Applications: Privacy policy

Preamble

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

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Status: March 05, 2025

Table of contents

• Preamble
• Person responsible
• Contact data protection officer
• Overview of processing
• Relevant legal bases
• Security measures
• General information on data storage and deletion
• Rights of the data subjects
• Provision of the online offer and web hosting
• Use of cookies
• Special notes on applications (apps)
• Obtaining applications via app stores
• Contact and request management
• Push messages
• Audio content
• Newsletter and electronic notifications
• Online marketing
• Presence in social networks (social media)
• Plug-ins and embedded functions and content
• Change and update
• Definitions of terms
• Changes

Person responsible

Fazit Communication GmbH
Pariser Str. 1
60486 Frankfurt am Main

E-mail address: datenschutz@fazit.de

Imprint: https://www.deutschland.de/de/impressum

Contact data protection officer

datenschutz@fazit.de

Overview of processing

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

Types of data processed

• Inventory data
• Location data
• Contact details
• Content data
• Contract data
• Usage data
• Meta, communication and process data
• Event dates (Facebook)
• Protocol data

Categories of affected persons

• Beneficiaries and clients
• Communication partner
• Users

Purposes of the processing

• Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations
• Communication
• Security measures
• Direct marketing
• Reach measurement
• Tracking
• Conversion measurement
• Target group formation
• Organizational and administrative procedures
• Firewall
• Feedback
• Marketing
• Profiles with user-related information
• Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness
• Information technology infrastructure
• Public relations and information purposes
• Public relations

Relevant legal bases

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

• Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR) - The data subject has given their consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes.
• Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
• Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR) - processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data.

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

Relevant legal bases under the Swiss Data Protection Act: If you are located in Switzerland, we process your data on the basis of the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection ("Swiss FADP" for short). Unlike the GDPR, for example, the Swiss FADP does not generally require that a legal basis for the processing of personal data be specified and that the processing of personal data be carried out in good faith, lawfully and proportionately (Art. 6 para. 1 and 2 of the Swiss FADP). In addition, personal data will only be obtained by us for a specific purpose that is recognizable to the data subject and will only be processed in a manner that is compatible with this purpose (Art. 6 para. 3 of the Swiss FADP).

Note on the applicability of the GDPR and Swiss FADP: This data protection notice serves to provide information in accordance with both the Swiss FADP and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For this reason, please note that the terms of the GDPR are used due to the broader geographical application and comprehensibility. In particular, instead of the terms "processing" of "personal data", "overriding interest" and "sensitive personal data" used in the Swiss DPA, the terms "processing" of "personal data", "legitimate interest" and "special categories of data" used in the GDPR are used. However, the legal meaning of the terms will continue to be determined in accordance with the Swiss DPA within the scope of application of the Swiss DPA.

Security measures

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

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

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

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

General information on data storage and deletion

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

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

Our data protection information contains additional information on the retention and deletion of data that applies specifically to certain processing operations.

If there is more than one indication of the retention period or deletion period for a date, the longest period is always decisive.

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

We only process data that is no longer stored for the originally intended purpose, but due to legal requirements or other reasons, for the reasons that justify its storage.

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Retention and deletion of data: The following general time limits apply to retention and archiving under German law: 
  • 10 years - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheet as well as the work instructions and other organizational documents required for their understanding (§ 147 para. 1 no. 1 in conjunction with para. 3 AO, § 14b para. Para. 3 AO, § 14b Para. 1 UStG, § 257 Para. 1 No. 1 i.V.m. para. 4 HGB).
  • 8 years - Accounting documents, such as invoices and expense receipts (§ 147 para. 1 no. 4 and 4a in conjunction with para. para. 3 sentence 1 AO and § 257 para. 1 no. 4 in conjunction with para. para. 4 HGB).
  • 6 years - Other business documents: commercial or business letters received, reproductions of commercial or business letters sent, other documents, insofar as they are relevant for taxation, e.g. time sheets, company accounting sheets, calculation documents, price labels, but also payroll accounting documents, insofar as they are not already accounting documents and cash register slips (Section 147 (1) nos. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with (3) AO). Para. 3 AO, § 257 Para. 1 No. 2 and 3 in conjunction with Para. para. 4 HGB).
  • 3 years - Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights and to process related inquiries based on past business experience and standard industry practices will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).
• Retention and deletion of data: The following general time limits apply to retention and archiving under Swiss law: 
  • 10 years - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, accounting vouchers and invoices as well as all necessary work instructions and other organizational documents (Art. 958f of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO)).
  • 10 years - Data necessary for the consideration of potential claims for damages or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as for the processing of related inquiries based on past business experience and standard industry practices, will be stored for the statutory limitation period of ten years, unless a shorter period of five years is applicable, which is relevant in certain cases (Art. 127, 130 CO). Claims for rent, lease and capital interest as well as other periodic services, from the supply of food, for catering and for debts to landlords, as well as from handicraft work, retail sale of goods, medical care, professional work of lawyers, legal agents, procurators and notaries and from the employment relationship of employees expire after five years (Art. 128 CO).

