Imprint & Privacy Policy

Imprint

SIGN8 GmbH

Fürstenrieder Street 5

80687 Munich

Tel: +49 (0)89 2153 7472 000

Fax: +49 (0)89 2153 6232 1

e-Mail: info@sign8.eu

Website: https://www.SIGN8.eu

Registered Office in: München, Amtsgericht München HRB 271573 | USt. ID: DE349977882 Management: Richard Ranftl, Viktoria Hell

Privacy Statement

We are glad to see you are interested in our company. Data protection is of high priority to the management of SIGN8 GmbH. You can visit the websites of SIGN8 GmbH without providing any personal data. If a person wants to make use of specific services our company offers via our website, it might be necessary to process their personal data. If the processing of personal data is necessary that is not already permitted by law, we will seek the person’s consent before processing their data. The processing of personal data, like a person’s name, address, e-mail address or telephone number will always take place in accordance with data protection laws (General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Datenschutzgrundverordnung, DSGVO) and other, national data protection regulations applicable to the activities of SIGN8 GmbH). With this Privacy Statement SIGN8 wants to inform the public about how, to which extent and purpose we use the personal data we collect and process. Moreover, this Privacy Statement serves the purpose of informing all data subjects about their respective rights. SIGN8 GmbH, as the entity responsible for the processing of the respective personal data, implemented various technical and organisational measures in order to ensure a protection of the data collected and processed through this website that is as comprehensive and secure as possible. Still, any internet-based data transmission of data may have security vulnerability and cannot be completely protected from access by third parties. This is why every individual is at liberty to transmit their personal data to us through other channels, for instance, via telephone.

1. Definitions

The SIGN8 GmbH Privacy Statement is based on the definitions as established and used by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator in the context of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Datenschutzgrundverordnung, DSGVO). Our Privacy Statement is designed to be easily understood by and accessible to the public as well as our clients and partners. To ensure that this is the case, we want to outline the relevant terms used in this document. In our Privacy Statement we use, inter alia, the following terms:

1. a) personal data

‘Personal data’ means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter: “data subject”). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

1. b) data subject

‘Data subject’ means any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data are processed by the competent controller.

1. c) processing

‘Processing’ means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.

1. d) restriction of processing

‘Restriction of processing’ means the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in the future.

1. e) profiling

‘Profiling’ means any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyse or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behaviour, location or movements.

1. f) pseudonymisation

‘Pseudonymisation’ means the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organisational measures to ensure that the personal data are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

1. g) controller

‘Controller’ means 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. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.

1. h) processor

‘Processor’ means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

1. i) recipient

‘Recipient’ means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or another body, to which the personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the 4.5.2016 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 119/33 framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be regarded as recipients; the processing of those data by those public authorities shall be in compliance with the applicable data protection rules according to the purposes of the processing.

1. j) third party

‘Third party’ means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or body other than the data subject, controller, processor and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or processor, are authorised to process personal data.

1. k) consent

‘Consent’ of the data subject means any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.

2. name and address of the controller

The responsible party within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union and other provisions of a data protection nature is: SIGN8 GmbH Fürstenrieder Str. 5 80687 Munich Germany Tel.: +49 (0)89 / 2153 623 20 E-mail: info@sign8.eu Website: www.SIGN8.eu

3. name and address of the data protection officer

The data protection officer of the controller is: ER Secure GmbH In der Knackenau 4 82031 Gründwald E-mail: datenschutz@sign8.eu. Any data subject may at any time contact our data protection officer directly with any questions or suggestions regarding data protection.

4. Cookies

The websites of SIGN8 GmbH use cookies. Cookies are text documents that are being filed and stored in a computer system via an internet browser. Many websites and server use cookies. Many cookies entail a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identification of a cookie. It consists of a string of characters which enable that websites and server can be allocated to a concrete internet browser in which the cookie has been saved. This way the visited websites and servers can distinguish the data subject’s individual browser from other internet browsers containing different cookies. A specific internet browser can be identified by its unique cookie ID. By using cookies, SIGN8 GmbH can provide their users with more user-friendly services that could not be realized without the use of cookies. A cookie helps to optimize the information and offers on our website for the benefit of the user. Cookies enable us, as mentioned, to recognize the users of our website. Recognizing our users helps us to simplify the use of our website for them. The user of a website implementing cookies, for instance, does not have to re-enter their login data every time they visit the website, because they are imported from the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example to be mentioned is the cookie in the shopping cart of an online shop. An online shop saves the products a user has put in their virtual shopping cart by using a cookie. The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by using the respective setting of their internet browser and thereby permanently disagree with the use of cookies. Already set cookies can be removed from the cache at any time through the internet browser or other software programs. All commonly used internet browser have this function. If the data subject deactivates the use of cookies in their internet browser, they might not be able to make full use of all the functions on our website.

