Privacy Policy

Preamble

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

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Last updated: February 17, 2026

Controller

Jan-Hendrik Raap
Burgfeld 26
23909 Ratzeburg

Email: datenschutz\at\janraap.de

Legal Notice: https://janraap.de/impressum/

Objection to Advertising

The use and storage of published contact data requires prior consent. We hereby object to the sending of unsolicited advertising and informational materials as well as unsolicited phone calls. The site operators expressly reserve the right to take legal action in the event of unsolicited advertising being sent, such as spam emails, mass mailings, or promotional phone calls.

Overview of Processing Activities

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

Types of Data Processed

• Master data.
• Contact data.
• Content data.
• Contract data.
• Usage data.
• Meta, communication, and procedural data.
• Log data.

Categories of Data Subjects

• Service recipients and clients.
• Communication partners.
• Users.

Purposes of Processing

• Communication.
• Security measures.
• Direct marketing.
• Reach measurement.
• Tracking.
• Remarketing.
• Audience building.
• Organizational and administrative procedures.
• Feedback.
• Marketing.
• Profiles with user-related information.
• Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Information technology infrastructure.
• Public relations.
• Sales promotion.

Applicable Legal Bases

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

• Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) - The data subject has given consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes.
• Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party, or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures taken at the data subject's request.
• Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, provided that such interests are not overridden by the interests, fundamental rights, and freedoms of the data subject which require the protection of personal data.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. This includes, in particular, the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG). The BDSG contains specific provisions regarding the right of access, 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 individual decision-making, including profiling. Furthermore, the data protection laws of the individual German federal states may apply.

Security Measures

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

These measures include, in particular, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data, as well as access, input, disclosure, ensuring availability, and separation of data. We have also established procedures to ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the deletion of data, and responses to data security threats. Furthermore, we take the protection of personal data into account from the very beginning during the development or selection of hardware, software, and processes, in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and by default.

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

Disclosure of Personal Data

In the course of our processing of personal data, it may occur that data is transmitted to or disclosed to other entities, companies, legally independent organizational units, or individuals. Recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers tasked with IT operations, or providers of services and content integrated into a website. In such cases, we comply with legal requirements and, in particular, enter into appropriate contracts or agreements with the recipients of your data that serve to protect your data.

International Data Transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we transfer data to a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)), or if this occurs in the context of using third-party services or the disclosure or transfer of data to other persons, entities, or companies (which becomes apparent from the postal address of the respective provider or when the privacy policy explicitly references data transfers to third countries), this is always done in compliance with legal requirements.

For data transfers to the United States, we primarily rely on the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), which was recognized as a secure legal framework by an adequacy decision of the EU Commission on July 10, 2023. In addition, we have entered into Standard Contractual Clauses with the respective providers that comply with the requirements of the EU Commission and establish contractual obligations to protect your data.

This dual safeguard ensures comprehensive protection of your data: The DPF forms the primary layer of protection, while the Standard Contractual Clauses serve as an additional safeguard. Should changes arise within the DPF framework, the Standard Contractual Clauses serve as a reliable fallback option. This ensures that your data remains adequately protected at all times, even in the event of political or legal changes.

For individual service providers, we will inform you whether they are certified under the DPF and whether Standard Contractual Clauses are in place. Further information about the DPF and a list of certified companies can be found on the U.S. Department of Commerce website at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/.

For data transfers to other third countries, corresponding safeguards apply, in particular Standard Contractual Clauses, explicit consent, or legally required transfers. Information on third-country transfers and applicable adequacy decisions can be found on the EU Commission's website: https://commission.europa.eu

General Information on Data Storage and Deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with legal provisions as soon as the underlying consent is withdrawn or no further legal basis for the processing exists. This applies to cases where the original processing purpose no longer applies or the data is no longer needed. Exceptions to this rule exist where legal obligations or special interests require longer retention or archiving of the data.

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

Our privacy notices contain additional information on the retention and deletion of data that applies specifically to certain processing operations.

Where multiple retention periods or deletion deadlines apply to a given data point, the longest period always takes precedence. Data that is no longer used for its originally intended purpose but is retained due to legal requirements or other reasons will be processed exclusively for the reasons that justify its retention.