Rights of the data subjects

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

• Right to object: You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. If the personal data concerning you are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.
• Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
• Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning you is being processed and to obtain information about this data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with the legal requirements.
• Right to rectification: In accordance with the statutory provisions, you have the right to request the completion of data concerning you or the rectification of inaccurate data concerning you.
• Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with the statutory provisions, you have the right to demand that data concerning you be erased immediately or, alternatively, to demand that the processing of the data be restricted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
• Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the data concerning you, which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format in accordance with the legal requirements or to request its transmission to another controller.
• Complaint to a supervisory authority: In accordance with the legal requirements and without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection supervisory authority, in particular a supervisory authority in the EU Member State in which you are habitually resident, the supervisory authority of your place of work or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the GDPR.

Rights of data subjects under the Swiss DPA:

As a data subject, you have the following rights in accordance with the provisions of the Swiss Data Protection Act:

• Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning you is being processed and to receive the information necessary for you to exercise your rights under this law and to ensure transparent data processing.
• Right to data surrender or transfer: You have the right to request the surrender of your personal data that you have provided to us in a commonly used electronic format.
• Right to rectification: You have the right to request the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning you.
• Right to object, erasure and destruction: You have the right to object to the processing of your data and to request that the personal data concerning you be erased or destroyed.

Provision of the online offer and web hosting

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

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved). Log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)). Security measures.
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Provision of online offer on rented storage space: For the provision of our online offer, we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also called "web host"); legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
• Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called "server log files". The server log files may include the address and name of the websites and files accessed, the date and time of access, data volumes transferred, notification of successful access, browser type and version, the user's operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page) and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. The server log files can be used for security purposes, e.g. to avoid overloading the servers (especially in the event of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and to ensure the utilization of the servers and their stability; legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Deletion of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further storage is required for evidentiary purposes is excluded from deletion until the respective incident has been finally clarified.

Service provider for online services and web hosting

• blackpoint: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacities); Service provider: blackpoint GmbH, Friedberger Str. 106 b, 61118 Bad Vilbel; Website: https://www.blackpoint.de/. Privacy Policy: https://www.blackpoint.de/datenschutz.
• Sucuri: Firewall, security and error detection functions to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts and technical vulnerabilities that could enable such access. For these purposes, cookies and similar storage procedures required for this purpose may be used and security logs may be created during the check and in particular in the event of unauthorized access. In this context, the IP addresses of the users, a user identification number and their activities, including the time of access, are processed and stored and compared with the data provided by the provider of the firewall and security function and transmitted to the latter; legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); standard contractual clauses: https://sucuri.net/dpa/; order processing contract: https://sucuri.net/dpa/; service provider: Sucuri LLC, parent company: GoDaddy Media Temple, Inc. d/b/a Sucuri, 6060 Center Dr. Suite 500, Los Angeles CA 90045, USA; Website: https://sucuri.net. Privacy policy: https://sucuri.net/privacy.

Use of cookies

The term "cookies" refers to functions that store information on users' end devices and read it from them. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, for example to ensure the functionality, security and convenience of online services and to analyze visitor flows. We use cookies in accordance with the statutory provisions. If necessary, we obtain the user's consent in advance. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies if the storage and reading of information is essential in order to be able to provide expressly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, saving settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online offering. Consent can be revoked at any time. We provide clear information about the scope and which cookies are used.

Information on legal bases under data protection law: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on consent. If consent has been given, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, which are explained above in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.

