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: February 10, 2025

Table of contents

• Preamble

• Person responsible

• Contact data protection officer

• Overview of processing

• Relevant legal bases

• Security measures

• Transmission of personal data

• International data transfers

• General information on data storage and deletion

• Rights of the data subjects

• Data protection information for further data processing

• Business services

• Business processes and procedures

• Payment procedure

• Credit check

• Provision of the online offer and web hosting

• Use of cookies

• Contact and request management

• Video conferences, online meetings, webinars and screen sharing

• Cloud services

• Newsletter and electronic notifications

• Advertising communication via e-mail, post, fax or telephone

• Web analysis, monitoring and optimization

• Online marketing

• Presence in social networks (social media)

• Plug-ins and embedded functions and content

• Management, organization and support tools

• Change and update

• Definitions of terms

Person responsible

BMZ Germany GmbH
Zeche Gustav 1
63791 Karlstein

Persons authorized to represent the company: Sven Bauer

E-mail address: mail@bmz-group.com

Phone: 06188 9956-0

Imprint: https://bmz-group.com/index.php/impressum

Contact data protection officer

Kompass Datenschutz GmbH
Jan Besold
Address: Bahnstr. 21 / 50858 Köln
E-Mail: besold (at) kompass-datenschutz.de
Phone: 02233 / 6290596
Mobile: 01575/ 2623224

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.

• Employee data.

• Payment data.

• Contact details.

• Content data.

• Contract data.

• Usage data.

• Meta, communication and process data.

• Applicant data.

• Image and/or video recordings.

• Sound recordings.

• Contact information (Facebook).

• Event data (Facebook).

• Protocol data.

• Creditworthiness data.

Categories of affected persons

• Beneficiary and client.

• Employees.

• Interested parties.

• Communication partner.

• Users.

• Applicants.

• Business and contractual partners.

• Education and course participants.

• Persons depicted.

• Third parties.

• Customers.

Purposes of the processing

• Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.

• Communication.

• Safety measures.

• Direct marketing.

• Reach measurement.

• Tracking.

• Office and organizational procedures.

• Remarketing.

• Conversion measurement.

• Target group formation.

• Organizational and administrative procedures.

• Server monitoring and error detection.

• Feedback.

• Marketing.

• Profiles with user-related information.

• Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.

• Assessment of creditworthiness and credit standing.

• Information technology infrastructure.

• Financial and payment management.

• Public relations.

• Sales promotion.

• Business processes and business management procedures.

Automated decisions in individual cases

• Credit report.

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.

• Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.

• Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR) - processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data.

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.

National data protection regulations in France: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in France. These include, in particular, the French Data Protection Act (Loi Informatique et Libertés).

National data protection regulations in Austria: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Austria. These include, in particular, the Federal Act on the Protection of Natural Persons with regard to the Processing of Personal Data (Data Protection Act - DSG). In particular, the Data Protection Act contains special regulations on the right to information, the right to rectification or erasure, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes and transfer as well as automated decision-making in individual cases.

National data protection regulations in Poland: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Poland. These include in particular the "Data Protection Act" (Ustawa z dnia 10 maja 2018 r. ochronie danych osobowych).

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 DPA 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 DPA). 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.

Third country (outside the EU and Switzerland): The data protection regulations in the country in which the controller is based apply in addition to or alongside the data protection regulations of the GDPR. These regulations may contain specific provisions that go beyond or deviate from the requirements of the GDPR. These include, among other things, regulations on protection against misuse of personal data, regulations on rights of access and erasure, rights of objection, processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes, transmission and automated decision-making including profiling.

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.

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.

Transmission of personal data

As part of our processing of personal data, it may be transmitted to other bodies, companies, legally independent organizational units or persons or disclosed to them. The recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers commissioned with IT tasks or providers of services and content that are integrated into a website. In such cases, we observe the legal requirements and, in particular, conclude corresponding contracts or agreements with the recipients of your data that serve to protect your data.

International data transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we process data in a third country (i.e. outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA)) or the processing takes place in the context of the use of third-party services or the disclosure or transfer of data to other persons, bodies or companies, this will only take place in accordance with the legal requirements. If the level of data protection in the third country has been recognized by means of an adequacy decision (Art. 45 GDPR), this serves as the basis for the data transfer. Otherwise, data will only be transferred if the level of data protection is otherwise ensured, in particular through standard contractual clauses (Art. 46 para. 2 lit. c) GDPR), express consent or in the case of contractual or legally required transfer (Art. 49 para. 1 GDPR). In addition, we will inform you of the basis for third country transfers with the individual providers from the third country, whereby the adequacy decisions take precedence. Information on third country transfers and existing adequacy decisions can be found in the information provided by the EU Commission: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en?prefLang=de. As part of the so-called "Data Privacy Framework" (DPF), the EU Commission has also recognized the level of data protection for certain companies from the USA as secure as part of the adequacy decision of 10.07.2023. The list of certified companies and further information on the DPF can be found on the website of the US Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/. As part of the data protection information, we will inform you which service providers we use are certified under the Data Privacy Framework.

Disclosure of personal data abroad: In accordance with the Swiss FADP, we only disclose personal data abroad if adequate protection of the data subjects is guaranteed (Art. 16 Swiss FADP). If the Federal Council has not determined adequate protection (list: https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/staat/datenschutz/internationales/anerkennung-staaten.html), we take alternative security measures. These may include international agreements, specific guarantees, data protection clauses in contracts, standard data protection clauses approved by the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) or internal company data protection regulations recognized in advance by the FDPIC or a competent data protection authority in another country. According to Art. 16 of the Swiss DPA, exceptions may be made for the disclosure of data abroad if certain conditions are met, including consent of the data subject, performance of a contract, public interest, protection of life or physical integrity, data made public or data from a register provided for by law. These disclosures are always made in accordance with legal requirements. As part of the so-called "Data Privacy Framework" (DPF), the Swiss have recognized the level of data protection for certain companies from the USA as secure as part of the adequacy decision of 07.06.2024. The list of certified companies and further information on the DPF can be found on the website of the US Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/. As part of the data protection information, we will inform you which service providers we use are certified under the Data Privacy Framework.

