as users with the conference platforms, further data may be processed in accordance with the agreement with the respective conference provider.

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

Data protection measures for participants: Please refer to the conference platforms' data protection notices for details on the processing of your data by the conference platforms and select the optimum security and data protection settings for you in the conference platform settings. Please also ensure data and privacy protection in the background of your recording for the duration of a video conference (e.g. by informing roommates, locking doors and, if technically possible, using the function to make the background unrecognizable). Links to the conference rooms and access data must not be passed on to unauthorized third parties.

Notes on legal bases: If, in addition to the conference platforms, we also process users' data and ask users for their consent to use the conference platforms or certain functions (e.g. consent to the 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 the results of discussions, etc.). Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests in efficient and secure communication with our communication partners.

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); Contact data (e.g. email, telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category).
• Data subjects: Communication partners; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); persons depicted; business and contractual partners.
• Purposes of Processing: Provision of contractual services and customer support; contact requests and communication; Office and organizational procedures; Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal).
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.7. Application procedure

The application process requires applicants to provide us with the data necessary for their assessment and selection. The information required can be found in the job description or, in the case of online forms, in the details provided there.

In principle, the required information includes personal details such as name, address, contact details and proof of the qualifications required for the position. On request, we will be happy to provide additional information on what details are required.

For the purposes of searching for applicants, submitting applications and selecting applicants, we may use applicant management or recruitment software (e.g. workday) and platforms and services from third-party providers in compliance with legal requirements.

If, applicants use one of our contact forms for providing their application, the data is transmitted to us in encrypted form in accordance with the state of the art. Applicants can also send us their applications by e-mail. Please note, however, that e-mails are generally not sent encrypted on the Internet. As a rule, e-mails are encrypted in transit, but not on the servers from which they are sent and received. We can therefore accept no responsibility for the transmission path of the application between the sender and receipt on our server.

Processing of special categories of data: Insofar as special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 para. 1 GDPR (e.g. health data, such as severely disabled status or ethnic origin) are requested from applicants as part of the application procedure, so that the person responsible or the person concerned can exercise the rights arising from labor law and social security and social protection law and fulfill his or her obligations in this regard, their processing is carried out in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. b. GDPR. GDPR, in the case of the protection of vital interests of applicants or other persons pursuant to Art. 9 para. 2 lit. c. GDPR or for the purposes of preventive health care or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the employee's fitness for work, for medical diagnostics, for the provision of health or social care or treatment or for the management of health or social care systems and services in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h. GDPR. In the case of communication of special categories of data based on voluntary consent, their processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a. GDPR.

Deletion of data:

If you apply for a specific position, we will store your data until a legal reason no longer applies. This is usually the case if we are not obliged to store the data for legal or regulatory reasons. If you have given us your consent to extended data storage, we are permitted to store this data beyond the aforementioned period for the duration of your consent.

Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); Contact data (e.g. e-mail, telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); Applicant data (e.g. personal details, postal and contact addresses, the documents belonging to the application and the information contained therein, such as cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates and other personal or qualification information voluntarily provided by applicants); Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times). cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates and other personal or qualification information provided with regard to a specific position or voluntarily by applicants); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status).

• Affected persons: Applicants; employees (e.g. employees, applicants, former employees).
• Purposes of processing: Application procedure (justification and possible subsequent implementation and possible subsequent termination of the employment relationship).
• Legal basis: Application procedure as a pre-contractual or contractual relationship (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.8. Cloud services

We use software services accessible via the Internet and running on the servers of their providers (so-called "cloud services", also referred to as "software as a service") for the 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 may be processed and stored on the servers of the providers, insofar as 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. Cloud service providers also process usage data and metadata that they use for security purposes and to optimize their services.

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

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); Contact data (e.g. e-mail, telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); Image and/or video recordings (e.g. photographs or video recordings of a person).
• Data subjects: Customers; employees (e.g. employees, applicants, former employees); interested parties; communication 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 equipment (computers, servers, etc.).); Provision of contractual services and customer support.
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.9. Newsletter and electronic notifications

We only send newsletters, emails and other electronic notifications (hereinafter "newsletter") with the consent of the recipient or with legal permission. If the contents of the newsletter are specifically described when registering for the newsletter, they are decisive for the user's consent. Otherwise, our newsletters contain information about our products, services and our company.

To subscribe to our newsletters, it is generally sufficient to provide your e-mail address. However, we may ask you to provide a name so that we can address you personally in the newsletter, or other information if this is necessary for the purposes of the newsletter.