Storage period: With regard to the storage period, a distinction is made between the following types of cookies:

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

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

• Processed data types: Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Processing of cookie data on the basis of consent: We use a consent management solution in which user consent is obtained for the use of cookies or for the procedures and providers mentioned in the consent management solution. This procedure is used to obtain, log, manage and revoke consent, in particular with regard to the use of cookies and comparable technologies that are used to store, read and process information on users' end devices. As part of this procedure, user consent is obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing and providers mentioned in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option of managing and revoking their consent. The declarations of consent are stored in order to avoid repeated queries and to be able to provide proof of consent in accordance with legal requirements. The 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 the consent to a specific user or their device. If no specific information on the providers of consent management services is available, the following general information applies: Consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored together with the time of consent, information on the scope of consent (e.g. relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers) and information on the browser, the system and the end device used; legal basis: consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Service provider for consent management

• Usercentrics: Consent management: Procedures for obtaining, logging, managing and revoking consent, in particular for the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing, reading and processing information on users' end devices and their processing; Service provider: Usercentrics GmbH, Sendlinger Straße 7, 80331 München, Germany; Website: https://usercentrics.com/de/; Privacy Policy: https://usercentrics.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung/.

Special notes on applications (apps)

We process the data of users of our application to the extent necessary to provide users with the application and its functionalities, to monitor its security and to develop it further. We may also contact users in compliance with legal requirements if communication is necessary for the purposes of administration or use of the application. For further information on the processing of user data, please refer to the data protection information in this privacy policy.

Legal basis: The processing of data required to provide the functionalities of the application serves to fulfill contractual obligations. This also applies if the provision of the functions requires user authorization (e.g. release of device functions). If the processing of data is not necessary for the provision of the functionalities of the application, but serves the security of the application or our business interests (e.g. collection of data for the purpose of optimizing the application or security purposes), it is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests. If users are expressly asked for their consent to the processing of their data, the data covered by the consent is processed on the basis of the consent.

• Processed data types: inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; security measures. Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
• Legal bases: Contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Storage of a universally unique identifier (UUID): The application stores a so-called Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) for the purpose of analyzing the use and functionality of the application and storing the user's settings. This identifier is generated when this application is installed (but is not linked to the device, so it is not a device identifier in this sense), remains stored between the start of the application and its updates and is deleted when users remove the application from their device.
• Storage of a pseudonymous identifier: We use a pseudonymous identifier so that we can provide the application and ensure its functionality. The identifier is a mathematical value (i.e. no clear data such as names are used) that is assigned to a device and or the application installed on it. This identifier is generated when this application is installed, remains stored between the start of the application and its updates and is deleted when users remove the application from the device.
• Device authorizations for access to functions and data: The use of our application or its functionalities may require user authorizations for access to certain functions of the devices used or to the data stored on the devices or accessible with the help of the devices. By default, these authorizations must be granted by the users and can be revoked at any time in the settings of the respective devices. The exact procedure for controlling app permissions may depend on the user's device and software. Users can contact us if they require clarification. We would like to point out that the denial or revocation of the respective authorizations may affect the functionality of our application.
• No location history and no movement profiles: The location data is only used selectively and is not processed to create a location history or a movement profile of the devices used or their users.

Obtaining applications via app stores

Our application is obtained via special online platforms operated by other service providers (so-called "app stores"). In this context, the data protection notices of the respective app stores apply in addition to our data protection notices. This applies in particular with regard to the procedures used on the platforms to measure reach and interest-based marketing as well as any obligation to pay costs.

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Persons affected: Service recipients and clients. Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; marketing. Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Apple App Store: App and software sales platform; Service provider: Apple Inc, Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.apple.com/de/app-store/. Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/de-ww/.
• Google Play: App and software sales platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://play.google.com/store/apps?hl=de; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.

Push messages in applications

With the user's consent, we can send users so-called "push notifications". These are messages that are displayed on users' end devices, even if our online service is not currently being actively used.

In order to register for the push messages, users must confirm the request from their end device to receive the push messages. This consent process is documented and saved. The storage is necessary to recognize whether users have agreed to receive the push messages and to be able to prove their consent. The device ID of an end device is stored for these purposes.

The push messages may be necessary for the fulfilment of contractual obligations (e.g. technical and organizational information relevant to the use of our online offer) and are otherwise sent on the basis of the user's consent, unless specifically mentioned below. Users can change the receipt of push notifications at any time via their end devices.

