Data Privacy Declaration

In addition to our general data protection information, we will now inform you about the processing of your personal data when you use our website.

I. Name and Address of Representative

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other national data protection laws of the member states as well as other data protection provisions is:

ACATO GmbH
Ismaninger Str. 154
81675 Munich
Germany

+49 89 5404107-0
[email protected]
www.acato.co.uk

II. Contact Details of Data Privacy Officer

You can contact our data protection officer as follows:

ACATO GmbH
c/o DSB
Ismaninger Str. 154
81675 Munich
Germany

E-mail: If your request is specifically addressed to ACATO GmbH as the responsible party, please write to us at the following e-mail address: [email protected]

If your request is addressed to one of our clients for whom we are appointed as external data protection officer, please write to us at the following email address: [email protected] and kindly mention the company name of our client in your email.

III. General information on data processing

1. Scope of processing of personal data

We generally only process our users’ personal data to the extent that this is necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services. Our users’ personal data is generally only processed with the user’s consent. An exception applies in cases where prior consent cannot be obtained for actual reasons and the processing of the data is required by law.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

If we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing personal data, Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. a GDPR serves as the legal basis.

If personal data is processed that is necessary to fulfill a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. b GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations that are necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures. If processing of personal data is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. c GDPR serves as the legal basis.

If vital interests of the data subject or another natural person require the processing of personal data, Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. d GDPR serves as the legal basis.

If processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the former interest, Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. f GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing.

3. Data deletion and storage period

The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose for which they were stored no longer applies. Data may also be stored if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in Union regulations, laws or other provisions to which the controller is subject. Data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless there is a need to continue storing the data for the conclusion or fulfillment of a contract.

IV. Rights of the data subject

If your personal data is processed, you are a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR and you have the following rights vis-à-vis the controller:

1. Right of information of the data subject (Art. 15 GDPR)

You can request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by him.

If such processing takes place, you can request information from the controller about the following:

the purposes for which the personal data are processed;
the categories of personal data that are processed;
the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organizations;
the planned duration of storage of the personal data concerning you or, if specific information is not possible, criteria for determining the storage period;
the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of the personal data concerning you, a right to restriction of processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing;
the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
all available information about the origin of the data if the personal data are not collected from the data subject;
the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Art. 22 (1) and (4) GDPR and – at least in these cases – meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to request information about whether the personal data concerning you will be transferred to a third country or to an international organization. In this context, you can request to be informed of the appropriate guarantees in accordance with Art. 46 GDPR in connection with the transfer.

The controller will provide you with a copy of the personal data that is the subject of the processing. This must not affect the freedoms and rights of other persons. For all further copies that you request, the controller can charge a reasonable fee based on the administrative costs. If you submit the request electronically, the information must be provided in a common electronic format, unless you specify otherwise.

2. Right to rectification (Art. 16 GDPR)

You have the right to request the controller to immediately rectify inaccurate personal data concerning you and the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data.

3. Right to erasure (Art. 17 GDPR)

3.1 Obligation to delete

You can request that the responsible party delete the personal data concerning you immediately, and the responsible party is obliged to delete this data immediately if one of the following reasons applies:

The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
You withdraw your consent on which the processing was based in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter a or Art. 9 Para. 2 Letter a of GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
You object to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 Para. 1 GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate reasons for the processing, or you object to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 Para. 2 GDPR.
The personal data concerning you have been processed unlawfully.
The deletion of the personal data concerning you is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the responsible party is subject.
The personal data concerning you were collected in relation to information society services offered in accordance with Art. 8 (1) GDPR.

3.2 Information to third parties

If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to delete them in accordance with Art. 17 (1) GDPR, he shall take appropriate measures, including technical ones, taking into account the available technology and the implementation costs, to inform data controllers who process the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested that they delete all links to these personal data or copies or replications of these personal data.

3.3 Exceptions

The right to deletion does not exist if the processing is necessary

to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information;
to fulfill a legal obligation that requires processing under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, or to perform a task that is in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;
for reasons of public interest in the area of public health in accordance with Art. 9 (2)(h) and (i) and Art. 9 (3) GDPR;
for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Art. 89 (1) GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section a) is likely to make the achievement of the objectives of this processing impossible or seriously compromises it, or
for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.