Data retention and deletion: The following general periods apply to retention and archiving under German law:

• 10 years - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, and the work instructions and other organizational documents necessary for their understanding (Section 147(1) No. 1 in conjunction with (3) AO, Section 14b(1) UStG, Section 257(1) No. 1 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
• 8 years - Accounting vouchers, such as invoices and expense receipts (Section 147(1) Nos. 4 and 4a in conjunction with (3) sentence 1 AO and Section 257(1) No. 4 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
• 6 years - Other business documents: received commercial or business correspondence, copies of sent commercial or business correspondence, other documents insofar as they are relevant for taxation purposes, e.g., hourly wage slips, cost accounting sheets, calculation documents, price markings, as well as payroll accounting documents where they do not already constitute accounting vouchers, and register receipts (Section 147(1) Nos. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with (3) AO, Section 257(1) Nos. 2 and 3 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
• 3 years - Data required to consider potential warranty and damages claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to handle related inquiries, based on past business experience and standard industry practices, is stored for the duration of the standard statutory limitation period of three years (Sections 195, 199 BGB).

Start of the period at the end of the year: If a deadline does not expressly begin on a specific date and is at least one year long, it automatically starts at the end of the calendar year in which the triggering event occurred. In the case of ongoing contractual relationships under which data is stored, the triggering event is the date on which the termination takes effect or the legal relationship otherwise ends.

Rights of Data Subjects

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

• Right to object: You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you that is based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on those provisions. Where personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purpose of such advertising; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.
• Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw any consent you have given at any time.
• Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning you is being processed, and to access such data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with legal requirements.
• Right to rectification: In accordance with legal requirements, you have the right to request the completion of personal data concerning you or the rectification of inaccurate data concerning you.
• Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with legal requirements, you have the right to request that personal data concerning you be erased without undue delay, or alternatively, to request restriction of the processing of such data in accordance with legal requirements.
• Right to data portability: You have the right to receive personal data concerning you, which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format in accordance with legal requirements, or to request its transfer to another controller.
• 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, your place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement, if you believe that the processing of personal data concerning you violates the GDPR.

Provision of Online Services and Web Hosting

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

• Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved); log data (e.g., log files relating to logins or data retrieval, or access times). Content data (e.g., text or image-based messages and posts, as well as related information such as authorship details or time of creation).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)). Security measures.
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional Notes on Processing Operations, Procedures, and Services:

• Provision of online services on rented server space: For the provision of our online services, we use server space, computing capacity, and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also known as a "web host"); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
• Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online services is logged in the form of so-called "server log files." Server log files may include the address and name of the accessed web pages and files, the date and time of access, the volume of data transferred, notification of successful retrieval, browser type and version, the user's operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and typically IP addresses and the requesting provider. Server log files may be used for security purposes, e.g., to prevent server overloads (particularly in the case of abusive attacks, known as DDoS attacks), and to ensure the utilization and stability of servers; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Data deletion: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further retention is required for evidentiary purposes is exempt from deletion until the respective incident has been conclusively resolved.
• Email sending and hosting: The web hosting services we use also include the sending, receiving, and storage of emails. For these purposes, the addresses of recipients and senders as well as further information relating to email delivery (e.g., the providers involved) and the contents of the respective emails are processed. The aforementioned data may also be processed for the purpose of spam detection. Please note that emails on the internet are generally not sent in encrypted form. As a rule, emails are encrypted during transit, but (unless so-called end-to-end encryption is used) not on the servers from which they are sent and received. We therefore cannot accept responsibility for the transmission path of emails between the sender and receipt on our server; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
• Checkdomain: Services in the area of providing information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g., server space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: checkdomain GmbH, a dogado group company, Große Burgstraße 27/29, 23552 Lübeck, Germany; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.checkdomain.de/; Privacy policy: https://www.checkdomain.de/agb/datenschutz/. Data processing agreement: Provided by the service provider.

Use of Cookies

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

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

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

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

General notes on withdrawal and objection (opt-out): Users may withdraw their consent at any time and may also object to processing in accordance with legal requirements, including through the privacy settings of their browser.

