{"id":9462,"date":"2026-07-20T12:14:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T10:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-locks.de\/privacy\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T10:34:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T08:34:44","slug":"privacy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/the-locks.de\/en\/privacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Privacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: red;\"><span style=\"color: red;\"><span style=\"color: red;\">Disclaimer: The following template was created by an attorney (<a href=\"https:\/\/datenschutz-generator.de\/kanzlei-dr-schwenke\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dr. jur. Schwenke, LL.M. commercial (UoA), Certified Data Protection Auditor (DSA-T\u00dcV), Certified Data Protection Officer (T\u00dcV S\u00fcd)<\/a>) in accordance with the typical requirements of an online store. However, you should only use the template after careful review and adaptation to your specific business model. The following template therefore contains additional information that you must observe and red passages that you must particularly check and, if necessary, adapt. Please remove the notes after editing. If in doubt, seek legal advice. Copyright: You may use the template within the domain\/website as long as your Marketpress license is valid for it. Disclosure to third parties, including customers (e.g., as a developer), is not permitted.      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h1>Privacy Policy<\/h1>\n<h2>Introduction<\/h2>\n<p>With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also briefly referred to as &#8220;data&#8221;) that we process, for what purposes, and to what extent. This privacy policy applies to all processing of personal data carried out by us, both in the context of providing our services and, in particular, on our websites, mobile, and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as &#8220;online services&#8221;). <\/p>\n<p>The terms used are not gender-specific.<\/p>\n<p>As of: <span style=\"color: red;\">XX.XX.20XX<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Please state the effective date of the privacy policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"index\">\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m14\">Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m3\">Controller<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#mOverview\">Overview of Processing Activities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m11\">Contact Data Protection Officer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m13\">Applicable Legal Bases<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m27\">Security Measures<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m25\">Transmission and Disclosure of Personal Data<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m24\">Data Processing in Third Countries<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m134\">Use of Cookies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m317\">Commercial and Business Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m326\">Payment Service Providers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m325\">Credit Check<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m225\">Provision of Online Services and Web Hosting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m182\">Contacting Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m17\">Newsletter and Electronic Notifications<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m263\">Web Analytics, Monitoring, and Optimization<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m264\">Online Marketing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m136\">Presences on Social Networks (Social Media)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m328\">Plugins and Embedded Functions and Content<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m12\">Deletion of Data<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m15\">Amendment and Update of the Privacy Policy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m10\">Rights of Data Subjects<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"index-link\" href=\"#m42\">Definitions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"m3\">Controller<\/h2>\n<p>First Name, Last Name \/ Company<br \/>\nStreet, House No.<br \/>\nZip Code, City<br \/>\nCountry<\/p>\n<p><strong>Email Address:<\/strong> Your email address<\/p>\n<p><strong>Phone:<\/strong> Your phone number (optional)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Imprint:<\/strong> URL of your imprint (optional, but recommended)<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Notes: For sole proprietors, please use the term &#8220;Owner&#8221; and not &#8220;Managing Director.&#8221; <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m11\">Contact Data Protection Officer<\/h2>\n<p>First Name, Last Name \/ Company<br \/>\nStreet, House No.<br \/>\nZip Code, City<br \/>\nCountry<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Note: Only the email address is mandatory; the other details are optional. Data protection officers only need to be specified if they have been appointed. An appointment is necessary according to Section 38 BDSG-Neu (Federal Data Protection Act-New) for 20 or more employees who process personal data (for which an email inbox is practically sufficient).    <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mOverview\">Overview of Processing Activities<\/h2>\n<p>The following overview summarizes the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing, and refers to the data subjects.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Note: The following information includes typical processed data and categories of data subjects (these themselves, as well as the explanations in parentheses, are for clarification only and can be adapted or deleted).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Types of Data Processed<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Inventory data (e.g., names, addresses).