4. Right to restriction of processing (Art. 18 GDPR)

You can request the restriction of the processing of personal data concerning you under the following conditions:

if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period that enables the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
the processing is unlawful and you refuse to delete the personal data and instead request the restriction of the use of the personal data;
the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but you need them to assert, exercise or defend legal claims, or
if you have objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 Para. 1 GDPR and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate reasons of the controller outweigh your reasons.

If the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, this data – apart from its storage – may only be processed with your consent or for the assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims or to protect the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or a Member State.

If the restriction of processing has been restricted in accordance with the above-mentioned requirements, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.

5. Right to information (Art. 19 GDPR)

If you have asserted your right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing vis-à-vis the responsible party, this party is obliged to inform all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you was disclosed of said rectification, erasure or restriction of processing, unless doing so should prove impossible or involve disproportionate expenditure.

You have the right to be informed by the responsible party of these recipients.

6. Right to data portability (Art. 20 GDPR)

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have made available to the controller in a structured, common and machine-readable format. In addition, you have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data was made available, provided that

the processing is based on consent in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter a of GDPR or Art. 9 Para. 2 Letter a of GDPR or on a contract in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b of GDPR and
the processing is carried out using automated procedures.

In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another controller, insofar as this is technically feasible. The freedoms and rights of other persons must not be impaired by this.

The right to data portability does not apply to the processing of personal data that is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

7. Right to object (Art. 21 GDPR)

You have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you based on Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 Letter e or f of GDPR for reasons related to your particular situation; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

The controller will no longer process the personal data concerning you unless he can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which outweigh your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

If the personal data concerning you are processed in order to conduct direct advertising, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of the personal data concerning you for the purpose of such advertising; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct advertising.

If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for these purposes.

In connection with the use of information society services, you have the option of exercising your right of objection by means of automated procedures that use technical specifications, regardless of Directive 2002/58/EC.

You also have the right to object to the processing of personal data concerning you for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes in accordance with Art. 89 (1) GDPR, unless the processing is necessary to perform a task carried out in the public interest, for reasons related to your particular situation.

8. Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law (Art. 7 para. 3 GDPR)

You have the right to revoke your consent to data protection at any time. The revocation of the consent does not affect the legality of the processing carried out on the basis of the consent until the revocation.

9. Automated decisions in individual cases including profiling (Art. 22 GDPR)

You have the right not to be subjected to a decision based solely on automated processing – including profiling – which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This shall not apply if the decision

is necessary for entering into or fulfilling a contract between you and the controller,
is permitted by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, and this law contains appropriate measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests, or
is made with your explicit consent.

However, these decisions must not be based on special categories of personal data pursuant to Art. 9 (1) GDPR, unless Art. 9 (2)(a) or (b) GDPR applies and appropriate measures to protect your rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests have been taken.

With regard to the data referred to in a. and c. In the cases referred to above, the controller shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms and your legitimate interests, including at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and to contest the decision.

10. Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

The supervisory authority to which the complaint was submitted shall inform the complainant of the status and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Art. 78 GDPR.

11. Possibility of obtaining a copy of appropriate safeguards in the context of third country transfers

In the event that your personal data is transferred to a recipient in a third country or to an international organisation, you have the option of receiving a copy of the appropriate guarantees in accordance with Art. 46 or Article 47 or Article 49 (1) (2) GDPR from us by sending an informal email to [email protected].

V. Provision of the website and creation of log files

1. Description and scope of data processing

Every time our website is accessed, our system automatically records data and information from the computer system of the accessing computer.

The following data is collected:

Information about the browser type and version used
The user’s operating system
The user’s Internet service provider
The user’s IP address
Date and time of access
Websites from which the user’s system accesses our website
Websites accessed by the user’s system via our website

This data is stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user.

2. Purpose of data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable the website to be delivered to the user’s computer. For this purpose, the user’s IP address must be stored for the duration of the session.

The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. We also use the data to optimize the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not evaluated for marketing purposes in this context.

3. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of log files is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 Letter f of GDPR. Our legitimate interest lies in the purposes of data processing mentioned under 2.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. If the data is collected to provide the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended.

If the data is stored in log files, this is the case after seven days at the latest. Storage beyond this period is possible. In this case, the users’ IP addresses are deleted or altered so that it is no longer possible to assign the calling client.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

The collection of data to provide the website and the storage of data in log files is essential for the operation of the website. The user can object to this. Whether the objection is successful must be determined by weighing up the interests. To do so, send an informal email to [email protected].