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 retention and archiving periods apply in accordance with Austrian 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 (Federal Fiscal Code (BAO §132), Commercial Code (UGB §§190-212)).

• 6 years - Other business documents: Commercial or business letters received, copies of commercial or business letters sent and other documents, provided they are relevant for tax purposes. These include, for example, hourly wage slips, company accounting sheets, calculation documents, price labels and payroll accounting documents, provided they are not already accounting documents and cash register strips (Federal Fiscal Code (BAO §132), Commercial Code (UGB §§190-212)).

• 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 common industry practices will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 1478, 1480 ABGB).

• 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 and 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 statutory provisions 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 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.

Data protection information for further data processing by the BMZ organization can be found at: https://www.bmz-group.com/

Business services

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

We use this data to fulfill our contractual obligations. These include, in particular, the obligations to provide the agreed services, any updating obligations and remedies in the event of warranty and other service disruptions. In addition, we use the data to safeguard our rights and for the purpose of the administrative tasks associated with these obligations and the company organization. We also process the data on the basis of our legitimate interests both in the proper and efficient management of our business and in security measures to protect our contractual partners and our business operations from misuse, threats to their data, secrets, information and rights (e.g. to involve telecommunications, transport and other auxiliary services as well as subcontractors, banks, tax and legal advisors, payment service providers or tax authorities). Within the framework of applicable law, we only pass on the data of contractual partners to third parties to the extent that this is necessary for the aforementioned purposes or to fulfill legal obligations. Contractual partners will be informed about other forms of processing, such as for marketing purposes, as part of this privacy policy.

We inform the contractual partners which data is required for the aforementioned purposes before or during data collection, e.g. in online forms, by means of special marking (e.g. colors) or symbols (e.g. asterisks or similar), or in person.

We delete the data after the expiry of statutory warranty and comparable obligations, i.e. generally after four years, unless the data is stored in a customer account, e.g. as long as it must be retained for legal archiving reasons (e.g. for tax purposes, generally ten years). We delete data disclosed to us by the contractual partner as part of an order in accordance with the specifications and generally after the end of the order.

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication and process data (e.g. page views and duration of stay, click intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used). 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). Applicant data (e.g. personal details, postal and contact addresses, the documents belonging to the application and the information contained therein, such as cover letter, CV, certificates and other personal or qualification information provided by applicants with regard to a specific position or voluntarily).

• Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; interested parties; business and contractual partners; training and course participants. Applicants.

• Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfilment of contractual obligations; security measures; communication; office and organizational procedures; organizational and administrative procedures; business processes and business management procedures. Conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures).

• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".

• Legal basis: Fulfilment of contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Online store, order forms, e-commerce and delivery: We process the data of our customers to enable them to select, purchase or order the selected products, goods and associated services, as well as their payment and delivery or execution. If necessary for the execution of an order, we use service providers, in particular postal, forwarding and shipping companies, to carry out the delivery or execution for our customers. We use the services of banks and payment service providers to process payment transactions. The required information is marked as such in the context of the order or comparable purchase process and includes the information required for delivery or provision and billing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultation; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

• Automotive industry and vehicle technology: We process the data of our customers and clients in order to enable them to develop, produce and provide vehicles and vehicle technologies as well as related services. The required data includes the information required for project implementation and invoicing as well as contact information for necessary coordination. Insofar as we receive access to information from end customers, employees or other persons, we process this in accordance with the legal and contractual requirements; legal basis: Contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Education and training services: We process the data of participants in our education and training services (uniformly referred to as "trainees") in order to be able to provide them with our training services. The data processed in this context, the type, scope, purpose and necessity of its processing are determined by the underlying contractual and training relationship. The forms of processing also include the performance assessment and evaluation of our services and those of our instructors. As part of our activities, we may also process special categories of data, in particular information on the health of trainees and students and data revealing ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs. Where necessary, we obtain the express consent of the trainees for this purpose and otherwise only process the special categories of data if it is necessary for the provision of training services, for the purposes of health care, social protection or the protection of vital interests of the trainees; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

• Coaching: We process the data of our clients as well as interested parties and other clients or contractual partners (uniformly referred to as "clients") in order to be able to provide our services to them. The procedures that are carried out as part of and for the purposes of coaching include Contacting and communicating with clients, needs assessment to determine appropriate coaching interventions, planning and conducting coaching sessions, documenting coaching progress, collecting and managing client-specific information and data, scheduling and organizing appointments, providing coaching materials and resources, billing and payment management, follow-up and follow-up of coaching sessions, quality assurance and feedback processes.
  The processed data, the type, scope, purpose and necessity of its processing are determined by the underlying contractual and client relationship.
  If it is necessary for the fulfillment of our contract, for the protection of vital interests or by law, or if the client has given consent, we disclose or transfer the client's data to third parties or agents, such as authorities, billing offices and in the area of IT, office or comparable services, in compliance with professional regulations; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

• Data analysis: We process the data of our customers and clients in order to provide them with data analysis, evaluation and consulting as well as related services. The required information includes the information required for analysis, evaluation and billing as well as contact information for necessary coordination. Insofar as we obtain access to information from end customers, employees or other persons, we process this in accordance with the legal and contractual requirements; legal basis: Contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Craft services: We process the data of our customers and clients (hereinafter uniformly referred to as "customers") in order to enable them to select, purchase or commission the selected services or works and associated activities as well as their payment and delivery or execution or provision.
  The required information is marked as such in the context of the conclusion of the order, order or comparable contract and includes the information required for delivery and billing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultations; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

• IT services: We process the data of our customers and clients in order to enable them to plan, implement and support IT solutions and related services. The required information is marked as such in the context of the conclusion of the order, project or comparable contract and includes the information required for the provision of services and billing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultations. If we gain access to information from end customers, employees or other persons, we process this in accordance with the legal and contractual requirements.
  The processing operations include project management and documentation, which cover all phases from the initial requirements analysis to the completion of the project. This includes the creation and management of project schedules, budgets and resource allocations. Data processing also supports change management, where changes in the project process are documented and tracked to ensure compliance and transparency.
  