Double opt-in procedure: Registration for our newsletter is always carried out in a so-called double opt-in procedure. This means that after registering you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your registration. This confirmation is necessary so that nobody can register with other people's e-mail addresses. Subscriptions to the newsletter are logged in order to be able to prove the registration process in accordance with legal requirements. This includes storing the time of registration and confirmation as well as the IP address. Changes to your data stored by the mailing service provider are also logged.

Deletion and restriction of processing: We may store the unsubscribed e-mail addresses for up to three years on the basis of our legitimate interests before deleting them in order to be able to prove that consent was previously given. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a possible 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 event of obligations to permanently observe objections, we reserve the right to store the e-mail address in a block list solely for this purpose.

The registration process is logged on the basis of our legitimate interests for the purpose of verifying that it is carried out properly. If we commission a service provider to send e-mails, this is done on the basis of our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure sending system.

Information about us, our services, promotions and offers.

• Processed data types: inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email, telephone numbers); meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); event data (Facebook websites visited, interest in content, access times); event data (Facebook) ("event data" is data that can be transmitted by us to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels (via apps or other means), and relates to individuals or their actions; the data includes, for example For example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, functions, app installations, product purchases, etc.; the event data is processed for the purpose of creating target groups for content and advertising information (custom audiences); event data does not include the actual content (such as comments written), no login information and no contact information (i.e. no names, email addresses and telephone numbers). Event data is deleted by Facebook after a maximum of two years, and the target groups created from it are deleted when our Facebook account is deleted.)
• Data subjects: Communication partners; customers; interested parties; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of Processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal); Marketing; Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Contact requests and communication; Provision of contractual services and customer support; Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles).
• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
• Option to object (opt-out): You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e. revoke your consent or object to further receipt. You will find a link to unsubscribe from the newsletter either at the end of each newsletter or you can use one of the contact options listed above, preferably e-mail.

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Measurement of opening and click rates: The newsletters contain a so-called "web-beacon", i.e. a pixel-sized file that is retrieved from our server when the newsletter is opened or, if we use a dispatch service provider, from their server. As part of this retrieval, technical information, such as information about the browser and your system, as well as your IP address and the time of retrieval, is initially collected. This information is used for the technical improvement of our newsletter based on the technical data or the target groups and their reading behavior based on their retrieval locations (which can be determined with the help of the IP address) or the access times. This analysis also includes determining whether the newsletters are opened, when they are opened and which links are clicked. This information is assigned to the individual newsletter recipients and stored in their profiles until they are deleted. The evaluations help us to recognize the reading habits of our users and to adapt our content to them or to send different content according to the interests of our users. the measurement of opening rates and click rates as well as the storage of the measurement results in the profiles of the users and their further processing are based on the consent of the users. Unfortunately, it is not possible to revoke the performance measurement separately; in this case, the entire newsletter subscription must be canceled or objected to. In this case, the stored profile information will be deleted; legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

D.10. Advertising communication via e-mail, post, fax or telephone

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

Recipients have the right to withdraw their consent at any time or to object to advertising communication at any time.

After revocation or objection, we store the data required to prove the previous authorization for contacting or sending up to three years after the end of the year of revocation or objection on the basis of our legitimate interests. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a possible defense against claims. On the basis of the legitimate interest in permanently observing the revocation or objection of the user, we also store the data required to avoid renewed contact (e.g. depending on the communication channel, the e-mail address, telephone number, name).

• Processed data types: inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. e-mail, telephone numbers).
• Affected persons: Communication partner.
• Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or post).
• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.11. Web analysis, monitoring and optimization

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

In addition to web analysis, we may also use test procedures, e.g. to test and optimize different versions of our online offering or its components.

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

The IP addresses of users are also stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e. pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear user data (such as e-mail addresses or names) is stored in the context of web analysis, A/B testing and optimization, but pseudonyms. This means that neither we nor the providers of the software used know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles for the purposes of the respective processes.

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); content data (e.g. entries in online forms).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of Processing: Remarketing; Targeting; Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Provision of our online services and usability; A/B Tests; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); Heatmaps (Mouse movements of the users, which are combined to an overall picture.); Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.).); Click tracking; Marketing; Tracking (e.g. profiling based on interests/behavior, use of cookies); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities).
• Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

D.12. Online marketing

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

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

The IP addresses of users are also stored. However, we use available IP masking procedures (i.e. pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear user data (such as e-mail addresses or names) is stored as part of the online marketing process, but pseudonyms. This means that neither we nor the providers of the online marketing processes know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles.