VI. Use of cookies

1. Description and scope of data processing

Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the Internet browser or by the Internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user visits a website, a cookie can be stored on the user’s operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic character string that enables the browser to be clearly identified when the website is accessed again.

We use cookies to make our website more user-friendly. Some elements of our website require that the browser that is accessing the website can be identified even after a page change. The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:

Language settings
Log-in information
Your cookie settings (consent/rejection)
Search terms
Other information that is necessary to provide the website

The user data collected in this way is pseudonymized using technical precautions. The data is not stored together with other personal data of the users.

We also use cookies on our website that enable an analysis of the surfing behavior of users. The following data is stored and transmitted in the analysis cookies:

User behavior on our website
Other information used for marketing purposes

You can find more information about our use of cookies in our privacy policy under the chapter “Plugins and tools used”.

2. Purpose of data processing

The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary that the browser is recognized even after a page change.

The user data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.

The analysis cookies are used to improve the quality of our website and its content. The analysis cookies tell us how the website is used and can therefore continuously optimize our offering.

3. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically unnecessary cookies is Section 25 Para. 1 TTDSG in conjunction with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR.

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically necessary cookies is Section 25 Para. 2 TTDSG in conjunction with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR. Our legitimate interest lies in the purposes of data processing mentioned under 2.

4. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

You can revoke your consent at any time by clicking on the button in the bottom left corner of the website.

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted from there to our site. As a user, you therefore have full control over the use of cookies. You can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies by changing the settings in your Internet browser. Cookies that have already been stored can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to fully use all of the website’s functions.

If you use a Safari browser from version 12.1, cookies are automatically deleted after seven days. This also applies to opt-out cookies that are set to prevent tracking measures.

VII. Marketing initiatives

1. Description and scope of data processing

Our website offers the option of subscribing to free marketing initiatives. When you sign up for marketing initiatives, the data from the input mask is sent to us. Your personal data is only used to carry out the marketing initiatives so that our company can send subscribers relevant messages by telephone or in writing. In order to keep our potential customers informed about the development of our products and services, we pass on the data of potential customers to our sales team, who use the job title to identify potential customers who need our company’s products and services.

2. Purpose of data processing

Sending you regular marketing emails and product information that we believe will be of interest to our prospects.

Our website gives you the opportunity to sign up for marketing initiatives. When you sign up for the marketing initiatives, the data from the input mask is sent to us.
Your personal data is used for telephone and written communication to inform you about our product, new content, events and helpful information on compliance.
Sending you invitations to events and webinars that are relevant to our subscribers
To better understand how our subscribers interact with our marketing initiatives in order to provide better experiences and make our content more relevant.

3. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing data after the user has registered for marketing initiatives is Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter a of GDPR if the user has given their consent with double opt-in.

As part of the double opt-in process, you will then receive an email from us to confirm your registration via a link contained therein. This process serves to prove that you are the owner of the email address provided during registration and that you have consented to receive the newsletter. We store the date and time of your confirmation and your IP address. The legal basis for storing this data is our legal obligation to document your consent, Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter c of GDPR, Art. 7 Para. 1 GDPR.

4. Duration of storage

Die personenbezogenen Daten des Nutzers werden so lange gespeichert, wie das Abonnement von Marketinginitiativen aktiv ist. Die Daten werden gelöscht, sobald sie für die Erreichung des Zweckes ihrer Erhebung nicht mehr erforderlich sind und gesetzliche Aufbewahrungsfristen den Erhalt der Daten nicht mehr erfordern.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

To unsubscribe from receiving such marketing content, either use the corresponding link in the footer of the email or revoke your consent by email to [email protected].

VIII. Newsletter

We currently do not use these systems in our productive / publicly accessible systems. Therefore, this section of our privacy policy is currently omitted.

IX. E-Mail-Contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

On our website, you can contact us using the email address provided. In this case, the user’s personal data transmitted with the email will be stored.

The data will be used exclusively for processing the conversation..

2. Purpose of data processing

Your personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the request you have submitted with your communication and, if necessary, contacting you.

3. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted when sending an email is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. Our legitimate interest lies in the appropriate response to contact requests. If the email contact is aimed at concluding a contract, the additional legal basis for processing is Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For personal data sent by email, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

If the user contacts us by email, he can object to the storage of his personal data at any time by email to [email protected]. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.

All personal data that was stored during the contact will be deleted in this case.

X. Contact form for receiving an offer

1. Description and scope of data processing

There are contact forms on our website that can be used to receive a one-time offer. If a user takes advantage of this option, the data entered in the input mask is transmitted to us and saved and the user receives a one-time email from us.

The following data is saved when the message is sent:

Company name
Telephone number (optional)
First and last name
Business email address
Industry (optional)
Company size
Other personal data that is voluntarily entered in the comment field.
IP address of the calling computer
Date and time of contact

2. Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact or to initiate a contractual relationship.

The other personal data processed during the sending of the request (sending process) serve to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

3. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted when sending a contact form is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 Letter f of GDPR. Our legitimate interest lies in the appropriate response to contact requests. If the contact via the contact form is aimed at concluding a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 Letter b of GDPR.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the input mask of the contact form, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified.

The additional personal data collected during the sending process is deleted after a period of seven days at the latest.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

If the user contacts us via the contact form, he or she can object to the storage of his or her personal data at any time by sending an email to [email protected]. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.

In this case, all personal data stored during the contact process will be deleted.

XI. Zustellung von Dokumenten

1. Description and scope of data processing

On our website, you have the option of requesting free documents, for example in the form of checklists, templates, etc. The email address you enter will be sent to us so that the respective documents can be sent to you.

If you have decided to only receive the documents, no further data processing will take place apart from sending the documents and deleting your data.

2. Purpose of data processing

The user’s email address is collected to deliver the requested documents.

The collection of other personal data that is processed as part of consent is used to establish further contact, send information about products and services, and deliver newsletters.

3. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is the consent of the user in accordance with Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 Letter a of GDPR.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected and statutory retention periods no longer require the data to be retained. If you consent to further contact or to receive information about products and services, the data will be stored for the stated purpose until the user revokes their consent using an unsubscribe link or unsubscribe button.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

To revoke your consent, either use the corresponding link in the footer of the email or revoke your consent by email to [email protected].

XII. Bewerbung per E-Mail und Bewerbungsformular

1. Description and scope of data processing

There is an application form on our website that can be used for electronic applications. To provide the application form, we use the following software “wpforms” as a WordPress form plugin.

If an applicant takes advantage of this option, the data entered in the input mask is transmitted to our systems (see Hosting) and saved.

If an applicant takes advantage of this option, the data entered in the input mask is transmitted to us and saved. This data is:

First name
Last name
Telephone / mobile number
Email address
Salary expectations
CV
Certificates
Cover letter
Channel of knowledge
Other personal data that is communicated voluntarily in the application process

Alternatively, you can also send us your application by email. In this case, we will record your email address and the data you provided in the email.

After sending your application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt of your application documents by email from us.

The data will only be used to process your application.

2. Purpose of data processing

We process your personal data solely to process your application.

The other personal data processed during the transmission process (sending process) serve to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

3. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of your data is the initiation of a contract which takes place at the request of the data subject, Art. 6 Para. 1 S.1 lit. b Alt. 1 GDPR and Section 26 Para. 1 S. 1 BDSG.

4. Duration of storage

After the application process has been completed, the data will be stored for up to six months. Your data will be deleted after six months at the latest. In the event of a legal obligation, the data will be stored in accordance with the applicable regulations.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

The applicant has the option to object to the processing of his or her personal data at any time by sending an email to [email protected]. In such a case, the application can no longer be considered.

In this case, all personal data stored in the course of electronic applications will be deleted.

XIII. Use of corporate presence in social and professional networks

We use the possibility of company presence on social and professional networks for communication and the exchange of information with (potential) customers. The publications via the company presence can contain the following content:

Information about products
Information about services
Advertising
Customer contact
Applications
Information/PR
Active sourcing used

We maintain a company presence on the following social/professional networks:

LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company -Dublin, Ireland
Youtube: Google Ireland Limited-Dublin, Ireland
Twitter: Twitter Inc., San Francisco, USA

In order to make the third country transfer as data protection-friendly as possible, standard contractual clauses in accordance with Art. 46 Para. 2 lit. c GDPR have been concluded with providers in unsafe third countries. A copy of the standard data protection clauses can be requested by sending an informal email to [email protected].