 Contents: 

- Push notifications for new content

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data , identification numbers, persons involved).
• Affected persons: Communication partner. Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Communication; provision of our online offer and user-friendliness. Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors).
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion". Deletion after termination.
• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Analysis and performance measurement: We statistically evaluate push messages u nd can thus recognize whether and when push messages were displayed and clicked on. This information is used for the technical improvement of our push messages based on the technical data or the target groups and their retrieval behavior or retrieval times. This analysis also includes determining whether the push messages are opened, when they are opened and whether users interact with their content or buttons. For technical reasons, this information can be assigned to the individual push message recipients. However, it is neither our intention nor, if used, that of the push message service provider to observe individual users. Rather, we use the evaluations to recognize the usage habits of our users and to adapt our push messages to them or to send different push messages according to the interests of our users.
  
  The push messages are analyzed and their success measured on the basis of the user's express consent, which is given when they agree to receive the push messages. Users can object to the analysis and performance measurement by unsubscribing from the push messages. A separate revocation of the analysis and performance measurement is unfortunately not possible; legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Provider of push messages in applications

• Firebase: Google Firebase is a platform for developers of applications ("apps" for short) for mobile devices and websites. Google Firebase offers a variety of functions for testing apps, monitoring their functionality and optimizing them (which are presented on the following overview page: https://firebase.google.com/products-build). The functions include the storage of apps including personal data of the app users, such as content created by them or information regarding their interaction with the apps (so-called "cloud computing"). Google Firebase also offers interfaces that allow interaction between the users of the app and other services, e.g. authentication using services such as Facebook, Twitter or an email/password combination; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum.
• Firebase Cloud Messaging: Sending of cross-platform messages and information; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Website: https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://firebase.google.com/terms/data-processing-terms.

Contact and request management

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

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. text or image messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Affected persons: Communication partners. Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Contact form: When contacting us via our contact form, by e-mail or other communication channels, we process the personal data transmitted to us to answer and process the respective request. This generally includes details such as name, contact information and any other information that is provided to us and is required for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of establishing contact and communication; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Service provider for contact and request management

• Firebase Cloud Messaging: Sending of cross-platform messages and information; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Website:  https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://firebase.google.com/terms/data-processing-terms.  
• Firebase: Google Firebase is a platform for developers of applications ("apps" for short) for mobile devices and websites. Google Firebase offers a variety of functions for testing apps, monitoring their functionality and optimizing them (which are presented on the following overview page: https://firebase.google.com/products-build). The functions include the storage of apps including personal data of the app users, such as content created by them or information regarding their interaction with the apps (so-called "cloud computing"). Google Firebase also offers interfaces that allow interaction between users of the app and other services, e.g. authentication using services such as Facebook, Twitter or an email/password combination; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum. 

Audio content

We use hosting services from service providers to offer our audio content for listening and downloading. We use platforms that enable the upload, storage and distribution of audio material.

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved). Log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles); provision of our online offer and user-friendliness. Tracking (e.g. interest/behavioral profiling, use of cookies).
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
• Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Newsletter and electronic notifications

We send newsletters, emails and other electronic notifications (hereinafter "newsletter") exclusively with the consent of the recipient or on the basis of a legal basis. If the contents of the newsletter are mentioned in the context of a registration for the newsletter, these contents are decisive for the consent of the users. To subscribe to our newsletter, it is normally sufficient to provide your e-mail address. However, in order to be able to offer you a personalized service, we may ask you to provide your name so that we can address you personally in the newsletter or to provide further information if this is necessary for the purpose of the newsletter.

Deletion and restriction of processing: We may store the unsubscribed e-mail addresses for up to three years on the basis of our legitimate interests before deleting them in order to be able to prove that consent was previously given. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a potential defense against claims. An individual request for erasure is possible at any time, provided that the former existence of consent is confirmed at the same time. In the event of obligations to permanently observe objections, we reserve the right to store the e-mail address in a block list for this purpose alone.

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

Contents:

Once a month, the newsletter provides you with an overview of exciting topics from and about Germany, ranging from new developments in politics, business, science and culture to tips on working, studying and traveling. You can receive this update in three different languages: German, English and Spanish.