• Types of data processed: Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Additional Notes on Processing Operations, Procedures, and Services:

• Processing of cookie data based on consent: We use a consent management solution through which user consent is obtained for the use of cookies or for the procedures and providers specified within the consent management solution. This procedure serves to obtain, log, manage, and withdraw consent, particularly with regard to the use of cookies and comparable technologies used to store, read, and process information on users' devices. Within this procedure, user consent is obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing operations and providers named in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consent. Consent declarations are stored in order to avoid re-prompting and to be able to demonstrate consent in accordance with legal requirements. Storage takes place on the server side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies in order to be able to assign consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information about the providers of consent management services is available, the following general notes apply: The consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored together with the time of consent, information about the scope of consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), and information about the browser, system, and device used. The following cookies are stored on your device as part of consent management:

These cookies are technically necessary to document the user's consent decision and to take it into account on subsequent page visits; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Blogs and Publication Media

We use blogs or comparable means of online communication and publication (hereinafter "publication medium"). Readers' data is processed for the purposes of the publication medium only to the extent necessary for its presentation and for communication between authors and readers, or for security reasons. For further details, we refer to the information on the processing of visitors to our publication medium within this privacy policy.

• Types of data processed: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); content data (e.g., text or image-based messages and posts, as well as related information such as authorship details or time of creation); usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online forms). Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Contact and Inquiry Management

When contacting us (e.g., by mail, contact form, email, phone, or via social media) as well as within the scope of existing user and business relationships, the information provided by the inquiring parties is processed to the extent necessary for responding to the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

• Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); content data (e.g., text or image-based messages and posts, as well as related information such as authorship details or time of creation). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Communication partners.
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online forms). Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Additional Notes on Processing Operations, Procedures, and Services:

• Contact form: When you contact us via our contact form, email, or other communication channels, we process the personal data you provide in order to respond to and handle the respective inquiry. This typically includes information such as name, contact details, and, where applicable, additional information that is communicated to us and required for appropriate handling. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Promotional Communication via Email, Mail, Fax, or Phone

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

Recipients have the right to withdraw consent at any time or to object to promotional communication at any time free of charge via the contact options listed above.

After withdrawal or objection, we retain the data required to demonstrate the previous authorization to contact or send communications for up to three years after the end of the year in which the withdrawal or objection occurred, on the basis of our legitimate interests. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of potential defense against claims. On the basis of the legitimate interest in permanently honoring the user's withdrawal or objection, we also retain the data necessary to avoid renewed contact (e.g., depending on the communication channel, the email address, phone number, or name).

• Types of data processed: Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers). Content data (e.g., text or image-based messages and posts, as well as related information such as authorship details or time of creation).
• Data subjects: Communication partners.
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Direct marketing (e.g., by email or postal mail); marketing. Sales promotion.
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
• Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Web Analytics, Monitoring, and Optimization

Web analytics (also referred to as "reach measurement") is used to evaluate visitor traffic to our online services and may include behavior, interests, or demographic information about visitors, such as age or gender, in the form of pseudonymous values. With the help of reach analysis, we can identify, for example, at what time our online services or their functions or content are most frequently used, or invite reuse. We can also determine which areas need optimization.

In addition to web analytics, we may also use testing procedures to test and optimize different versions of our online services or their components.

Unless otherwise stated below, user profiles—meaning data aggregated in connection with a usage process—may be created and information may be stored in or read from a browser or device for these purposes. The data collected includes, in particular, websites visited and elements used therein, as well as technical information such as the browser used, the computer system used, and information about usage times. If users have consented to the collection of their location data either to us or to the providers of the services we use, location data may also be processed.

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

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

• Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, identification of returning visitors); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles). Remarketing.
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion." Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise specified, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of up to two years.).
• Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
• Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional Notes on Processing Operations, Procedures, and Services:

• Matomo: Matomo is a software solution used for the purposes of web analytics and reach measurement. When using Matomo, cookies are generated and stored on the user's device. The user data collected through the use of Matomo is processed solely by us and is not shared with third parties. Cookies are stored for a maximum period of 13 months: https://matomo.org/faq/general/faq_146/. The following cookie is stored on your device when using Matomo:

Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).Data deletion: Cookies have a maximum storage duration of 13 months.