5. Gathering general data and information

The website of SIGN8 GmbH records a series of general data and information every time the website is accessed by a data subject or an automated system. Those general data and information are stored in the log files of the server. gespeichert. The following data may be collected: (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system accesses our website (so-called referrer), (4) the sub-websites that are accessed via an accessing system on our website, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serve to avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems. When using these general data and information, SIGN8 GmbH does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. This information is rather required in order to (1) correctly deliver the contents of our website, (2) optimize the contents of our website as well as the advertising for these, (3) ensure the permanent functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website as well as (4) to provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyber attack. Therefore, SIGN8 GmbH analyzes anonymously collected data and information on one hand for statistical purposes and on the other hand for the purpose of increasing the data protection and data security of our company, with the aim of ensuring an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files are stored separately from any personal data provided by a data subject.

6. Registration on our website

The data subject has the possibility to register on the website of the controller by providing personal data. Which personal data is transmitted to the controller in this process results from the respective input mask used for registration. The personal data entered by the data subject are collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the controller and for its own purposes. The controller may arrange for the transfer to one or more processors, for example a parcel service provider, which also uses the personal data exclusively for an internal use attributable to the controller. By registering on the website of the controller, the IP address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) of the data subject, the date and the time of registration are also stored. The storage of this data takes place given the fact that only this way can the misuse of our services be prevented and, if necessary, this data makes it possible to detect and investigate crimes that have been committed. In this respect, the storage of this data is necessary for the protection of the controller. This data is generally not passed on to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to pass it on or the passing on serves the purpose of criminal prosecution. The registration of the data subject by voluntarily provided personal data serves the purpose of the controller offering the data subject content or services which, due to the nature of the matter, can only be offered to registered users. Registered persons are free to modify the personal data provided during registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the data stock of the controller. The controller shall provide any data subject at any time, upon request, with information about what personal data is stored about the data subject. Moreover, the controller shall correct or delete personal data at the request or indication of the data subject, provided that this does not conflict with any statutory retention obligations. The entire staff of the controller shall be available to the data subject as contact persons in this context.

7. Subscription to our newsletter

On the website of SIGN8 GmbH, users are given the opportunity to subscribe to our company newsletter. The personal data transmitted to the controller when the newsletter is ordered is specified in the input mask used for this purpose. SIGN8 GmbH informs its customers and business partners at regular intervals by means of a newsletter about company offers. The newsletter of our company can generally only be received by the data subject if (1) the data subject has a valid e-mail address and (2) the data subject registers for the newsletter mailing. For legal reasons, a confirmation e-mail is sent to the email address entered by a data subject for the first time for the newsletter mailing using the double opt-in procedure. This confirmation e-mail serves the purpose of verifying whether the owner of the e-mail address as the data subject has authorized the receipt of the newsletter. When registering for the newsletter, we also store the IP address of the computer system used by the data subject at the time of registration, as assigned by the Internet service provider (ISP), as well as the date and time of registration. The collection of this data is necessary in order to be able to trace the (possible) misuse of a data subject’s e-mail address at a later point in time and therefore serves as a legal safeguard for the controller. The personal data collected in the context of a registration for the newsletter will be used exclusively for sending our newsletter. Furthermore, subscribers to the newsletter could be informed by e-mail if this is necessary for the operation of the newsletter service or a related registration, as could be the case in the event of changes to the newsletter offer or changes in the technical circumstances. No personal data collected as part of the newsletter service will be passed on to third parties. The subscription to our newsletter can be cancelled by the data subject at any time. The consent to the storage of personal data that the data subject has given us for the newsletter mailing can be revoked at any time. For the purpose of revoking consent, a corresponding link can be found in each newsletter. It is also possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter mailing at any time directly on the website of the controller or to notify the controller of this in another way.