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

In exceptional cases, clear data can be assigned to the profiles. This is the case, for example, if the users are members of a social network whose online marketing processes we use and the network links the user profiles with the aforementioned data. Please note that users can make additional agreements with the providers, e.g. by giving their consent during registration.

In principle, we only receive access to summarized information about the success of our advertisements. However, as part 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 the conclusion of a contract with us. The conversion measurement is used solely to analyze the success of our marketing measures.

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

• Processed data types: Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); event data (Facebook) ("event data" is data that can be transmitted by us to Facebook via Facebook pixels (via apps or other means), for example, and relates to individuals or their actions; the data includes, for example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, installations of apps, purchases of products, etc.; the event data is used to form target groups for content and advertising information, etc.; the event data is processed for the purpose of forming target groups for content and advertising information. For example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, functions, app installations, product purchases, etc.; the event data is processed for the purpose of creating target groups for content and advertising information (custom audiences); event data does not include the actual content (such as comments written), no login information and no contact information (i.e. no names, email addresses and telephone numbers). Event data will be deleted by Facebook after a maximum of two years, the target groups formed from them with the deletion of our Facebook account); contact information (Facebook) ("contact information" is data that (clearly) identifies data subjects, such as names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers, which are sent to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels or uploads. e.g. via Facebook pixel or upload for matching purposes for the purpose of creating custom audiences; after matching for the purpose of creating target groups, the contact information is deleted); inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); contact data (e.g. email, telephone numbers).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); interested parties; customers; communication partners.
• Purposes of Processing: Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behavior, use of cookies); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Custom Audiences; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Provision of our online services and usability; Direct marketing (e.g. by e-mail or postal); Remarketing; Clicktracking; Cross-Device Tracking (Device-independent processing of user data for marketing purposes).e.g. by email or post); remarketing; click tracking;
• Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
• Possibility of objection (opt-out): We refer you to the data protection notices of the respective providers and the opt-out options specified for the providers (so-called "opt-out"). If no explicit opt-out option has been specified, you have the option of deactivating cookies in your browser settings. However, this may restrict the functions of our online offer. We therefore recommend the following additional opt-out options, which are offered in summary for the respective areas:
  a) Europe: https://www.youronlinechoices.eu.
  b) Canada: https://www.youradchoices.ca/choices.
  c) USA: https://www.aboutads.info/choices.
  d) Cross-territory: https://optout.aboutads.info.

D.13. Presence in social networks (social media)

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

We would like to point out that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This may result in risks for users because, for example, it could make it more difficult to enforce users' rights.

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

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

In the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we would also like to point out that these can be asserted most effectively with the providers. Only the providers have access to the users' data and can take appropriate measures and provide information directly. If you still need help, you can contact us.

• Processed data types: Contact data (e.g. e-mail, telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Contact requests and communication; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); marketing.
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Facebook: Social network; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy.
• LinkedIn: Social Network, Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company Wilton Plaza, Gardner House 4,5,6 2 Dublin Irland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.
• Youtube: Social Network, Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Irland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.

D.14. Plugins and embedded functions and content

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

The integration always requires that the third-party providers of this content process the IP address of the user, as they would not be able to send the content to their browser without the IP address. The IP address is therefore required to display this content or function. We endeavor to only use content whose respective providers only use the IP address to deliver the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as "web beacons") for statistical or marketing purposes. Pixel tags can be used to analyze information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website. The pseudonymous information may also be stored in cookies on the user's device and may contain, among other things, technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, time of visit and other information about the use of our online offer, as well as being linked to such information from other sources.

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses); Contact data (e.g. email, telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); Location data (information on the geographical position of a device or person); Event data (Facebook) ("Event data" is data that can be transmitted by us to Facebook e.g. ("event data" is data that can be transmitted by us to Facebook via Facebook pixels (via apps or in other ways) and relates to people or their actions; the data includes, for example, information about visits to websites, interactions with content, functions, app installations, product purchases, etc.; the event data is processed for the purpose of creating target groups for content and advertising information (custom audiences); event data does not include the actual content (such as comments written), no login information and no contact information (i.e. no names, email addresses and telephone numbers). Event data is deleted by Facebook after a maximum of two years, and the target groups formed from it are deleted when our Facebook account is deleted.)
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of Processing: Provision of our online services and usability; Provision of contractual services and customer support; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Marketing; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form).
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Cookies are small text files or other storage notes that store information on end devices and read information from the end devices. For example, to store the login status in a user account, the contents of a shopping cart in an e-shop, the content accessed or the functions used in an online offering. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, e.g. to ensure the functionality, security and convenience of online services and to analyze visitor flows.