<\/li>\n<li>Content data (e.g., entries in online forms).<\/li>\n<li>Contact data (e.g., email, phone numbers).<\/li>\n<li>Meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).<\/li>\n<li>Usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times).<\/li>\n<li>Location data (information on the geographical position of a device or person).<\/li>\n<li>Contract data (e.g., subject matter of contract, term, customer category).<\/li>\n<li>Payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Categories of Data Subjects<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Business and contractual partners.<\/li>\n<li>Prospective customers.<\/li>\n<li>Communication partners.<\/li>\n<li>Customers.<\/li>\n<li>Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Purposes of Processing<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Assessment of creditworthiness and solvency.<\/li>\n<li>Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.<\/li>\n<li>Visit action evaluation.<\/li>\n<li>Office and organizational procedures.<\/li>\n<li>Cross-Device Tracking (cross-device processing of user data for marketing purposes).<\/li>\n<li>Direct marketing (e.g., via email or postal mail).<\/li>\n<li>Interest-based and behavioral marketing.<\/li>\n<li>Contact inquiries and communication.<\/li>\n<li>Conversion measurement (measuring the effectiveness of marketing measures).<\/li>\n<li>Profiling (creation of user profiles).<\/li>\n<li>Remarketing.<\/li>\n<li>Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors).<\/li>\n<li>Security measures.<\/li>\n<li>Tracking (e.g., interest-\/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies).<\/li>\n<li>Provision of contractual services and customer service.<\/li>\n<li>Management and response to inquiries.<\/li>\n<li>Target group formation (determination of target groups relevant for marketing purposes or other content output).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Automated Individual Decision-Making<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Credit report (decision based on a credit check).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"m13\">Applicable Legal Bases<\/h3>\n<p>Below, we communicate the legal bases of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on which we process personal data. Please note that in addition to the GDPR regulations, national data protection requirements in your or our country of residence and establishment may apply. Furthermore, if more specific legal bases are applicable in individual cases, we will inform you of these in the privacy policy.  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR)<\/strong> &#8211; The data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR)<\/strong> &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c GDPR)<\/strong> &#8211; Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR)<\/strong> &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"m27\">Security Measures<\/h2>\n<p>In accordance with legal requirements and taking into account the state of the art, implementation costs, and the nature, scope, context, and purposes of processing, as well as the varying likelihood and severity of the risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, we implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk.<\/p>\n<p>Measures include, in particular, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data, as well as access, input, disclosure, ensuring availability, and their separation. Furthermore, we have established procedures that ensure the exercise of data subjects&#8217; rights, the deletion of data, and responses to data breaches. We also consider the protection of personal data already during the development or selection of hardware, software, and procedures in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and by default.  <\/p>\n<p><strong>SSL encryption (https)<\/strong>: To protect your data transmitted via our online services, we use SSL encryption. You can recognize such encrypted connections by the prefix https:\/\/ in the address bar of your browser. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Note: Remove the reference to encryption if your service is not encrypted. However, delivering the website via https should be considered mandatory. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m25\">Transmission and Disclosure of Personal Data<\/h2>\n<p>In the course of our processing of personal data, it may happen that data is transmitted to or disclosed to other entities, companies, legally independent organizational units, or persons. Recipients of this data may include, for example, payment institutions in the context of payment transactions, service providers commissioned with IT tasks, or providers of services and content integrated into a website. In such cases, we comply with legal requirements and, in particular, conclude corresponding contracts or agreements with the recipients of your data that serve to protect your data.  <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m24\">Data Processing in Third Countries<\/h2>\n<p>If we process data in a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA)) or if processing takes place in the context of using third-party services or disclosing\/transmitting data to other persons, entities, or companies, this is only done in compliance with legal requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Subject to explicit consent or contractually or legally required transmission, we process or have data processed only in third countries with a recognized level of data protection, contractual obligation through so-called standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission, in the presence of certifications, or binding internal data protection regulations (Art. 44 to 49 GDPR, EU Commission information page: <a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/info\/law\/law-topic\/data-protection\/international-dimension-data-protection_de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/info\/law\/law-topic\/data-protection\/international-dimension-data-protection_de<\/a>). <\/p>\n<p>Within the framework of the &#8220;Data Privacy Framework&#8221; (DPF), the EU Commission has also recognized the data protection level as secure for certain companies from the USA within the scope of the adequacy decision of July 10, 2023. The list of certified companies as well as further information on the DPF can be found on the website of the US Department of Commerce at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dataprivacyframework.