8. Newsletter Tracking

The SIGN8 GmbH newsletter contains so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a thumbnail graphic that is embedded in such emails that are sent in HTML format to enable log file recording and log file analysis. This allows a statistical evaluation of the success or failure of online marketing campaigns. Based on the embedded tracking pixel, SIGN8 GmbH may see if and when an e-mail was opened by a data subject, and which links contained in the e-mail were called up by the data subject. Such personal data collected via the tracking pixels contained in the newsletters are stored and analyzed by the controller in order to optimize the newsletter dispatch and to better adapt the content of future newsletters to the interests of the data subject. This personal data will not be disclosed to third parties. Data subjects are entitled at any time to revoke the separate declaration of consent given in this regard via the double opt-in procedure. After a revocation, this personal data will be deleted by the controller. SIGN8 GmbH automatically interprets a cancellation of the receipt of the newsletter as a revocation.

9. Contact option via the website

The website of SIGN8 GmbH contains legal information that enables a quick electronic contact to our company as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general address of the so-called electronic mail (e-mail address). If a data subject contacts the controller by e-mail or via a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject will be stored automatically. Such personal data transmitted on a voluntary basis by a data subject to the controller will be stored for the purposes of processing or contacting the data subject. This personal data is not passed on to third parties.

10. Subscription to comments on the blog on the website

The comments made in the SIGN8 GmbH blog can generally be subscribed to by third parties. In particular, it is possible for a commenter to subscribe to the comments following his or her comment on a particular blog post. If a data subject opts for the option to subscribe to comments, the controller sends an automatic confirmation e-mail in order to verify in the double opt-in procedure whether the owner of the specified e-mail address has really opted for this option. The option to subscribe to comments can be terminated at any time.

11. Routine deletion and blocking of personal data

The controller shall process and store personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or where provided for by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator or other legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject. If the purpose of storage no longer applies or if a storage period prescribed by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.

12. Rights of the data subject
13. a) Right to confirmation

Every data subject has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator, to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning him or her are being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of confirmation, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

1. b) Right to information

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator, to obtain from the controller, at any time and free of charge, information about the personal data stored about him or her, and a copy of that information. The European Directive and Regulation Legislator has further granted the data subject access to the following information:

• the processing purposes
• the categories of personal data that are processed
• the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular in the case of recipients in third countries or international organizations
• if possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored or, if this is not possible, the criteria for determining this duration
• the existence of a right to obtain the rectification or erasure of personal data concerning him or her, or the restriction of processing by the controller, or a right to object to such processing
• the existence of a right of appeal to a supervisory authority
• if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: all available information about the origin of the data
• the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and – at least in these cases – meaningful information about the logic involved and the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject

The data subject also has a right to information as to whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject also has the right to obtain information about the appropriate safeguards in connection with the transfer. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

1. c) Right to rectification

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator to request the immediate rectification of any inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Furthermore, the data subject has the right, taking into account the purposes of the processing, to request the completion of incomplete personal data – also by means of a supplementary declaration. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectify, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

1. d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator, to obtain from the controller the erasure without delay of personal data concerning him or her, where one of the following reasons applies and insofar as the processing is not necessary:

• The personal data were collected or otherwise processed for purposes for which they are no longer necessary.
• The data subject revokes the consent on which the processing is based pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1(a) GDPR or Art. 9 para. 2(a) GDPR and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
• The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 para. 2 GDPR.
• The personal data have been processed unlawfully.
• The deletion of the personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
• The personal data was collected in relation to information society services offered pursuant to Art. 8 para. 1 GDPR.

If one of the aforementioned reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to arrange for the deletion of personal data stored by SIGN8 GmbH, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. The employee of SIGN8 GmbH will arrange for the deletion request to be complied with immediately. If the personal data have been made public by SIGN8 GmbH and our company as the controller is obliged to erase the personal data pursuant to Article 17 para. 1 GDPR, SIGN8 GmbH shall implement reasonable measures, including technical measures, to monitor the available technology and the cost of implementation in order to inform other data controllers which are processing the published personal data, that the data subject has requested from those other data controllers to erase all links to or copies or replications of the personal data, unless the processing is necessary. The employee of SIGN8 GmbH will arrange the measures necessary in the individual case.

1. e) Right to restriction of processing

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator, to obtain from the controller the restriction of processing if one of the following conditions is met:

• The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
• The processing is unlawful, the data subject objects to the erasure of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of the use of the personal data.
• The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but the data subject needs it for the assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims.
• The data subject has objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR and it is not yet clear whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

If one of the aforementioned conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by SIGN8 GmbH, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. The employee of SIGN8 GmbH will arrange the restriction of the processing.