E.1. Notes on consent:

We use cookies in accordance with the statutory provisions. We therefore obtain prior consent from users, unless this is not required by law. In particular, consent is not required if the storage and reading of information, including cookies, is absolutely necessary in order to provide users with a telemedia service (i.e. our online offering) that they have expressly requested. The revocable consent is clearly communicated to the users and contains the information on the respective cookie use.

E.2. Information on the legal basis for data protection:

The legal basis under data protection law on which we process users' personal data with the help of cookies depends on whether we ask users for their consent. If users give their consent, the legal basis for processing their data is their declared consent. Otherwise, the data processed with the help of cookies is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (e.g. in the business operation of our online offering and improving its usability) or, if this is done in the context of fulfilling our contractual obligations, if the use of cookies is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations. We explain the purposes for which we process cookies in the course of this privacy policy or as part of our consent and processing procedures.

E.3. Storage duration:

A distinction is made between the following types of cookies with regard to the storage period:

• Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online service and closed their end device (e.g. browser or mobile application).
• Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after the end device is closed. For example, the login status can be saved or preferred content can be displayed directly when the user visits a website again. The user data collected with the help of cookies can also be used to measure reach. If we do not provide users with explicit information on the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g. when obtaining consent), users should assume that cookies are permanent and can be stored for up to two years.

E.4. General information on revocation and objection (opt-out):

Users can revoke the consent they have given at any time and also object to the processing in accordance with the legal requirements in Art. 21 GDPR. Users can also declare their objection via their browser settings, e.g. by deactivating the use of cookies (although this may also limit the functionality of our online services). An objection to the use of cookies for online marketing purposes can also be declared via changing the cookie settings in the footer of the website.

E.5. Cookie settings / objection option:

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. websites visited, interest in content, access times); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, consent status); Content data (e.g. entries in online forms); Location data (information on the geographical position of a device or person).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); business and contractual partners.
• Purposes of Processing: Provision of our online services and usability; IT infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)); Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behavior, use of cookies); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); A/B Tests; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles).
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

E.6. Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

Processing of cookie data on the basis of consent: We use a cookie consent management procedure in which the consent of users to the use of cookies or the processing and providers mentioned in the cookie consent management procedure can be obtained, managed and revoked by users. The declaration of consent is stored so that it does not have to be requested again and the consent can be proven in accordance with the legal obligation. Consent can be stored on the server and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie or with the help of comparable technologies) in order to be able to assign the consent to a user or their device. Subject to individual information on the providers of cookie management services, the following information applies: Consent may be stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored with the time of consent, information on the scope of consent (e.g. which categories of cookies and/or service providers) as well as the browser, system and end device used.

For providing our digital services we rely on the following Third Party Tools:

ccm19: Cookie consent management;
Service provider: Papoo Software & Media GmbH, Auguststr. 4, 53229 Bonn, Germany;
Website: https://www.ccm19.de/;
Privacy Policy: https://www.ccm19.de/datenschutzerklaerung.html;
Further information: A pseudonymous user ID with the consent status is stored.

Google Analytics 4: We use Google Analytics to measure and analyze the use of our online offering on the basis of a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain any unique data, such as names or e-mail addresses. It is used to assign analysis information to an end device in order to recognize which content users have called up within one or more usage processes, which search terms they have used, which they have called up again or which they have interacted with our online offering. The time of use and its duration are also stored, as well as the sources of the users who refer to our online offering and technical aspects of their end devices and browsers. Pseudonymous profiles of users are created with information from the use of various devices, whereby cookies may be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses for EU users. However, Analytics provides rough geographic location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: City (and the city's inferred latitude and longitude), Continent, Country, Region, Subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). For EU traffic, IP address data is used exclusively for this derivation of geolocation data before it is immediately deleted. They are not logged, are not accessible and are not used for other purposes. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are performed on EU-based servers before the traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Basis for third country transfer: EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF), standard contractual clauses (https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms); Opt-out option: Opt-Out-Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff; Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (types of processing and processed data).

Google Tag Manager: Google Tag Manager is a solution with which we can manage so-called website tags via an interface and thus integrate other services into our online offering (please refer to further information in this privacy policy). The Tag Manager itself (which implements the tags) does not create user profiles or store cookies, for example. Google only learns the IP address of the user, which is necessary to run the Google Tag Manager; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Basis for transfer to third countries: EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms).