The legal basis for the processing of data that we collect in connection with the use of our company website is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f of GDPR. If the aim of the contact is to conclude a contract, an additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Letter b of GDPR. You can object to the processing of your personal data that we collect as part of your use of our company website at any time and assert your rights as a data subject as set out under IV. of this data protection declaration. To do so, send us an informal email to [email protected].

If you carry out an action on our LinkedIn / YouTube / Twitter company website (e.g. comments, posts, likes, etc.), you may thereby make personal data (e.g. real name or photo of your user profile) public. However, since we generally or largely have no influence on the processing of your personal data by the Twitter companies jointly responsible for the company website, we cannot provide any binding information on the purpose and scope of the processing of your data. Further information on objection and removal options with providers of social/professional networks can be found here:

LinkedIn: Access privacy policy here: https://de.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy
Youtube: Access privacy policy here: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Twitter: Access privacy policy here: https://twitter.com/de/privacy

XIV. Hosting

The website is hosted on servers by a service provider commissioned by us.

Our commissioned service provider has the following address:

Contabo GmbH
Aschauer Str. 32a
81549 Munich

Other parts of our service offering are hosted by the following service provider:

Hetzner Online GmbH
Industriestr. 25
91710 Gunzenhausen

The servers automatically collect and store information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits when you visit the website. The information stored is:

Browser type and browser version
Operating system used
Referrer URL
Host name of the accessing computer
Date and time of the server request
IP address

This data is not merged with other data sources. This data is collected on the basis of Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the technically error-free presentation and optimization of his website – for this purpose the server log files must be collected.

The location of the website server is geographically in Germany. Your data will be transferred to servers in Germany.

Further information on the processing of data by the commissioned service providers can be found on the websites of the respective companies.

XV. Plugins and tools used

When using some plug-in service providers, personal data can be transferred to servers in third countries outside the EU, such as the USA.

In order to make the transfer to third countries as data protection-friendly as possible, standard contractual clauses have been concluded with providers in unsafe third countries. A copy of the standard data protection clauses can be requested by sending an informal email to [email protected].

The following service providers marked with an * have joined the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework (TDPF; data protection agreement between the EU and the USA), so that an appropriate level of data protection is guaranteed for data processing and the conclusion of standard contractual clauses is not necessary.

We use plug-ins for various purposes. The plug-ins used are listed below:

1. Use of Google Analytics 4 including Google Analytics Remarketing

1.1 Scope of processing of personal data

We use Google Analytics, a web analysis service provided by Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland (hereinafter referred to as Google).

By using Google Analytics, we examine, among other things, the origin of visitors, the length of time they spend on individual pages and the use of search engines. This allows us to better monitor the success of advertising campaigns. Furthermore, we can use this to evaluate the use of our online presence in order to compile reports on your activities and to use other Google services associated with the use of our online presence and internet usage. A cookie is placed on your computer. This allows personal data to be stored and evaluated, including:

the activity of the user (in particular which pages were visited and which elements were clicked on),
device and browser information (in particular the IP address and operating system),
data about the advertisements displayed (in particular which advertisements were displayed and whether the user clicked on them) and
data from advertising partners (in particular pseudonymized user IDs).

We also use UTM parameters. UTM parameters (e.g. utm_source, utm_campaign, utm_medium, utm_keyword) are a useful tool for user-defined campaigns on the Internet. Using UTM parameters, we can track where access to our content comes from. We can use this knowledge to evaluate our campaigns and thus generate more and more efficient traffic for our site.

To prevent a third country transfer to Google servers in the USA, we use a proxy server, which anonymizes your data before it is sent to Google. This is used on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 lit.f GDPR). It carries out the tracking optimization of our users’ online behavior data for us.

We also use Google Analytics Remarketing, whereby the data collected and evaluated about you is used to display targeted advertising to you. In order to use this service from Google, we also combine the data with our Google Ads or Display & Video 360 accounts. Google Ads and Display & Video 360 are also provided by Google.

1.2 Purpose of data processing

The use of Google Analytics, including Google Analytics Remarketing, allows us to evaluate the use of our online presence and to display advertising specifically to people who have already expressed an initial interest by visiting our site.

1.3 Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for the processing of users’ personal data is generally the user’s consent in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter a of GDPR.