1. f) Right to data portability

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator, to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which has been provided by the data subject to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. He/she also has the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data was provided, provided that the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1(a) GDPR or Art. 9 para. 2(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1(b) GDPR and the processing is carried out with the aid of automated procedures, unless the processing 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. Furthermore, when exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to Article 20 para. 1 GDPR, the data subject has the right for the personal data to be transferred directly from one controller to another controller, to the extent that this is technically feasible and provided that this does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of other individuals. In order to assert the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact any employee of SIGN8 GmbH.

1. g) Right of objection

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator to object at any time, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning him or her carried out on the basis of Article 6 para. 1(e) or (f) GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions. SIGN8 GmbH shall no longer process the personal data in the event of the objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims. If SIGN8 GmbH processes personal data for the purpose of direct marketing, the data subject shall have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data processed for such marketing. This also applies to profiling, insofar as it is associated with such direct advertising. If the data subject objects to SIGN8 GmbH to the processing for direct marketing purposes, SIGN8 GmbH will no longer process the personal data for these purposes. In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, to object to processing of personal data concerning him or her which is carried out by SIGN8 GmbH for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89 para. 1 of the GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest. In order to exercise the right to object, the data subject may directly contact any employee of SIGN8 GmbH or another employee. The data subject is also free, in connection with the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise his or her right to object by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.

1. h) Automated decisions in individual cases including profiling

Any data subject concerned by the processing of personal data shall have the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator, not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning him or her or similarly significantly affects him or her, unless the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is permitted by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and that law contains suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent. If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the data controller, or (2) it is made with the data subject’s explicit consent, SIGN8 GmbH shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, which include at least the right to obtain the data subject’s involvement on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and to contest the decision. If the data subject wishes to exercise the rights concerning automated decisions, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

1. i) Right to revoke consent under data protection law

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European Directive and Regulation Legislator to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw the consent, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

13. Privacy policy on the use and application of etracker

The controller has integrated components of the company etracker on this website. Etracker is a web analytics service. Web analytics means the collection, compilation and evaluation of data about the behavior of visitors to websites. A web analytics service collects, among other things, data about the website from which a data subject has accessed a website (so-called referrer), which subpages of the website have been accessed or how often and for how long a subpage has been viewed. Web analytics is mainly used to optimize a website and to analyze the cost-benefit of internet advertising. The operating company of etracker is etracker GmbH, Erste Brunnenstraße 1, 20459 Hamburg, Germany. Etracker sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has been explained above. Each time one of the individual pages of this website operated by the data controller is called up and on which an etracker component has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically caused by the respective etracker component to transmit data to etracker for marketing and optimization purposes. Within the scope of this technical procedure, etracker obtains knowledge of data that is subsequently used to create pseudonymous usage profiles. The usage profiles thus obtained are used to analyze the behavior of the data subject who has accessed the website of the controller and are evaluated with the aim of improving and optimizing the website. The data collected via the etracker component will not be used to identify the data subject without first obtaining the separate and explicit consent of the data subject. This data is not merged with personal data or with other data containing the same pseudonym. The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as already described above, at any time by means of an appropriate setting of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent etracker from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, cookies already set by etracker can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs. The data subject also has the option to object to the collection of data generated by the etracker cookie and related to the use of this website as well as to the processing of this data by etracker and to prevent such processing. For this purpose, the data subject must press the set cookie button under the link http://www.etracker.de/privacy?et=V23Jbb, which sets an opt-out cookie. The opt-out cookie set with the objection is stored on the information technology system used by the data subject. If the cookies on the data subject’s system are deleted after an objection, the data subject must call up the link again and set a new opt-out cookie. However, with the setting of the opt-out cookie, there is the possibility that the internet pages of the controller are no longer fully usable for the data subject. The applicable data protection provisions of etracker can be found at https://www.etracker.com/de/datenschutz.html.