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. full name, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. email address); meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved). Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
• Affected persons: Communication partner.
• Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by email or post).
• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).
• Option to object (opt-out): You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e. revoke your consent or object to further receipt. You will find a link to unsubscribe from the newsletter either at the end of each newsletter or you can use one of the contact options listed above, preferably e-mail.

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

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

Provider for newsletters and electronic notifications

• XQueue Maileon:  Newsletter distribution; Service provider: XQueue GmbH
  Christian-Pleß-Str. 11-13, 63069 Offenbach am Main, Germany; Website: https://maileon.com/de/. Privacy policy: https://maileon.com/de/plattform/funktionen/sicherheit-datenschutz/.

Online Marketing 

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

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

The IP addresses of the users are also stored. However, we use provided IP masking procedures (i.e. pseudonymisation by shortening the IP address) to ensure the protection of the user's by using a pseudonym. In general, within the framework of the online marketing process, no clear user data (such as e-mail addresses or names) is secured, but pseudonyms. This means that we, as well as the providers of online marketing procedures, do not know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles. 

The information in the profiles is usually stored in the cookies or similar memorizing procedures. These cookies can later, generally also on other websites that use the same online marketing technology, be read and analyzed for purposes of content display, as well as supplemented with other data and stored on the server of the online marketing technology provider. 

Exceptionally, clear data can be assigned to the profiles. This is the case, for example, if the users are members of a social network whose online marketing technology we use and the network links the profiles of the users in the aforementioned data. Please note that users may enter into additional agreements with the social network providers or other service providers, e.g. by consenting as part of a registration process. 

As a matter of principle, we only gain access to summarised information about the performance of our advertisements. However, within the framework of so-called conversion measurement, we can check which of our online marketing processes have led to a so-called conversion, i.e. to the conclusion of a contract with us. The conversion measurement is used alone for the performance analysis of our marketing activities. 

Unless otherwise stated, we kindly ask you to consider that cookies used will be stored for a period of two years. 

Notes on revocation and objection: 

We refer to the privacy policies of the respective service providers and the possibilities for objection (so-called "opt-out"). If no explicit opt-out option has been specified, it is possible to deactivate cookies in the settings of your browser. However, this may restrict the functions of our online offer. We therefore recommend the following additional opt-out options, which are offered collectively for each area: 

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

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

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

d) Cross-regional: https://optout.aboutads.info

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visit, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, types of devices and operating systems used, interactions with content and features). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). 
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services). 
• Purposes of processing: Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behaviour, use of cookies); Affiliate Tracking; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities). Provision of our online services and usability. 
• Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section "General Information on Data Retention and Deletion". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.). 
• Security measures: IP Masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address). 
• Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR). 

Further information on processing methods, procedures and services used: 

• Google Ads and Conversion Tracking: Online marketing process for purposes of placing content and advertisements within the provider's advertising network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on web pages, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the ads. Furthermore, we measure the conversion of the ads, i.e. whether the users took them as a reason to interact with the ads and make use of the advertised offers (so-called conversion). However, we only receive anonymous information and no personal information about individual users; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further Information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Google Ads Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms and standard contractual clauses for data transfers to third countries: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms. 
• Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to perform measurement and analysis of the use of our online services by users based on a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain any unique data, such as names or email addresses. It is used to assign analysis information to an end device in order to recognize which content users have accessed within one or various usage processes, which search terms they have used, have accessed again or have interacted with our online services. Likewise, the time of use and its duration are stored, as well as the sources of users referring to our online services and technical aspects of their end devices and browsers. 
  In the process, pseudonymous profiles of users are created with information from the use of various devices, and cookies may be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses. Analytics does provide coarse geo-location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: City (and the derived latitude, and longitude of the city), Continent, Country, Region, Subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). For EU-based traffic, IP-address data is used solely for geo-location data derivation before being immediately discarded. It is not logged, accessible, or used for any additional use cases. When Analytics collects measurement data, all IP lookups are performed on EU-based servers before forwarding traffic to Analytics servers for processing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal Basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/en/about/analytics/; Security measures: IP Masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Basis for third-country transfers: EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms), Switzerland - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms); Opt-Out: Opt-Out-Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en, Settings for the Display of Advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff. Further Information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (Types of processing and data processed). 