  Another process is customer relationship management (CRM), which involves recording and analyzing customer interactions and feedback in order to improve service quality and efficiently address individual customer needs. In addition, the processing process includes technical support and troubleshooting, which involves the recording and processing of support requests, troubleshooting and regular maintenance.
  
  Reporting and performance analysis are also carried out, whereby key performance indicators are recorded and evaluated in order to assess and continuously optimize the effectiveness of the IT solutions provided. All these processes are designed to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and compliance with all relevant requirements; legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Recruiting services: We process the data of job candidates and the personal data of potential employers or their employees as part of our services, which include in particular the search for potential job candidates, contacting them and placing them.
  
  We process the information and contact details provided by the job candidates for the purposes of establishing, implementing and, if necessary, terminating a contract for job placement. In addition, we can ask interested parties questions about the success of our placement service at a later date in accordance with legal requirements.
  
  We process the data of job candidates and employers to fulfill our contractual obligations in order to be able to process the job placement requests submitted to us to the satisfaction of the parties involved.
  
  We can log the placement processes in order to be able to prove the existence of the contractual relationship and the consent of the interested parties in accordance with the legal accountability obligations (Art. 5 Para. 2 GDPR). This information is stored for a period of three to four years if we need to prove the original request (e.g. to be able to prove the authorization to contact the job candidates); legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

• Technical services: We process the data of our customers and clients (hereinafter uniformly referred to as "customers") in order to enable them to select, purchase or commission the selected services or works and related activities as well as their payment and provision or execution or performance.
  
  The required information is marked as such in the context of the conclusion of the order, order or comparable contract and includes the information required for the provision of services and billing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultations. Insofar as we receive access to information from end customers, employees or other persons, we process this in accordance with the legal and contractual requirements; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

• Event management: We process the data of the participants of the events, functions and similar activities offered or organized by us (hereinafter uniformly referred to as "participants" and "events") in order to enable them to participate in the events and to make use of the services or promotions associated with participation.
  
  If we process health-related data, religious, political or other special categories of data in this context, this is done within the scope of disclosure (e.g. in the case of thematically oriented events or serves health care, security or is done with the consent of the data subject). For example, in the case of themed events or for health care, security or with the consent of the data subjects).
  
  The required information is marked as such in the context of the conclusion of the order, purchase order or comparable contract and includes the information required for the provision of services and billing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultations. Insofar as we receive access to information from end customers, employees or other persons, we process this in accordance with the legal and contractual requirements; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

• Brokerage services: We process the information provided by the interested parties as part of the brokerage request for the purposes of establishing, implementing and, if applicable, terminating a contract for the brokerage of offers from providers of the products or services requested by them.
  
  We use the contact details of the interested parties to specify their request using the agreed or otherwise permitted communication channel (e.g. telephone or e-mail) and to suggest suitable providers or offers based on the specified request. In addition, we can ask interested parties questions about the success of our brokerage service at a later date, in accordance with legal requirements.
  
  We process the data of interested parties and providers to fulfill our contractual obligations in order to link the interested party's request to suitable offers from providers and to forward them to appropriate providers or to suggest providers. suggest the providers.
  
  We can log the entries in the online form sent by interested parties in order to be able to prove the existence of the contractual relationship and the consent of the interested parties in accordance with the statutory accountability obligations (Art. 5 para. 2 GDPR). This information is stored for a period of three to four years if we need to prove the original request (e.g. in order to be able to prove the authorization to contact the interested parties); legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

Business processes and procedures

Personal data of service recipients and clients - including customers, clients or, in special cases, clients, patients or business partners as well as other third parties - are processed within the scope of contractual and comparable legal relationships and pre-contractual measures such as the initiation of business relationships. This data processing supports and facilitates business processes in areas such as customer management, sales, payment transactions, accounting and project management.

The data collected is used to fulfill contractual obligations and efficiently design operational processes. This includes the processing of business transactions, the management of customer relationships, the optimization of sales strategies and the guarantee of internal accounting and financial processes. In addition, the data supports the protection of the rights of the controller and promotes administrative tasks and the organization of the company.

Personal data may be passed on to third parties if this is necessary to fulfill the stated purposes or legal obligations. The data will be deleted after expiry of statutory retention periods or if the purpose of the processing no longer applies. This also includes data that must be stored for a longer period of time due to tax and legal obligations to provide evidence.

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. text or image messages and contributions and the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); 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); Metadata, communication and process 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). 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); log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times); creditworthiness data (e.g. credit score received, estimated probability of default, risk classification based on this, historical payment behavior). Employee data (information on employees and other persons in an employment relationship).

• Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; interested parties; communication partners; business and contractual partners; third parties; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services); employees (e.g. employees, applicants, temporary staff and other employees). Customers.

• Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfilment of contractual obligations; office and organizational procedures; business processes and business management procedures; communication; marketing; sales promotion; public relations; assessment of creditworthiness and credit standing; financial and payment management; security measures. Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment (computers, servers, etc.)).

• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".

• Legal bases: Contract performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Customer management and customer relationship management (CRM): Procedures required in the context of customer management and customer relationship management (CRM) (e.g. Customer acquisition in compliance with data protection regulations, measures to promote customer loyalty and retention, effective customer communication, complaint management and customer service with consideration of data protection, data management and analysis to support the customer relationship, administration of CRM systems, secure account management, customer segmentation and target group formation); Legal bases: Contract performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Contact management and maintenance: Procedures required to organize, maintain and secure contact information (e.g. setting up and maintaining a central contact database, regularly updating contact information, monitoring data integrity, implementing data protection measures, ensuring access controls, performing backups and restoring contact data, training employees in the effective use of contact management software, regularly reviewing communication history and adapting contact strategies); Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• General payment transactions: Procedures required for the execution of payment transactions, the monitoring of bank accounts and the control of payment flows (e.g. creation and verification of transfers, processing of direct debit transactions, checking of account statements, monitoring of incoming and outgoing payments, return debit management, account reconciliation, cash management); 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).

• Accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable: Procedures required for recording, processing and controlling business transactions in the area of accounts payable and accounts receivable (e.g. Creation and checking of incoming and outgoing invoices, monitoring and management of open items, execution of payment transactions, processing of dunning, account reconciliation in the context of receivables and payables, accounts payable and accounts receivable); Legal basis: Contract performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Financial accounting and taxes: Procedures required for the recording, administration and control of financially relevant business transactions and for the calculation, reporting and payment of taxes (e.g. Account assignment and posting of business transactions, preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, execution of payment transactions, processing of dunning procedures, account reconciliation, tax advice, preparation and submission of tax returns, processing of tax matters); Legal basis: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Purchasing: Procedures required for the procurement of goods, raw materials or services (e.g. supplier selection and evaluation, price negotiations, order placement and monitoring, verification and control of deliveries, invoice verification, administration of orders, warehouse management, creation and maintenance of purchasing guidelines); 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).

• Sales: Procedures required for the planning, implementation and control of measures for the marketing and sale of products or services (e.g. customer acquisition, preparation and tracking of offers, order processing, customer advice and support, sales promotion, product training, sales controlling and analysis, management of sales channels); 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).

• Marketing, advertising and sales promotion: Procedures required in the context of marketing, advertising and sales promotion (e.g. market analysis and target group determination, development of marketing strategies, planning and implementation of advertising campaigns, design and production of advertising materials, online marketing including SEO and social media campaigns, event marketing and trade fair participation, customer loyalty programs, sales promotion measures, performance measurement and optimization of marketing activities, budget management and cost control); Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Economic analyses and market research: The available data on business transactions, contracts, inquiries, etc. are analyzed for business purposes and to identify market trends, the wishes of contractual partners and users. The group of data subjects may include contractual partners, interested parties, customers, visitors and users of the controller's online offering. The analyses are carried out for the purposes of business evaluations, marketing and market research (e.g. to determine customer groups with different characteristics). If available, profiles of registered users and their details of services used are taken into account. The analyses are used exclusively by the controller and are not disclosed externally, unless they are anonymous analyses with summarized, i.e. anonymized values. In addition, the privacy of the users is taken into account; the data is pseudonymized as far as possible for analysis purposes and, if feasible, processed anonymously (e.g. as aggregated data); legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Public relations: Procedures required in the context of public relations (e.g. development and implementation of communication strategies, planning and implementation of PR campaigns, creation and distribution of press releases, maintenance of media contacts, monitoring and analysis of media response, organization of press conferences and public events, crisis communication, creation of content for social media and company websites, management of corporate branding); Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Guest Wi-Fi: Procedures necessary for the establishment, operation, maintenance and monitoring of a wireless network for guests (e.g. installation and configuration of Wi-Fi access points, creation and management of guest access, monitoring of the network connection, ensuring network security, troubleshooting connection problems, updating network software, compliance with data protection regulations); Legal basis: Contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Payment procedure

In the context of contractual and other legal relationships, due to legal obligations or otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests, we offer the data subjects efficient and secure payment options and use other service providers in addition to banks and credit institutions (collectively "payment service providers").

The data processed by the payment service providers includes inventory data, such as the name and address, bank data, such as account numbers or credit card numbers, passwords, TANs and checksums, as well as contract, total and recipient-related information. The information is required to carry out the transactions. However, the data entered is only processed by the payment service providers and stored by them. This means that we do not receive any account or credit card-related information, but only information with confirmation or negative information about the payment. Under certain circumstances, the data may be transmitted by the payment service providers to credit agencies. The purpose of this transmission is to check identity and creditworthiness. Please refer to the general terms and conditions and the data protection information of the payment service providers.

Payment transactions are subject to the terms and conditions and data protection notices of the respective payment service providers, which can be accessed on the respective websites or transaction applications. We also refer to these for further information and the assertion of rights of revocation, information and other rights of data subjects.

• Processed data types: inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, duration, customer category); 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).

• Persons affected: Service recipients and clients. Business and contractual partners.

• Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Business processes and business management procedures.

• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".

• Legal bases: Fulfilment of contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Mollie: Payment services (technical connection of online payment methods); Service provider: Mollie B.V., Keizersgracht 126, 1015 CW Amsterdam, Netherlands; Legal basis: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR); Website: https://www.mollie.com/de; Privacy Policy: https://www.mollie.com/de/privacy. Basis for third country transfers: Switzerland - adequacy decision (Netherlands).

Credit check

If we make advance payments or enter into comparable economic risks (e.g. when ordering on account), we reserve the right to obtain identity and creditworthiness information for the purpose of assessing the credit risk on the basis of mathematical-statistical procedures from specialized service companies (credit agencies) in order to safeguard our legitimate interests.

We process the information received from the credit agencies on the statistical probability of a payment default as part of an appropriate discretionary decision on the establishment, execution and termination of the contractual relationship. We reserve the right to refuse payment on account or any other advance payment in the event of a negative result of the credit check.

The decision as to whether we make advance payments is made in accordance with the legal requirements solely on the basis of an automated decision in individual cases, which our software makes on the basis of the information provided by the credit agency.

If we obtain express consent from contractual partners, the legal basis for the credit report and the transmission of the customer's data to the credit agencies is consent. If no consent is obtained, the credit information is provided on the basis of our legitimate interests in the security of our payment claims.

• Processed data types: inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); contract data (e.g. subject matter of contract, term, customer category). Creditworthiness data (e.g. credit score received, estimated probability of default, risk classification based on this, historical payment behavior).

• Persons concerned: Service recipients and clients; interested parties. Business and contractual partners.

• Purposes of processing: Assessment of creditworthiness and credit standing.

• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".

• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Automated decisions in individual cases: Credit information (decision based on a credit check).

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); metadata, communication data and process 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). 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).

• 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; reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures). Server monitoring and error detection.

• 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 web pages and files accessed, 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.