14. Privacy policy on the use and application of Google Analytics (with anonymization function)

The controller has integrated the Google Analytics component (with anonymization function) on this website. Google Analytics is a web analytics service. Web analytics is the collection, compilation and evaluation of data about the behavior of visitors to websites. A web analytics service collects, among other things, data about the website from which a data subject has accessed a website (so-called referrer), which subpages of the website have been accessed or how often and for how long a subpage has been viewed. Web analytics is mainly used to optimize a website and to analyze the cost-benefit of internet advertising. The operating company of the Google Analytics component is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland. The controller uses the addition “_gat._anonymizeIp” for web analytics via Google Analytics. By means of this addition, the IP address of the internet connection of the data subject is shortened and anonymized by Google if access to our internet pages takes place from a Member State of the European Union or from another State Party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area. The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze the flow of visitors to our website. Among other things, Google uses the data and information obtained to evaluate the use of our website, to compile online reports for us showing the activities on our websites, and to provide other services related to the use of our website. Google Analytics sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has been explained above. By setting the cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. By each call of one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Google Analytics component has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically caused by the respective Google Analytics component to transmit data to Google for the purpose of online analytics. As part of this technical process, Google obtains knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which Google uses, among other things, to track the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently enable commission calculations. By means of the cookie, personal information, for example the access time, the place from which an access originated and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject, is stored. Each time you visit our website, this personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States of America. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may share this personal data collected through the technical process with third parties. The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as already described above, at any time by means of an appropriate setting of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs. Moreover, the data subject has the possibility to object to the collection of data generated by Google Analytics and related to the use of this website as well as to the processing of such data by Google and to prevent such processing. For this purpose, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on under the link https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This browser add-on tells Google Analytics via JavaScript that no data and information about website visits may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google considers the installation of the browser add-on an objection. If the information technology system of the data subject is deleted, formatted or reinstalled at a later point in time, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on in order to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or another person within his or her control, it is possible to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on. Further information and the applicable Google privacy policy can be found at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/ and at http://www.google.com/analytics/terms/de.html. Google Analytics is explained in more detail under this link: https://www.google.com/intl/de_de/analytics/.

15. Privacy policy on the use and application of Instagram

The controller has integrated components of the Instagram service on this website. Instagram is a service that qualifies as an audiovisual platform and allows users to share photos and videos and also to redistribute such data in other social networks. The operator of the Instagram services is Facebook Ireland Ltd, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2 Ireland. Each time one of the individual pages of this website operated by the data controller is called up and on which an Instagram component (Insta button) has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically caused by the respective Instagram component to download a representation of the corresponding component from Instagram. As part of this technical process, Instagram receives information about which specific sub-page of our website is visited by the data subject. If the data subject is logged into Instagram at the same time, Instagram recognises which specific sub-page the data subject is visiting each time the data subject calls up our website and for the entire duration of the respective stay on our website. This information is collected by the Instagram component and assigned by Instagram to the respective Instagram account of the data subject. If the data subject activates one of the Instagram buttons integrated on our website, the data and information thus transmitted will be assigned to the personal Instagram user account of the data subject and stored and processed by Instagram. Instagram always receives information via the Instagram component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into Instagram at the same time as calling up our website; this takes place regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Instagram component or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to Instagram, he or she can prevent the transmission by logging out of his or her Instagram account before accessing our website. Further information and the applicable data protection provisions of Instagram can be found at https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388 and https://www.instagram.com/about/legal/privacy/.