Presence in social networks (social media)

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

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

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

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

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

• Processed data types: Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. text or image messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.). Meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Purposes of Processing: Communication; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); Public relations; Provision of our online services and usability; Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)). Public relations and information purposes.
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
• Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Service providers for presences in social networks

• Bluesky: Decentralized social media network - enables the creation, sharing and commenting of content as well as the following of user profiles; Service provider: Bluesky, PBLLC, Seattle, USA, support@bsky.app; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://bsky.social/. Privacy Policy: https://bsky.social/about/support/privacy-policy.
• Instagram: Social network that allows you to share photos and videos, comment on and favorite posts, send messages, subscribe to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.  
• Facebook pages: Profiles within the Facebook social network - We are jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection (but not the further processing) of data from visitors to our Facebook page (known as a "fan page"). This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see under "Things you and others do and provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/) and information about the devices used by users (e.g. IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see under "Device information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/). As explained in the Facebook Data Policy under "How do we use this information?", Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, known as "Page Insights", for page operators to help them understand how people interact with their pages and the content associated with them. We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Information on Page Insights", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum), which regulates in particular which security measures Facebook must observe and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e. users can, for example, send information or deletion requests directly to Facebook). The rights of users (in particular to information, deletion, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook. Further information can be found at "Information on Page Insights" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data). The joint responsibility is limited to the collection by and transfer of data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company based in the EU. The further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which in particular concerns the transfer of data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA; service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/.  
• LinkedIn: Social network - We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of visitors' data 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 and the actions they take. Details are also collected about the devices used, such as IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings and cookie data, as well as information from the user profiles, such as job function, country, industry, hierarchy level, company size and employment status. Data protection information on the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.
  We have concluded a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum", https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which regulates in particular which security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of the data subjects (i.e. users can, for example, send requests for information or deletion directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (in particular the right to information, deletion, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. Joint responsibility is limited to the collection and transfer of data to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. The further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, in particular 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 basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website:  https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.  Option to object (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
• Telegram channels: We use the Telegram platform to send messages to subscribers of our Telegram channel; Service provider: Representative in of the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium; Website:  https://telegram.org/; Privacy Policy: https://telegram.org/privacy/de; Additional information: We only process the personal data of subscribers to the extent that we can view and delete the subscribers as recipients of the channel. Beyond this, i.e. in particular for the sending of messages, the evaluation and provision of anonymous sending statistics for the channel operators and the administration of subscribers, Telegram is responsible under data protection law.
• Threads: Social network; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website:  https://www.threads.net/; Privacy Policy: https://help.instagram.com/515230437301944.  
• X: Social network; Service provider: Twitter International Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://x.com; Privacy Policy: https://x.com/de/privacy. 
• YouTube: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Opt-Out: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.

Plug-ins and embedded functions and content

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

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

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in efficient, economical and recipient-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.