• Content delivery network: We use a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN is a service with the help of which the content of an online offer, in particular large media files such as graphics or program scripts, can be delivered faster and more securely with the help of regionally distributed servers connected via the Internet; legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• ALL-INKL: Services in the field of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacities); Service provider: ALL-INKL.COM - Neue Medien Münnich, Owner: René Münnich, Hauptstraße 68, 02742 Friedersdorf, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://all-inkl.com/; Privacy Policy: https://all-inkl.com/datenschutzinformationen/; Data processing agreement: Provided by the service provider. Basis for third country transfers: Switzerland - adequacy decision (Germany).

• Squarespace: Squarespace offers software as a service for the creation and hosting of websites; Service provider: Squarespace Ireland Ltd, Le Pole House, Ship Street Great, Dublin 8, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.squarespace.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.squarespace.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://www.squarespace.com/dpa. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland).

• Microsoft Azure: Services in the area of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://azure.microsoft.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement; Data processing agreement: https://azure.microsoft.com/de-de/support/legal/. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - adequacy decision (Ireland).

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.

Cookie settings/opposition option:

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• 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).

• Cookiebot: Consent management: Process for obtaining, logging, managing and revoking consent, in particular for the use of cookies and similar technologies to store, read and process information on users' end devices and their processing; Service provider: Usercentrics A/S, Havnegade 39, 1058 Copenhagen, Denmark; Website: https://www.cookiebot.com/de; Privacy Policy: https://www.cookiebot.com/de/privacy-policy/; Data processing agreement: Provided by the service provider; Additional information: Stored data (on the server of the service provider): The user's IP number in anonymized form (the last three digits are set to 0), the date and time of consent, browser details, the URL from which the consent was sent, An anonymous, random and encrypted key value. the user's consent status.

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 partner.

• 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 performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) 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).

Video conferences, online meetings, webinars and screen sharing

We use platforms and applications of other providers (hereinafter referred to as "conference platforms") for the purpose of conducting video and audio conferences, webinars and other types of video and audio meetings (hereinafter collectively referred to as "conference"). When selecting the conference platforms and their services, we observe the legal requirements.

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

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

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

Notes on legal bases: If, in addition to the conference platforms, we also process users' data and ask users for their consent to use the conference platforms or certain functions (e.g. consent to the recording of conferences), the legal basis for processing is this consent. Furthermore, our processing may be necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations (e.g. in participant lists, in the case of processing of conference results, etc.). Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests in efficient and secure communication with our communication partners.

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. 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); image and/or video recordings (e.g. photographs or video recordings of a person); sound recordings. Log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times).

• Data subjects: Communication partners; users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services). Depicted persons.

• Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; communication. Office and organizational procedures.

• 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:

• Microsoft Teams: Audio and video conferencing, chat, file sharing, integration with Office 365 applications, real-time collaboration on documents, calendar functions, task management, screen sharing, optional recording; Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/microsoft-teams/; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement, Security information: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/trustcenter. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - adequacy decision (Ireland).

Cloud services

We use software services accessible via the Internet and running on the servers of their providers (so-called "cloud services", also referred to as "software as a service") for the storage and management of content (e.g. document storage and management, exchange of documents, content and information with specific recipients or publication of content and information).

In this context, personal data may be processed and stored on the provider's servers if they are part of communication processes with us or are otherwise processed by us as set out in this privacy policy. This data may include, in particular, master data and contact data of users, data on transactions, contracts, other processes and their content. The cloud service providers also process usage data and metadata that they use for security purposes and to optimize their services.

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

• Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g. 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: Interested parties; communication partners; business and contractual partners. Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).

• Purposes of processing: Office and organizational procedures; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment (computers, servers, etc.)). Provision of 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:

• Google Cloud Storage: Cloud storage, cloud infrastructure services and cloud-based application software; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://cloud.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://cloud.google.com/terms/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Further information: https://cloud.google.com/privacy.

• Microsoft cloud services: cloud storage, cloud infrastructure services and cloud-based application software; Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://microsoft.com/de-de; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement, Security information: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/trustcenter; Data processing agreement: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Microsoft-Products-and-Services-Data-Protection-Addendum-DPA. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland).

• Microsoft Azure: Services in the area of the provision of information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://azure.microsoft.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement; Data processing agreement: https://azure.microsoft.com/de-de/support/legal/. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - adequacy decision (Ireland).

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 solely for this purpose.

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

Contents:

Information about us, our services, promotions and offers.

• 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); 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). Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors).

• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

• Possibility of objection (opt-out): 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 carried out on the basis of user 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).

• Brevo: E-mail dispatch and automation services; Service provider: Sendinblue GmbH, Köpenicker Str. 126, 10179 Berlin, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.brevo.com/; Privacy Policy: https://www.brevo.com/legal/privacypolicy/; Data processing agreement: Provided by the service provider. Basis for third country transfers: Switzerland - adequacy decision (Germany).

Advertising communication via e-mail, post, fax or telephone

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

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

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

• Processed data types: inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers). Content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation).

• Affected persons: Communication partner.

• Purposes of processing: direct marketing (e.g. by email or post); marketing. Sales promotion.

• Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".

• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Web analysis, monitoring and optimization

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

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

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

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

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 consent. 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, 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: Remarketing; target group formation; reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles). 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". 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 (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:

• SalesViewer technology: Collection of company names and data from website visitors, analysis of user behavior, creation of statistics on website usage; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Further information: A JavaScript-based code is used for the collection of company-related data and its corresponding use. The data collected with this technology is encrypted using a non-reversible one-way function (known as hashing). The data is immediately pseudonymized and is not used to personally identify the visitor to this website. The data stored within Salesviewer is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for its intended purpose and no statutory retention obligations prevent its deletion. You can object to the collection and storage of data at any time with effect for the future by clicking on this link https://www.salesviewer.com/opt-out to prevent SalesViewer® from collecting data on this website in the future. An opt-out cookie for this website will be stored on your device. If you delete your cookies in this browser, you must click this link again; service provider: SalesViewer® GmbH, Huestr. 30, 44787 Bochum, Germany; Website: https://www.salesviewer.com/de/. Privacy policy: https://www.salesviewer.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung/.