16. Privacy policy on the use and application of Jetpack for WordPress

The controller has integrated Jetpack on this website. Jetpack is a WordPress plug-in that offers additional functions to the operator of a website built on WordPress. Among other things, Jetpack allows the website operator to have an overview of the visitors to the site. By displaying related posts and publications or the possibility to share content on the page, it is also possible to increase the number of visitors. In addition, security functions are integrated into Jetpack so that a website using Jetpack is better protected against brute force attacks. Jetpack also optimises and speeds up the loading of images integrated on the website. The operating company of the Jetpack plug-in for WordPress is Aut O’Mattic A8C Ireland Ltd, Business Centre, No.1 Lower Mayor Street, International Financial Services Centre, Dublin 1, Ireland. Jetpack sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has already been explained above. Each time one of the individual pages of this website operated by the controller is called up, on which a Jetpack component has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically triggered by the respective Jetpack component to transmit data to Automattic for analysis purposes. As part of this technical procedure, Automattic obtains knowledge of data that is subsequently used to create an overview of website visits. The data obtained in this way are used to analyse the behaviour of the data subject who has accessed the website of the controller and are evaluated with the aim of optimising the website. The data collected via the Jetpack component will not be used to identify the data subject without obtaining the prior explicit consent of the data subject. The data also comes to the knowledge of Quantcast. Quantcast uses the data for the same purposes as Automattic. The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as already described above, at any time by means of an appropriate setting of the Internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Automattic/Quantcast from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, cookies already set by Automattic can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs. Furthermore, the data subject has the possibility to object to and prevent the collection of data generated by the Jetpack cookie and related to a use of this website as well as the processing of such data by Automattic/Quantcast. For this purpose, the data subject must press the opt-out button under the link https://www.quantcast.com/opt-out/, which sets an opt-out cookie. The opt-out cookie set with the objection is stored on the information technology system used by the data subject. If the cookies on the data subject’s system are deleted after an objection, the data subject must call up the link again and set a new opt-out cookie. However, with the setting of the opt-out cookie, there is the possibility that the Internet pages of the controller are no longer fully usable for the data subject. The applicable data protection provisions of Automattic are available at https://automattic.com/privacy/. The applicable data protection provisions of Quantcast are available at https://www.quantcast.com/privacy/.

17. Privacy policy on the use and application of LinkedIn

The controller has integrated components of the LinkedIn Corporation on this website. LinkedIn is an internet-based social network that allows users to connect with existing business contacts and make new business contacts. Over 400 million registered people use LinkedIn in more than 200 countries. This makes LinkedIn currently the largest platform for business contacts and one of the most visited websites in the world. The operating company of LinkedIn is LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. For privacy matters outside the U.S., LinkedIn Ireland, Privacy Policy Issues, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, is responsible. With each individual call-up of our website that is equipped with a LinkedIn component (LinkedIn plug-in), this component causes the browser used by the data subject to download a corresponding representation of the component from LinkedIn. Further information on LinkedIn plug-ins can be found at https://developer.linkedin.com/plugins. As part of this technical procedure, LinkedIn receives information about which specific subpage of our website is visited by the data subject. If the data subject is logged in to LinkedIn at the same time, LinkedIn recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject calls up our website and for the entire duration of the respective stay on our website. This information is collected by the LinkedIn component and assigned by LinkedIn to the respective LinkedIn account of the person concerned. If the data subject activates a LinkedIn button integrated on our website, LinkedIn assigns this information to the personal LinkedIn user account of the data subject and stores this personal data. LinkedIn always receives information via the LinkedIn component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into LinkedIn at the same time as calling up our website; this takes place regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the LinkedIn component or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to LinkedIn, he or she can prevent the transmission by logging out of his or her LinkedIn account before accessing our website. LinkedIn offers the ability to unsubscribe from email messages, SMS messages, and targeted ads, as well as manage ad settings at https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls. LinkedIn also uses partners such as Quantcast, Google Analytics, BlueKai, DoubleClick, Nielsen, Comscore, Eloqua and Lotame, which may set cookies. Such cookies can be rejected at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy. The applicable privacy policy of LinkedIn is available at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy. LinkedIn’s cookie policy is available at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy.

18. Privacy policy on the use and application of SlideShare

The controller has integrated SlideShare components on this website. LinkedIn SlideShare is a file hosting service that allows you to share and archive presentations and other documents such as PDF files, videos and webinars. The file hosting service allows users to upload media content in all popular formats, and documents can either be made publicly available or marked private. The operating company of SlideShare is LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. LinkedIn SlideShare provides so-called embed codes for the media content stored there (presentations, PDF files, videos, photos, etc.). Embed codes are program codes that are embedded in internet pages with the aim of displaying external content on the user’s own internet page. Embed codes make it possible to reproduce content on one’s own website without storing it on one’s own server and thereby possibly violating the reproduction rights of the respective content creator. Another advantage of using an embed code is that the respective operator of an Internet page does not use its own storage space and its own server is thereby relieved. An embed code can be included at any point of another web page, so that an external content can also be inserted within your own text. The purpose of using LinkedIn SlideShare is to reduce the load on our server and to avoid copyright infringements when using third-party content at the same time. Each time our website is accessed, which is equipped with a SlideShare component (embed codes), this component causes the browser used by them to download corresponding embedded data from SlideShare. As part of this technical procedure, LinkedIn receives information about which specific subpage of our website is visited by the data subject. If the data subject is logged in to SlideShare at the same time, SlideShare recognizes which specific subpage the data subject is visiting each time the data subject calls up our website and for the entire duration of the respective stay on our website. This information is collected by SlideShare and assigned by LinkedIn to the respective SlideShare account of the person concerned. LinkedIn always receives information via the SlideShare component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is simultaneously logged into SlideShare at the time of calling up our website; this takes place regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the embedded media data or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to LinkedIn, he or she can prevent the transmission by logging out of his or her SlideShare account before accessing our website. LinkedIn also uses partners such as Quantcast, Google Analytics, BlueKai, DoubleClick, Nielsen, Comscore, Eloqua and Lotame, which may set cookies. Such cookies can be rejected at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy. The applicable privacy policy of LinkedIn is available at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.