Extended conversions for Google Ads: When customers click on our Google ads and subsequently use the advertised service (so-called "conversion"), the data entered by the user, such as the e-mail address, name, home address or telephone 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 ads (e.g. clicks or views) and thus their performance; legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/9888656.

Google Maps: We integrate the maps of the "Google Maps" service of the provider Google. The processed data may include, in particular, IP addresses and user location data; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://mapsplatform.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for transfer to third countries: EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Google Fonts (obtained from the 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 up-to-dateness 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) are transmitted that are necessary for the provision of the fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment. This data may 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 fonts). The Google Fonts Web API provides users with the Google Fonts Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and then the fonts specified in the CCS. 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 the website visitors, as well as the referral URL (i.e. the web page on which the Google font is to be displayed). IP addresses are neither logged nor stored on Google servers and are not analyzed. The Google Fonts Web API logs details of 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 particular font family is requested. With the Google Fonts Web API, the user agent must adapt the font that is generated for the respective browser type. The user agent is primarily logged for debugging and used to generate aggregated usage statistics to measure the popularity of font families. These aggregated usage statistics are published on the Google Fonts "Analytics" page. Finally, the referral URL is logged so that the data can be used for production maintenance and to generate an aggregated report on the top integrations based on the number of font requests. According to its own information, Google does not use any of the information collected by Google Fonts to create profiles of end users or to place targeted ads; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy

etracker: Web analytics/reach measurement; Service provider: etracker GmbH, Erste Brunnenstraße 1 20459 Hamburg, Germany; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.etracker.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.etracker.com/datenschutz/; Data processing agreement: https://www.etracker.com/av-vertrag/.

Sentry: Monitoring of system stability and detection of code errors - information on the device or time of error is collected pseudonymously and is subsequently deleted; service provider: Functional Software Inc, Sentry, 132 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California 94107, USA; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://sentry.io; Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy Policy: https://sentry.io/privacy/; Data processing agreement: https://sentry.io/legal/dpa/; Basis for transfer to third countries: EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://sentry.io/legal/dpa/).

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 basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) 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).

As part of our processing of personal data, data may be transmitted to other bodies, companies, legally independent organizational units or persons or disclosed to them. The 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 observe the legal requirements and, in particular, conclude corresponding contracts or agreements with the recipients of your data that serve to protect your data.

The data processed by us will be deleted in accordance with the legal requirements as soon as the consents permitted for processing are revoked or other permissions cease to apply (e.g. if the purpose of processing this data no longer applies or it is not required for the purpose). If the data is not deleted because it is required for other and legally permissible purposes, its processing is restricted to these purposes. This means that the data is blocked and not processed for other purposes. This applies, for example, to data that must be retained for commercial or tax law reasons or whose storage is necessary for the assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims or to protect the rights of another natural or legal person.

Our data protection notices may also contain further information on the storage and deletion of data, which apply primarily to the respective processing.

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

The measures include, in particular, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data as well as the access, input, disclosure, safeguarding of availability and its separation. Furthermore, we have established procedures that ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the deletion of data and responses to data threats. Furthermore, we already take the protection of personal data into account during the development and selection of hardware, software and processes in accordance with the principle of data protection, through technology design and through data protection-friendly default settings.

I.1. Shortening the IP address

If IP addresses are processed by us or by the service providers and technologies used and the processing of a full IP address is not required, the IP address is truncated (also known as "IP masking"). The last two digits or the last part of the IP address after a dot are removed or replaced by placeholders. The purpose of shortening the IP address is to prevent or make it much more difficult to identify a person by their IP address.

I.2. TLS encryption (https):

We use TLS encryption to protect your data transmitted via our online offering. You can recognize such encrypted connections by the prefix https:// in the address bar of your browser.

As a data subject, you are entitled to various rights under the GDPR, 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 point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. If the personal data concerning you are 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.
• Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
• Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning you is being processed and to obtain access to this data and further information and a copy of the data in accordance with legal requirements.
• Right to rectification: In accordance with the statutory provisions, you have the right to request the completion of data concerning you or the rectification of inaccurate data concerning you.
• Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with the statutory provisions, you have the right to demand that data concerning you be erased immediately or, alternatively, to demand that the processing of the data be restricted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
• Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the data concerning you, which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format in accordance with the legal requirements or to request its transmission to another controller.
• Complaint to the 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 relating to you infringes the provisions of the GDPR.

We ask you to inform yourself regularly about the content of our privacy policy. We will 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 an act of cooperation on your part (e.g. consent) or other individual notification.

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