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

• Google as the recipient of consent: The consent given by users in the context of a consent dialog (also known as "cookie opt-in/consent", 'cookie banner', etc.) serves several purposes. On the one hand, it serves to fulfill our obligation to obtain consent to the storage and reading of information on and from the user's end device (in accordance with ePrivacy guidelines). Secondly, it covers the processing of users' personal data in accordance with data protection regulations. In addition, this consent also applies to Google, as the company is obliged under the Digital Markets Act to obtain consent for personalized services. We therefore share the status of the consents given by users with Google. Our consent management software informs Google whether consent has been granted or not. The aim is to ensure that the consents given or not given by users are taken into account when using Google Analytics and when integrating functions and external services. For example, user consents and their revocation in the context of Google Analytics and other Google services in our online offering can be adjusted dynamically and depending on the user selection; 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://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9976101?hl=de; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third country transfers: Switzerland - adequacy decision (Ireland).

• Google Signals (Google Analytics function): Google signals are session data from websites and apps that Google associates with users who have signed in to their Google accounts and activated ad personalization. This association of data with these logged-in users is used to enable cross-device reporting, cross-device remarketing and cross-device conversion measurement. This includes: Cross-platform reporting - linking data about devices and activity from different sessions using your User ID or Google Signals data, enabling an understanding of user behavior at each step of the conversion process, from first contact to conversion and beyond; Remarketing with Google Analytics - creating remarketing audiences from Google Analytics data and sharing these audiences with linked advertising accounts; Demographics and interests - Google Analytics collects additional information about demographics and interests from users who are logged into their Google accounts and have ad personalization enabled; 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://support.google.com/analytics/answer/7532985?hl=de; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (types of processing and data processed).

• Target group formation with Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to present ads that are placed via Google's advertising services and those of its partners specifically to those users who have already shown an interest in our online offering or who have certain characteristics (e.g. interests in specific topics or products that are determined based on the websites they visit). We transmit this data to Google as part of so-called "remarketing" or "Google Analytics audiences". The aim of using remarketing audiences is to ensure that our ads match the potential interests of users as closely as possible; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Legal basis: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions for Google advertising products and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms.

• Google Tag Manager: We use Google Tag Manager, a software from Google that enables us to manage so-called website tags centrally via a user interface. Tags are small code elements on our website that are used to record and analyze visitor activity. This technology helps us to improve our website and the content offered on it. Google Tag Manager itself does not create any user profiles, does not store any cookies with user profiles and does not carry out any independent analyses. Its function is limited to simplifying the integration and management of tools and services that we use on our website and making them more efficient. Nevertheless, when using the Google Tag Manager, the IP address of the user is transmitted to Google, which is necessary for technical reasons in order to implement the services we use. Cookies may also be set in the process. However, this data processing only takes place if services are integrated via the Tag Manager. For more detailed information on these services and their data processing, please refer to the further sections of this privacy policy; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement:
  https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland).

Online marketing

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

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

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

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

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

In principle, we only receive access to summarized information about the success of our advertisements. However, as part of so-called conversion measurements, we can check which of our online marketing procedures have led to a so-called conversion, i.e., for example, to the conclusion of a contract with us. The conversion measurement is used solely to analyze the success of our marketing measures.

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

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.

Information on revocation and objection:

We refer to the data protection notices of the respective providers and the opt-out options provided by the providers. If no explicit opt-out option has been specified, you have the option of deactivating cookies in your browser settings. However, this may restrict the functions of our online offer. We therefore recommend the following additional opt-out options, which are summarized 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-territory: https://optout.aboutads.info.

• Processed data types: Content data (e.g. text or image messages and posts and 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 procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved); event data (Facebook ("event data" is information, for example via meta pixels, be it via apps or via other channels). (e.g. IP addresses, time data, identification numbers, persons involved); event data (Facebook) ("event data" is information that is sent to the provider Meta via Meta pixels (whether via apps or other channels) and relates to persons 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); contact information (Facebook) ("contact information" is data that (clearly) identifies data subjects, such as names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers, which can be transmitted to Facebook, e.g. via Facebook pixels or uploads for matching purposes in order to create custom audiences. The contact information is deleted after matching for the purpose of creating target groups).

• 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 behavior, use of cookies); Conversion tracking (Measurement of the effectiveness of marketing activities); Custom Audiences; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles); Provision of our online services and usability. Remarketing.

• 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).

• Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).

• Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

• Meta pixel and target group formation (custom audiences): With the help of the Meta pixel (or comparable functions, for the transmission of event data or contact information via interfaces in apps), it is possible for Meta to determine the visitors of our online offer as a target group for the display of advertisements (so-called "meta ads"). Accordingly, we use the meta pixel to display the meta ads placed by us only to those users on Meta platforms and within the services of the partners cooperating with Meta (so-called "audience network" https://www.facebook.com/audiencenetwork/ ) who have also shown an interest in our online offer or who have certain characteristics (e.g. interest in certain topics or products that can be seen from the websites visited) that we transmit to Meta (so-called "custom audiences"). With the help of the meta pixel, we also want to ensure that our meta ads correspond to the potential interest of users and are not annoying. With the help of the meta pixel, we can also track the effectiveness of the meta ads for statistical and market research purposes by seeing whether users have been redirected to our website after clicking on a meta ad (so-called "conversion measurement"); 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/; Data processing agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Further information: Event data of users, i.e. .i.e. behavioral and interest data, are processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and targeting on the basis of the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). Joint controllership 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 (on the basis of the standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.)

• Extended matching for the meta pixel: In addition to the processing of event data in the context of the use of the meta pixel (or comparable functions, e.g. in apps), contact information (data identifying individual persons, such as names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers) is also collected by Meta within our online offering or transmitted to Meta. The processing of contact information is used to create target groups (so-called "custom audiences") for the display of content and advertising information based on the presumed interests of users. The collection, transmission and comparison with data available at Meta is not carried out in plain text, but as so-called "hash values", i.e. mathematical representations of the data (this method is used, for example, when storing passwords). After matching for the purpose of creating target groups, the contact information is deleted; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Privacy Policy: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Data processing agreement: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms.