19. Privacy policy on the use and application of Twitter

The controller has integrated components of Twitter on this website. Twitter is a multilingual publicly accessible microblogging service on which users can publish and distribute so-called tweets, i.e. short messages limited to 280 characters. These short messages can be accessed by anyone, including people who are not logged into Twitter. However, the tweets are also displayed to the so-called followers of the respective user. Followers are other Twitter users who follow a user’s tweets. Twitter also makes it possible to address a broad audience via hashtags, links or retweets. Operating company of Twitter International Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street Dublin 2, D02 AX07, Ireland. By each call of one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Twitter component (Twitter button) has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically caused by the respective Twitter component to download a representation of the corresponding Twitter component from Twitter. Further information on the Twitter buttons is available at https://about.twitter.com/de/resources/buttons. As part of this technical process, Twitter receives information about which specific subpage of our website is visited by the data subject. The purpose of integrating the Twitter component is to enable our users to further distribute the content of this website, to make this website known in the digital world and to increase our visitor numbers. If the data subject is logged in to Twitter at the same time, Twitter recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject calls up our website and for the entire duration of the respective stay on our website. This information is collected by the Twitter component and assigned by Twitter to the respective Twitter account of the person concerned. If the data subject activates one of the Twitter buttons integrated on our website, the data and information thus transmitted will be assigned to the personal Twitter user account of the data subject and stored and processed by Twitter. Twitter always receives information via the Twitter component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into Twitter at the same time as calling up our website; this takes place regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Twitter component or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to Twitter, he or she can prevent the transmission by logging out of his or her Twitter account before accessing our website. Twitter’s applicable privacy policy is available at https://twitter.com/de/privacy.

20. Privacy policy on the use and application of Xing

The controller has integrated components of Xing on this website. Xing is an Internet-based social network that allows users to connect with existing business contacts and make new business contacts. Individual users can create a personal profile of themselves on Xing. Companies can, for example, create company profiles or publish job offers on Xing. The operating company of Xing is XING SE, Dammtorstraße 30, 20354 Hamburg, Germany. By each call of one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Xing component (Xing plug-in) has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically caused by the respective Xing component to download a representation of the corresponding Xing component from Xing. Further information on the Xing plug-ins can be found at https://dev.xing.com/plugins. As part of this technical process, Xing receives information about which specific subpage of our website is visited by the data subject. If the data subject is logged in to Xing at the same time, Xing recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject calls up our website and for the entire duration of the respective stay on our website. This information is collected by the Xing component and assigned by Xing to the respective Xing account of the person concerned. If the data subject activates one of the Xing buttons integrated on our website, for example the “Share” button, Xing assigns this information to the personal Xing user account of the data subject and stores this personal data. Xing always receives information via the Xing component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into Xing at the same time as calling up our website; this takes place regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Xing component or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to Xing, he or she can prevent the transmission by logging out of his or her Xing account before accessing our website. The privacy policy published by Xing, which can be accessed at https://www.xing.com/privacy, provides information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by Xing. Furthermore, Xing has published privacy notices for the XING Share button at https://www.xing.com/app/share?op=data_protection.