1.4 Duration of storage

Your personal information will be stored for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this privacy policy or as required by law, e.g. for tax and accounting purposes.

1.5 Possibility of revocation, objection and removal

You can revoke your consent at any time by clicking on the button in the bottom left corner of the website.

You can prevent Google from collecting and processing your personal data by preventing third-party cookies from being stored on your computer, using the “Do Not Track” function of a supporting browser, deactivating the execution of script code in your browser or installing a script blocker such as NoScript (https://noscript.net) or Ghostery (https://www.ghostery.com) in your browser.

2. Use of Google Tag Manager

2.1 Scope of processing of personal data

We use the Google Tag Manager of Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland (hereinafter referred to as Google). With the Google Tag Manager, tags from Google and third-party services can be managed and bundled and embedded on an online presence. Tags are small code elements on an online presence that are used, among other things, to measure visitor numbers and behavior, record the impact of online advertising and social channels, use remarketing and targeting, and test and optimize online presences. When a user visits the online presence, the current tag configuration is sent to the user’s browser. It contains instructions on which tags should be triggered. Google Tag Manager triggers other tags, which in turn may collect data. Information about this can be found in the passages on the use of the corresponding services in this privacy policy. Google Tag Manager does not access this data.

Further information on Google Tag Manager can be found at https://www.google.com/intl/de/tagmanager/faq.html (answers to frequently asked questions) and in Google’s privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de (privacy policy)

2.2 Purpose of data processing

The purpose of processing personal data is to collect and clearly manage it and to efficiently integrate third-party services.

2.3 Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for processing users’ personal data is generally the user’s consent in accordance with Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 Letter a of GDPR.

2.4 Duration of storage

Your personal information will be stored for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this privacy policy or as required by law. Advertising data in server logs is anonymised by Google deleting parts of the IP address and cookie information after 9 or 18 months, respectively.

2.5 Possibility of revocation, objection and removal

You can revoke your consent at any time by clicking on the button in the bottom left corner of the website.

You can prevent Google from collecting and processing your personal data by preventing third-party cookies from being stored on your computer, using the “Do Not Track” function of a supporting browser, deactivating the execution of script code in your browser or installing a script blocker such as NoScript (https://noscript.net/) or Ghostery (https://www.ghostery.com) in your browser.

You can also prevent Google from collecting the data generated by the cookie and relating to your use of the website (including your IP address) and from processing this data by Google by downloading and installing the browser plug-in available under the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de

You can use the following link to deactivate Google’s use of your personal data: https://adssettings.google.de

You can find more information on how to object to and remove processing by Google at: https://policies.google.com/privacy?gl=DE&hl=de

3. Use of Google Recaptcha

3.1 Scope of processing of personal data

We use Google ReCaptcha from Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. This tool is intended to check whether data entry is compliant and has not been carried out by a bot. To do this, Google ReCaptcha analyzes and authenticates the behavior of an online presence visitor with regard to a wide variety of characteristics. This allows personal data to be stored and evaluated, especially the user’s activity (in particular mouse movements and which elements have been clicked on) and device and browser information (in particular time, IP address and operating system).

The data is not associated with data that may be collected or used in connection with the parallel use of authenticated Google services such as Gmail.

Further information on how Google processes data can be found here: Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?gl=DE&hl=de

3.2 Purpose of data processing

The use of Google ReCaptcha serves to protect our online presence from misuse.

3.3 Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for the processing of users’ personal data is generally the user’s consent in accordance with Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Clause 1 Letter a of GDPR.

3.4 Duration of storage

Your personal information will be stored for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this privacy policy or as required by law, e.g. for tax and accounting purposes.

3.5 Possibility of revocation, objection and removal

You can revoke your consent at any time by clicking on the button in the bottom left corner of the website.

You can prevent Google from collecting and processing your personal data by preventing third-party cookies from being stored on your computer, using the “Do Not Track” function of a supporting browser, deactivating the execution of script code in your browser, or installing a script blocker such as NoScript (https://noscript.net/) or Ghostery (https://www.ghostery.com) in your browser.

You can use the following link to deactivate Google’s use of your personal data: Change advertising settings at https://adssettings.google.de

For more information on objection and removal options against Google, see: Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?gl=DE&hl=de

XVI. Registration form for events

We currently do not use these systems in our productive / publicly accessible systems. Therefore, this section of our online privacy policy is currently omitted.