• Processed data types: Usage data (e.g. page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved); location data (information on the geographical position of a device or person). Event data (Facebook) ("Event data" is information that is sent to the provider Meta via Meta pixels (whether via apps or other channels), for example, and relates to people or their actions. This data includes, for example, details of website visits, interactions with content and functions, app installations and product purchases. Event data is processed with the aim of creating target groups for content and advertising messages (custom audiences). It is important to note that event data does not include actual content such as comments written, login information or contact information such as names, email addresses or telephone numbers. "Event data" is deleted by Meta after a maximum of two years, and the target groups created from it disappear when our Meta user accounts are deleted).
• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services). Communication partners.
• Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); tracking (e.g. interest/behavioral profiling, use of cookies); target group formation; marketing; profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles). Communication.
• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).
• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Facebook plugins and content: Facebook social plugins and content - This may include, for example, content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online offering within Facebook. The list and appearance of Facebook social plugins can be viewed here: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/  - We are jointly responsible withMeta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or receipt in the context of a transmission (but not the further processing) of "event data" that Facebook collects or receives in the context of a transmission by means of the Facebook social plugins (and embedding functions for content) that are executed on our online offer for the following purposes: a) Display of content and advertising information that corresponds to the presumed interests of the users; b) Delivery of commercial and transaction-related messages (e.g. addressing users via Facebook). (e.g. addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalization of features and content (e.g. improving the recognition of which content or advertising information presumably corresponds to the interests of users). We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Addendum for Data Controllers", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which regulates in particular which security measures Facebook must observe (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e. users can, for example, send information or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measurements, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain any information about individual users and are anonymous to us), this processing is not carried out within the framework of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a data processing agreement ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing) the "Data Security Terms" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of standard contractual clauses ("Facebook-EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to information, deletion, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/.  
• Google Fonts (provision on own server): Provision of font files for the purpose of a user-friendly presentation of our online offer; Service provider: The Google Fonts are hosted on our server, no data is transmitted to Google; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
• Google Maps: We integrate the maps of the "Google Maps" service of the provider Google. The processed data may include, in particular, IP addresses and user location data; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://mapsplatform.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.  
• Instagram plugins and content: Instagram plugins and content - This may include, for example, content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online offering within Instagram. - We are jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or receipt in the context of a transmission (but not the further processing) of "event data" that Facebook collects using Instagram functions (e.g. embedding functions for content) that are executed on our online offer or receives in the context of a transmission for the following purposes: a) Display of content and advertising information that corresponds to the presumed interests of the users; b) Delivery of commercial and transaction-related messages (e.g. addressing users via Instagram). (e.g. addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) improving ad delivery and personalization of features and content (e.g. improving the recognition of which content or advertising information presumably corresponds to the interests of users). We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Addendum for Data Controllers", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum), which regulates in particular which security measures Facebook must observe (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e. users can, for example, send information or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with measured values, analyses and reports (which are aggregated, i.e. do not contain any information about individual users and are anonymous to us), this processing is not carried out within the framework of joint responsibility, but on the basis of a data processing agreement ("Data Processing Terms", https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing) the "Data Security Terms" (https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms) and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of standard contractual clauses (Facebook-EU Data Transfer Addendum, https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum). The rights of users (in particular to information, deletion, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.  
• LinkedIn plugins and content: LinkedIn plugins and content- This may include, for example, content such as images, videos or text and buttons with which users can share content from this online offering within LinkedIn; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website:  https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Data processing agreement: https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa; Option to object (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
• X plugins and content: Plugins and buttons of the platform "X" - This may include, for example, content such as images, videos or texts and buttons with which users can share content from this online offer within X; Service provider: Twitter International Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://x.com/de; Privacy Policy: https://x.com/de/privacy, (Settings: https://x.com/personalization); Data processing agreement: https://privacy.x.com/en/for-our-partners/global-dpa.  
• YouTube videos:  Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Opt-Out: Opt-out plug-in: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de; Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
• Integration of third-party software, scripts or frameworks (e.g. jQuery): We integrate software into our online offering that we retrieve from servers of other providers (e.g. function libraries that we use for the purpose of displaying or user-friendliness of our online offering). The respective providers collect the IP address of the users and can process it for the purpose of transmitting the software to the user's browser and for security purposes, as well as for the evaluation and optimization of their offer. - We integrate software into our online offering that we retrieve from servers of other providers (e.g. function libraries that we use for the purpose of displaying or user-friendliness of our online offering). The respective providers collect the IP address of the users and may process it for the purpose of transmitting the software to the user's browser and for security purposes, as well as for the evaluation and optimization of their offer; legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
• Firebase Cloud Messaging: Sending of cross-platform messages and information; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Website:  https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://firebase.google.com/terms/data-processing-terms.  
• Firebase: Google Firebase is a platform for developers of applications ("apps" for short) for mobile devices and websites. Google Firebase offers a variety of functions for testing apps, monitoring their functionality and optimizing them (which are presented on the following overview page: https://firebase.google.com/products-build). The functions at include the storage of apps, including personal data of app users, such as content created by them or information regarding their interaction with the apps (so-called "cloud computing"). Google Firebase also offers interfaces that allow interaction between users of the app and other services, e.g. authentication using services such as Facebook, Twitter or an email/password combination; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://firebase.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum.
• Usercentrics: Consent management: Procedures for obtaining, logging, managing and revoking consent, in particular for the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing, reading and processing information on users' end devices and their processing; Service provider: Usercentrics GmbH, Sendlinger Straße 7, 80331 München, Germany; Website: https://usercentrics.com/de/; Privacy Policy: https://usercentrics.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung/.

Change and update

We ask you to inform yourself regularly about the content of our privacy policy. We will adapt the privacy policy as soon as changes to the data processing carried out by us make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require an act of cooperation on your part (e.g. consent) or other individual notification.

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

Definitions of terms

This section provides you with an overview of the terms used in this privacy policy. Insofar as the terms are defined by law, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations, on the other hand, are primarily intended to aid understanding.