21. Privacy policy on the use and application of YouTube

The controller has integrated YouTube components on this website. YouTube is an internet video portal that allows video publishers to post video clips free of charge and other users to view, rate and comment on them, also free of charge. YouTube allows the publication of all kinds of videos, which is why complete film and TV shows, but also music videos, trailers or videos made by users themselves can be accessed via the internet portal. The operating company of YouTube is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland. By each call of one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a YouTube component (YouTube video) has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically caused by the respective YouTube component to download a representation of the corresponding YouTube component from YouTube. Weitere Informationen zu YouTube können unter https://www.youtube.com/yt/about/ abgerufen werden. As part of this technical process, YouTube and Google receive information about which specific subpage of our website is visited by the data subject. If the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time, YouTube recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting when a subpage containing a YouTube video is called up. This information is collected by YouTube and Google and assigned to the respective YouTube account of the person concerned. YouTube and Google always receive information via the YouTube component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into YouTube at the same time as calling up our website; this takes place regardless of whether the data subject clicks on a YouTube video or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to YouTube and Google, he or she can prevent the transmission by logging out of his or her YouTube account before accessing our website. The privacy policy published by YouTube, which is available at https://policies.google.com/privacy, provides information about the collection, processing and use of personal data by YouTube and Google.

22. Payment method: Privacy policy for PayPal as payment method

The controller has integrated components of PayPal on this website. PayPal is an online payment service provider. Payments are processed via so-called PayPal accounts, which represent virtual private or business accounts. In addition, PayPal offers the possibility of processing virtual payments via credit cards if a user does not have a PayPal account. A PayPal account is managed via an e-mail address, which is why there is no classic account number. PayPal makes it possible to initiate online payments to third parties or to receive payments. PayPal also assumes trustee functions and offers buyer protection services. The European operating company of PayPal is PayPal (Europe) S.à.r.l. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal L-2449, Luxembourg. If the data subject selects “PayPal” as a payment option during the ordering process in our online shop, data of the data subject will be automatically transmitted to PayPal. By selecting this payment option, the data subject consents to the transmission of personal data required for payment processing. The personal data transmitted to PayPal are usually first name, last name, address, email address, IP address, telephone number, mobile phone number or other data that are necessary for payment processing. Personal data that is related to the respective order is also necessary for the processing of the purchase contract. The purpose of transmitting the data is payment processing and fraud prevention. The controller will transmit personal data to PayPal in particular if there is a legitimate interest for the transmission. The personal data exchanged between PayPal and the controller may be transferred by PayPal to credit reference agencies. The purpose of this transmission is to check identity and creditworthiness. PayPal may share the personal data with affiliated companies and service providers or subcontractors to the extent necessary to fulfil contractual obligations or to process the data on behalf of PayPal. The data subject has the possibility to revoke the consent to the handling of personal data at any time vis-à-vis PayPal. A revocation does not affect personal data that must necessarily be processed, used or transmitted for (contractual) payment processing. The applicable data protection provisions of PayPal can be found at https://www.paypal.com/de/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full.

23. Legal basis for processing

Art. 6 I lit. a GDPR serves our company as the legal basis for processing operations in which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations that are necessary for a delivery of goods or the provision of another service or consideration, the processing is based on Art. 6 I lit. b GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations that are necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, for example in cases of inquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation through which the processing of personal data becomes necessary, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Art. 6 I lit. c GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data might become necessary to protect vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were to be injured on our premises and as a result his or her name, age, health insurance data or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital or other third party. Then the processing would be based on Art. 6 I lit. d GDPR. Ultimately, processing operations could be based on Art. 6 I lit. f GDPR. Processing operations not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases are based on this legal basis if the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject are not overridden. Such processing operations are permitted to us in particular because they have been specifically mentioned by the European Legislator. In this respect, they considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (recital 47, second sentence, GDPR).

24. Legitimate interests in the processing pursued by the controller or a third party

If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6 I lit. f GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and our shareholders.

25. Duration for which the personal data are stored

The criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiry of the deadline, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, provided that it is no longer required for the fulfillment or initiation of the contract.

26. Legal or contractual requirements to provide the personal data; necessity for the conclusion of the contract; obligation of the data subject to provide the personal data; possible consequences of non-provision

We inform you that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or may also result from contractual regulations (e.g. information on the contractual partner). Sometimes, in order to conclude a contract, it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data that must subsequently be processed by us. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data if our company concludes a contract with him or her. Failure to provide the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before providing personal data by the data subject, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will inform the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of the personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and what the consequences of not providing the personal data would be.

27. Existence of automated decision making

As a responsible company, we do not use automatic decision-making or profiling. This data protection declaration was created by the data protection declaration generator of the DGD Deutsche Gesellschaft für Datenschutz GmbH, which acts as the external data protection officer Hamburg, in cooperation with the data protection lawyer Christian Solmecke.