• Facebook Ads: Placement of advertisements within the Facebook platform and evaluation of the ad results; 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/; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - adequacy decision (Ireland); Opt-Out: We refer to the data protection and advertising settings in the user's profile on the Facebook platforms as well as to Facebook's consent procedures and contact options for exercising information and other data subject rights, as described in Facebook's privacy policy; Further information: Event Data of users, i.e. .i.e. behavioral and interest data, are processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and targeting on the basis of the Joint Controller Agreement ("Controller Addendum", https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). Joint controllership 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 (on the basis of the standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.)

• Google Ad Manager: We use the "Google Ad Manager" service to place ads in the Google advertising network (e.g. in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.). Google Ad Manager is characterized by the fact that ads are displayed in real time based on the presumed interests of users. This allows us to display ads for our online offering to users who may have a potential interest in our offering or have previously shown an interest in it, and to measure the success of the ads; 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://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/; Data processing conditions for Google advertising products: Information on the services Data processing terms between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms. If Google acts as a processor, data processing terms for Google advertising products and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms.

• AdMob: Platform for the display of advertising content in mobile applications; 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://admob.google.com/home/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Third country transfer basis: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Further information: Processing by Google as controller: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms/.

• Google Ads and conversion measurement: online marketing process for the purpose of placing content and ads within the service provider's advertising network (e.g. in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the ads. In addition, we measure the conversion of the ads, i.e. whether users have taken them as an opportunity to interact with the ads and use the advertised offers (so-called conversions). 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 (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

• Google Ads Remarketing: Google Remarketing, also known as retargeting, is a technology that allows users who use an online service to be added to a pseudonymous remarketing list so that users can be shown ads on other online offers based on their visit to the online service; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

• Extended conversions for Google Ads: If users click on our Google ads and subsequently use the advertised service (so-called "conversion"), the data entered by the user, such as the e-mail address, name, home address or telephone number, can be transmitted to Google. The hash values are then compared with existing Google accounts of the users in order to better evaluate and improve the interaction of the users with the ads (e.g. clicks or views) and thus their performance; legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Website: https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/9888656.

• Google Adsense with personalized ads: We integrate the Google Adsense service, which makes it possible to place personalized ads within our online offering. Google Adsense analyzes user behavior and uses this data to display targeted advertising that is tailored to the interests of our visitors. We receive financial compensation for each ad placement or other use of these ads; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions for Google advertising products: Information on the services Data processing terms between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

• Google Adsense with non-personalized ads: We use the Google Adsense service to place non-personalized ads in our online offering. These ads are not based on individual user behavior, but are selected based on general characteristics such as the content of the page or your approximate geographical location. We receive remuneration for displaying or otherwise using these ads; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing conditions for Google advertising products: Information on the services Data processing terms between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.

• LinkedIn Insight Tag: Code that is loaded when a user visits our online offering and tracks the user's behaviour and conversions and stores them in a profile (possible purposes: measuring campaign performance, optimizing ad delivery, building custom and lookalike audiences); Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy, Cookie Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie_policy; Data processing agreement: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/dpa; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Option to object (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

• Microsoft Advertising: Online marketing process for the purpose of placing content and ads within the service provider's advertising network (e.g. in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.) so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the ads. In addition, we measure the conversion of the ads, i.e. whether users have taken them as an opportunity to interact with the ads and use the advertised offers (so-called conversion). However, we only receive anonymous information and no personal information about individual users; service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://about.ads.microsoft.com/en-us; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Option to object (opt-out): https://account.microsoft.com/privacy/ad-settings/.

• LinkedIn ads: Placement of ads within the LinkedIn platform and evaluation of the ad results; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://business.linkedin.com/de-de/marketing-solutions/ads; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Data processing agreement: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/dpa; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland); Opt-Out: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out. Further information: https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa.

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).

• 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.

• 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:

• 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/. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland).

• 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/), as well as 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 in the "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/. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland).

• Facebook groups: We use the "Groups" function of the Facebook platform to create interest groups within which Facebook users can contact each other or us and exchange information. In doing so, we process personal data of the users of our groups to the extent necessary for the purpose of group use and moderation. Our guidelines within the groups may contain further specifications and information on the use of the respective group. This data includes information on first and last names, as well as published or privately shared content, as well as values on the status of group membership or group-related activities, such as joining or leaving, as well as the time details for the aforementioned data. We also refer to the processing of user data by Facebook itself. 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/), as well as 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 "Insights", to group operators to provide them with insights into how people interact with their groups and with the content associated with them; 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/. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland).

• Facebook events: Event profiles within the Facebook social network - We use the "Events" function of the Facebook platform to draw attention to events and dates and to get in touch with users (participants and interested parties) and to exchange information. In doing so, we process personal data of the users of our event pages, insofar as this is necessary for the purpose of the event page and its moderation. This data includes information on first and last names, as well as published or privately shared content, as well as values on the status of participation and the time details for the aforementioned data. We also refer to the processing of user data by Facebook itself. 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/), as well as 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 "Insights", to event providers to give them insights into how people interact with their event pages and with the content associated with them; service providers: 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/. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland).

• 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 data protection information: 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; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Option to object (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

• 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; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Option to object (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 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); inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history). Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).

• Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services). Service recipients and clients.

• Purposes of Processing: Provision of our online services and usability; Web Analytics (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Targeting (e.g. profiling based on interests and behavior, use of cookies); Custom Audiences; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles). Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.