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.dataprivacyframework.gov\/<\/a> (in English). We will inform you within the privacy notices which of our service providers are certified under the Data Privacy Framework.  <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m134\">Use of Cookies<\/h2>\n<p>Cookies are small text files, or other storage notes, that store information on end devices and read information from end devices. For example, to store the login status in a user account, shopping cart content in an e-shop, the content accessed, or functions used in an online offering. Cookies can also be used for different purposes, e.g., for the functionality, security, and convenience of online offerings, as well as for creating analyses of visitor flows.  <\/p>\n<p><strong>Notes on consent: <\/strong>We use cookies in accordance with legal provisions. Therefore, we obtain prior consent from users, unless this is not legally required. Consent is particularly not necessary if the storage and reading of information, including cookies, are absolutely essential to provide users with a telemedia service (i.e., our online services) explicitly requested by them. The revocable consent is clearly communicated to users and contains information about the respective cookie usage.   <\/p>\n<p><strong>Notes on data protection legal bases: <\/strong>The data protection legal basis on which we process users&#8217; personal data with the help of cookies depends on whether we ask users for consent. If users consent, the legal basis for processing their data is the declared consent. Otherwise, the data processed with the help of cookies is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (e.g., in the economic operation of our online services and improving its usability) or, if this occurs within the framework of fulfilling our contractual obligations, if the use of cookies is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations. We will clarify the purposes for which we process cookies in the course of this privacy policy or within our consent and processing procedures.   <\/p>\n<p><strong>Storage duration: <\/strong>With regard to storage duration, the following types of cookies are distinguished:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Temporary cookies (also: session cookies):<\/strong> Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online offering and closed their end device (e.g., browser or mobile application).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Persistent cookies:<\/strong> Persistent cookies remain stored even after the end device is closed. For example, the login status can be saved or preferred content can be displayed directly when the user revisits a website. Likewise, the data collected from users with the help of cookies can be used for reach measurement. Unless we explicitly provide users with information on the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., when obtaining consent), users should assume that cookies are persistent and the storage duration can be up to two years.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>General notes on revocation and objection (opt-out): <\/strong> Depending on whether the processing is based on consent or legal permission, you have the option at any time to revoke given consent or to object to the processing of your data by cookie technologies (collectively referred to as &#8220;opt-out&#8221;). You can initially declare your objection via your browser settings, e.g., by deactivating the use of cookies (although this may also limit the functionality of our online services). An objection to the use of cookies for online marketing purposes can also be declared via a variety of services, especially in the case of tracking, via the websites <a href=\"https:\/\/optout.aboutads.info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/optout.aboutads.info<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youronlinechoices.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youronlinechoices.com\/<\/a>. In addition, you may receive further objection information within the details of the service providers and cookies used.   <\/p>\n<p><strong>Processing of cookie data based on consent:<\/strong> We use a cookie consent management procedure, within which users&#8217; consents to the use of cookies, or the processing and providers mentioned in the cookie consent management procedure, can be obtained, managed, and revoked by users. The declaration of consent is stored to avoid having to repeat its query and to be able to prove the consent in accordance with legal obligations. Storage can take place server-side and\/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie, or with the help of comparable technologies) to be able to assign the consent to a user or their device. Subject to individual information about the providers of cookie management services, the following notes apply: The duration of consent storage can be up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored with the time of consent, information on the scope of consent (e.g., which categories of cookies and\/or service providers), as well as the browser, system, and end device used.    <\/p>\n<p><strong>Cookie Settings \/ Opt-Out Option:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">If you use a cookie consent banner (which is recommended), you can enter the option to call it up here (e.g., a link or a so-called [shortcode] that is automatically converted into a button\/link by your software).