Customer Reviews and Rating Procedures

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

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

• Types of data processed: Contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Service recipients and clients. Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online forms). Marketing.
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Social Media Presences

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

We would like to point out that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This may entail risks for users, as it could, for example, make the enforcement of their rights more difficult.

Furthermore, user data within social networks is typically processed for market research and advertising purposes. For instance, usage profiles may be created based on user behavior and the resulting interests. These profiles may in turn be used to display advertisements within and outside the networks that presumably correspond to the users' interests. For these purposes, cookies are generally stored on the users' devices, which record the users' browsing behavior and interests. Additionally, data may be stored in the usage profiles independently of the devices used by the users (particularly if they are members of the respective platforms and are logged in).

For a detailed description of the respective processing activities and opt-out options, please refer to the privacy policies and information provided by the operators of the respective networks.

Also in the case of access requests and the exercise of data subject rights, we would like to point out that these can be exercised most effectively with the respective providers. Only the providers have access to user data and can take appropriate measures and provide information directly. Should you still need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); content data (e.g., text or image-based messages and posts, as well as related information such as authorship details or time of creation). Usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online forms). Public relations.
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional Notes on Processing Operations, Procedures, and Services:

• LinkedIn: Social network - We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of data from visitors that is used to create the "Page Insights" (statistics) of our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. Details about the devices used are also recorded, such as IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, and cookie data, as well as information from user profiles such as job function, country, industry, seniority level, company size, and employment status. Privacy information regarding the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.We have entered into a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum", https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which specifies in particular what security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e., users may, for example, direct access or deletion requests directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (in particular the right of access, erasure, objection, and the right to lodge a complaint with a competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. The joint controllership is limited to the collection and transmission of data to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. The further processing of data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, particularly with regard to the transfer of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR);Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa). Opt-out option: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

Plugins and Embedded Features and Content

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

The integration always requires that the third-party providers of this content process the users' IP addresses, as without the IP address, they would be unable to send the content to the users' browsers. The IP address is therefore necessary for the display of this content or these features. We strive to use only content whose respective providers use the IP address solely for the purpose of delivering the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as "web beacons") for statistical or marketing purposes. Through "pixel tags," information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website can be evaluated. The pseudonymous information 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, visit times, and other information about the use of our online services, as well as be linked with such information from other sources.

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

• Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, identification of returning visitors); tracking (e.g., interest/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); audience building. Marketing.
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion." Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise specified, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of up to two years.).
• Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional Notes on Processing Operations, Procedures, and Services:

• Google Fonts (hosted on our own server): Provision of font files for a user-friendly display of our online services; Service provider: Google Fonts are hosted on our server; no data is transmitted to Google; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
• YouTube Videos: Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). 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.
• YouTube Videos: Within our online services, videos stored on YouTube are embedded. The integration of these YouTube videos takes place via a special domain using the "youtube-nocookie" component in what is known as "enhanced privacy mode." In "enhanced privacy mode," only information—including your IP address and details about your browser and device—can be stored on your device in cookies or by means of comparable methods until you start playing the video. YouTube needs this information for the output, control, and optimization of the video display. Once you play the videos, additional information may be processed by YouTube for the purpose of analyzing user behavior, storing it in user profiles, and personalizing content and advertisements. The storage duration for cookies may be up to two years; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR);Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Additional information: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/171780?hl=de-DE#zippy=%2Cturn-on-privacy-enhanced-mode%2Cerweiterten-datenschutzmodus-aktivieren.

Changes and Updates

We ask that you regularly review the content of our privacy policy. We update the privacy policy whenever changes to our data processing activities make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as any changes require an action on your part (e.g., consent) or any other individual notification becomes necessary.

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

Definitions

This section provides an overview of the terminology used in this privacy policy. Where the terms are legally defined, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations are primarily intended to aid understanding.