• 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:

• Google Fonts (obtained from the Google server): Obtaining fonts (and symbols) for the purpose of a technically secure, maintenance-free and efficient use of fonts and symbols with regard to up-to-dateness and loading times, their uniform presentation and consideration of possible licensing restrictions. The provider of the fonts is informed of the user's IP address so that the fonts can be made available in the user's browser. In addition, technical data (language settings, screen resolution, operating system, hardware used) are transmitted that are necessary for the provision of the fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment. This data may be processed on a server of the font provider in the USA - When visiting our online offer, users' browsers send their browser HTTP requests to the Google Fonts Web API (i.e. a software interface for retrieving fonts). The Google Fonts Web API provides users with the Google Fonts Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and then the fonts specified in the CCS. These HTTP requests include (1) the IP address used by the respective user to access the Internet, (2) the requested URL on the Google server and (3) the HTTP headers, including the user agent, which describes the browser and operating system versions of the website visitors, as well as the referral URL (i.e. the web page on which the Google font is to be displayed). IP addresses are neither logged nor stored on Google servers and are not analyzed. The Google Fonts Web API logs details of HTTP requests (requested URL, user agent and referrer URL). Access to this data is restricted and strictly controlled. The requested URL identifies the font families for which the user wants to load fonts. This data is logged so that Google can determine how often a particular font family is requested. With the Google Fonts Web API, the user agent must adapt the font that is generated for the respective browser type. The user agent is primarily logged for debugging and used to generate aggregated usage statistics to measure the popularity of font families. These aggregated usage statistics are published on the Google Fonts "Analytics" page. Finally, the referral URL is logged so that the data can be used for production maintenance and to generate an aggregated report on the top integrations based on the number of font requests. According to its own information, Google does not use any of the information collected by Google Fonts to create profiles of end users or to place targeted ads; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy?hl=de.

• Google Maps APIs and SDKs: Interfaces to Google's map and location services, which allow, for example, the addition of address entries, location determination, distance calculations or the provision of additional information on locations and other places; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://mapsplatform.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - adequacy decision (Ireland).

• 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; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Option to object (opt-out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

• 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; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Possibility of objection (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.

• Google Hosted Libraries: Google Hosted Libraries is a globally available content delivery network (CDN) for the most popular open source JavaScript libraries. These are used to provide web libraries to optimize website load times, reduce bandwidth usage and improve performance by using shared, public resources; 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://developers.google.com/speed/libraries/; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third country transfers: Switzerland - adequacy decision (Ireland).

• Adobe Fonts: Provision of fonts for integration into web and print designs, synchronization of fonts across devices, access to a library of licensed fonts for creative projects, management and organization of fonts in projects; Service provider: Adobe Systems Software Ireland, 4-6, Riverwalk Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Brownsbarn, Dublin 24, D24 DCW0, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.adobe.com/de/; Privacy Policy: https://www.adobe.com/de/privacy.html; Basis for third country transfers: EU/EEA - Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Switzerland - Adequacy Decision (Ireland). Further information: https://www.adobe.com/de/privacy/policies/adobe-fonts.html.

• pretix Booking Widget: Offer, execution and management of online bookings; Service provider: rami.io GmbH, Markgräfler Straße 16, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://pretix.eu; Privacy Policy: https://pretix.eu/about/de/privacy, Notes on the widget: https://docs.pretix.eu/en/latest/user/events/widget.html. Basis for third country transfers: Switzerland - adequacy decision (Germany).

Management, organization and support tools

We use services, platforms and software from other providers (hereinafter referred to as "third-party providers") for the purposes of organizing, managing, planning and providing our services. When selecting third-party providers and their services, we observe the legal requirements.

In this context, personal data may be processed and stored on the servers of third-party providers. This may affect various data that we process in accordance with this privacy policy. This data may include, in particular, master data and contact data of users, data on transactions, contracts, other processes and their content.

If users are referred to the third-party providers or their software or platforms in the context of communication, business or other relationships with us, the third-party providers may process usage data and metadata for security purposes, service optimization or marketing purposes. We therefore ask you to observe the data protection notices of the respective third-party providers.

• Processed data types: Content data (e.g. textual or visual 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: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Office and organizational procedures.

• 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).

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.

• Employees: Employees are defined as persons who are in an employment relationship, whether as staff, employees or in similar positions. An employment relationship is a legal relationship between an employer and an employee that is defined by an employment contract or agreement. It involves the employer's obligation to pay remuneration to the employee while the employee performs work. The employment relationship comprises various phases, including the establishment, in which the employment contract is concluded, the performance, in which the employee performs his or her work activities, and the termination, when the employment relationship ends, whether by notice, termination agreement or otherwise. Employee data is all information relating to these persons and in the context of their employment. This includes aspects such as personal identification data, identification numbers, salary and bank details, working hours, vacation entitlements, health data and performance appraisals.

• 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 people and services, facilities or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.

• Credit information: Automated decisions are based on automatic data processing without human intervention (e.g. in the case of an automatic rejection of a purchase on account, an online credit application or an online application process without any human intervention). According to Art. 22 GDPR, such automated decisions are only permitted if the data subject consents, if they are necessary for the performance of a contract or if national laws permit these decisions.

• 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 text, 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 placed on other websites were 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 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 to better adapt the content of their websites to the needs of their visitors, for example. For the purposes of reach analysis, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online offer.

• Remarketing: The term "remarketing" or "retargeting" is used when, for example, it is noted for advertising purposes which products a user was interested in on a website in order to remind the user of these products on other websites, e.g. in advertisements.

• Server monitoring and error detection: With the help of server monitoring and error detection, we ensure the availability and integrity of our online offering and use the processed data to technically optimize our online offering. Performance, capacity utilization and comparable technical values are processed, which provide information about the stability and any anomalies of our online offering. In the event of errors and anomalies, individual inquiries from users of our online offering are recorded in order to identify and rectify sources of problems.

• 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.

• Payment data: Payment data includes all information needed to process payment transactions between buyers and sellers. This data is crucial for e-commerce, online banking and any other form of financial transaction. It includes details such as credit card numbers, bank details, payment amounts, transaction dates, verification numbers and billing information. Payment data can also include information about payment status, chargebacks, authorizations and fees.

• Target group formation: Target group formation (custom audiences) is 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, "lookalike audiences" (or similar target groups) are when 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.