• Inventory data: Inventory data includes essential information that is necessary for the identification and management of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles and similar assignments. This data may include personal and demographic information such as names, contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses), dates of birth and specific identifiers (user IDs). Inventory data forms the basis for any formal interaction between persons and services, facilities or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.
• Firewall: A firewall is a security system that protects a computer network or an individual computer from unwanted network access.
• Content data: Content data includes information generated in the course of creating, editing and publishing content of all kinds. This category of data can include texts, images, videos, audio files and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the actual content, but also includes metadata that provides information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author information and publication dates
• Contact details: Contact data is essential information that enables communication with individuals or organizations. It includes telephone numbers, postal addresses and email addresses, as well as communication tools such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
• Conversion measurement: Conversion measurement (also known as "visit action evaluation") is a process that can be used to determine the effectiveness of marketing measures. For this purpose, a cookie is usually stored on the user's device within the websites on which the marketing measures take place and then retrieved again on the target website. For example, this allows us to track whether the ads we have placed on other websites have been successful.
• Meta, communication and procedural data: Meta, communication and procedural data are categories that contain information about the way in which data is processed, transmitted and managed. Meta data, also known as data about data, includes information that describes the context, origin and structure of other data. It can include information on file size, creation date, the author of a document and change histories. Communication data records the exchange of information between users via various channels, such as e-mail traffic, call logs, messages in social networks and chat histories, including the persons involved, time stamps and transmission paths. Procedural data describes the processes and procedures within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, logs of transactions and activities, and audit logs used to track and review operations.
• Usage data: Usage data refers to information that captures how users interact with digital products, services or platforms. This data includes a wide range of information that shows how users use applications, which functions they prefer, how long they stay on certain pages and which paths they use to navigate through an application. Usage data can also include frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information and location data. It is particularly valuable for analysing user behaviour, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content and improving products or services. In addition, 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 referred to as "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. a cookie) or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
• Profiles with user-related information: The processing of "profiles with user-related information" or "profiles" for short includes any type of automated processing of personal data that consists of using this 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 relating to demographics, behavior and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.) (e.g. interests in certain content or products, click behavior on a website or location). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes.
• Log data: Log data is information about events or activities that have been logged on 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 to analyze system problems, for security monitoring or to create performance reports.
• Reach measurement:  Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to evaluate the flow of visitors to an online offering and can include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as website content. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online offers can, for example, recognize at what time users visit their websites and what content they are interested in. This enables them, for example, to better adapt the content of their websites to the needs of their visitors. Pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used for reach analysis purposes in order to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online offering.
• Location data: Location data is generated when a mobile device (or another device with the technical requirements of location determination) connects to a radio cell, a WLAN or similar technical means and functions of location determination. Location data is used to indicate the geographically determinable position on earth at which the respective device is located. Location data can be used, for example, to display map functions or other location-dependent information.
• Tracking: The term "tracking" is used when the behavior of users can be tracked across several online offerings. As a rule, behavioral and interest information is stored in cookies or on the servers of the providers of the tracking technologies with regard to the online offers used (so-called profiling). This information can then be used, for example, to display advertisements to users that are likely to 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 covers practically every handling of data, be it collection, analysis, storage, transmission or deletion.
• Contract data: "Contract data" is specific information that relates 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 category of data is essential for the management and fulfillment of contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data may include start and end dates of the contract, the type of services or products agreed, price agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options and special terms or clauses. They serve as the legal basis for the relationship between the parties and are crucial for the clarification of rights and obligations, the enforcement of claims and the resolution of disputes.
• Target group formation: The term "custom audiences" is used when target groups are determined for advertising purposes, e.g. the display of advertisements. For example, based on a user's interest in certain products or topics on the internet, it can be concluded that this user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online store in which they viewed the products. In turn, we speak of "lookalike audiences" (or similar target groups) if the content deemed suitable is displayed to users whose profiles or interests presumably correspond to the users for whom the profiles were created. Cookies and web beacons are generally used for the purpose of creating custom audiences and lookalike audiences.

Changes

From time to time it is necessary to adapt the content of this privacy policy. We therefore reserve the right to amend it at any time in the future. We will also publish the amended version of the data protection information here. If you visit us again, you should therefore read the data protection information again.