• Master data: Master data encompasses essential information necessary for the identification and management of contracting parties, user accounts, profiles, and similar assignments. This data may include, among other things, personal and demographic details such as names, contact information (addresses, phone numbers, email addresses), dates of birth, and specific identifiers (user IDs). Master data forms the basis for any formal interaction between individuals and services, institutions, or systems by enabling clear identification and communication.
• Content data: Content data encompasses information generated in the course of creating, editing, and publishing content of all kinds. This category of data may include text, images, videos, audio files, and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the actual content itself but also includes metadata that provides information about the content, such as tags, descriptions, author information, and publication dates.
• Contact data: Contact data is essential information that enables communication with individuals or organizations. It includes, among other things, phone numbers, postal addresses, and email addresses, as well as communication tools such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
• Meta, communication, and procedural data: Meta, communication, and procedural data are categories that contain information about the manner in which data is processed, transmitted, and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information that describes the context, origin, and structure of other data. It may include details about file size, creation date, authorship of a document, and revision histories. Communication data captures the exchange of information between users across various channels, such as email traffic, call logs, social network messages, and chat histories, including the parties involved, timestamps, and transmission paths. Procedural data describes the processes and workflows within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, transaction and activity logs, as well as audit logs used for tracking and verifying operations.
• Usage data: Usage data refers to information that captures how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. This data encompasses a wide range of information that reveals how users utilize applications, which features they prefer, how long they spend on specific pages, and what paths they take navigating through an application. Usage data may also include frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information, and location data. It is particularly valuable for analyzing user behavior, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content, and improving products or services. Furthermore, usage data plays a crucial role in identifying trends, preferences, and potential problem areas within digital offerings.
• Personal data: "Personal data" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter "data subject"); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier (e.g., cookie), or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.
• Profiles with user-related information: The processing of "profiles with user-related information," or simply "profiles," encompasses any form of automated processing of personal data that consists of using such personal data to analyze, evaluate, or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include various information concerning demographics, behavior, and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.). Cookies and web beacons are frequently used for profiling purposes.
• Log data: Log data is information about events or activities that have been recorded in a system or network. This data typically contains information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other details about the use or operation of a system. Log data is often used for analyzing system issues, security monitoring, or generating performance reports.
• Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to evaluate visitor traffic to an online service and may encompass visitors' behavior or interests in certain information, such as website content. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online services can identify, for example, when users visit their websites and what content they are interested in. This enables them, for example, to better tailor website content to the needs of their visitors. Pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are frequently used for the purposes of reach analysis in order to identify returning visitors and obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online service.
• Remarketing: "Remarketing" or "retargeting" refers to the practice of noting, for advertising purposes, which products a user has shown interest in on a website, in order to remind the user of those products on other websites, for example through advertisements.
• Tracking: "Tracking" refers to the ability to trace user behavior across multiple online services. As a rule, behavioral and interest information is stored in cookies or on the servers of the tracking technology providers (so-called profiling) with respect to the online services used. This information may then be used, for example, to display advertisements to users that presumably correspond to their interests.
• Controller: The "controller" is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.
• Processing: "Processing" means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and encompasses virtually any handling of data, whether it be collection, analysis, storage, transmission, or erasure.
• Contract data: Contract data refers to specific information relating to the formalization of an agreement between two or more parties. It documents the conditions under which services or products are provided, exchanged, or sold. This data category is essential for the management and fulfillment of contractual obligations and encompasses both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data may include start and end dates of the contract, the type of agreed services or products, pricing agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options, and special conditions or clauses. It serves as the legal basis for the relationship between the parties and is critical for clarifying rights and obligations, enforcing claims, and resolving disputes.
• Audience building: Audience building (also known as "Custom Audiences") refers to the process of defining target audiences for advertising purposes, such as the display of advertisements. For example, based on a user's interest in certain products or topics on the internet, it may be inferred that this user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online store where they viewed the products. "Lookalike Audiences" (or similar audiences), in turn, refers to cases where content deemed suitable is displayed to users whose profiles or interests presumably match those of the users for whom the profiles were created. Cookies and web beacons are typically used for the purposes of creating Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences.

Created with the free privacy policy generator Datenschutz-Generator.de by Dr. Thomas Schwenke