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Notes on the processing of cookie data based on consent: You should only keep this option (and otherwise delete it) if you obtain a &#8220;real&#8221; opt-in, i.e., consent from users for the use of cookies (e.g., with so-called &#8220;cookie consent\/opt-in banners&#8221; or as part of a registration process).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Since a cookie opt-in is generally necessary according to the ECJ when using marketing tools frequently used in e-commerce (e.g., Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel), this option is pre-selected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">This means that you do not use any cookies (and do not use any third-party services within your websites that themselves use cookies) until users have given their consent. Only the use of necessary cookies that are expected by users, such as a shopping cart function in the online shop or local reach measurement with the Matomo tool, is permissible. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m317\">Business Services<\/h2>\n<p>We process personal data of our contractual and business partners, such as customers, clients, prospective customers, suppliers, and other cooperation partners (collectively &#8220;contractual partners&#8221;), for the initiation, execution, and settlement of contractual relationships and comparable legal relationships. This also includes pre-contractual measures taken upon request, as well as communication in connection with the respective contractual relationship. <\/p>\n<p>The processing serves, in particular, to fulfill our primary and secondary contractual obligations. This includes the provision of agreed services, any updating and information obligations, the processing of warranty and other service disruptions, the handling of revocations, terminations of long-term obligations, reversals, refunds, and the processing of other contract-related declarations and inquiries. This covers both one-time contracts and ongoing contractual relationships.  <\/p>\n<p>In particular, master data such as name, address, and possibly company, contact data such as email address and telephone number, contract and service data such as the subject matter of the contract, contract term, order or transaction number, usage and service data, payment and billing data, as well as communication content and histories are processed. To the extent necessary, we also process data disclosed or transmitted to us in the course of executing an order. <\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, we process the data to safeguard our rights and to fulfill legal obligations. This includes, in particular, commercial and tax law retention obligations, documentation obligations, and, if applicable, proof and accountability obligations. In addition, processing is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests in proper business management, internal administration, risk management, and IT security, as well as in protecting our business operations and our contractual partners from misuse, data breaches, disclosure of secrets, and other legal assets. This may also include the involvement of external service providers such as IT and telecommunications providers, transport and logistics companies, payment service providers, banks, tax and legal advisors, or other vicarious agents, insofar as this is necessary for contract execution or to fulfill legal obligations.   <\/p>\n<p>Personal data is only passed on to third parties insofar as this is necessary for the performance of the contract, for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, for safeguarding legitimate interests, or for fulfilling legal obligations. We will inform you separately about further processing, especially for marketing purposes, within this privacy policy. <\/p>\n<p>We will inform contractual partners about which data is required in individual cases during data collection, for example, in online forms through appropriate labeling or in personal contact.<\/p>\n<p>Data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required for the aforementioned purposes and no legal retention obligations prevent deletion. Legal retention periods, particularly under commercial and tax law, may require longer storage. Data transmitted in the context of a specific order will be deleted by us after completion of the order and expiry of any retention periods, unless there are further legal or contractual obligations to store it.  <\/p>\n<p>The legal basis for processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR for the implementation of pre-contractual measures and for the fulfillment of the respective contractual relationship, as well as Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR for the fulfillment of legal obligations. Insofar as processing is based on legitimate interests, it is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. Insofar as processing is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR, it is carried out to safeguard our legitimate interests in proper and efficient business organization, internal administration and documentation of business processes, enforcement and defense of legal claims, ensuring IT and data security, preventing misuse and fraud, and the economic management and further development of our business operations. These interests exist in particular in ensuring secure and legally compliant business operations and in safeguarding our entrepreneurial capacity to act.           <\/p>\n<p><strong>Customer account<\/strong>: Contractual partners can create an account within our online services (e.g., customer or user account, briefly &#8220;customer account&#8221;). If the registration of a customer account is required, contractual partners will be informed of this, as well as of the information required for registration. Customer accounts are not public and cannot be indexed by search engines. During registration, as well as subsequent logins and uses of the customer account, we store the IP addresses of customers along with the access times to be able to prove the registration and prevent any misuse of the customer account.   <\/p>\n<p>If customers have terminated their customer account, the data related to the customer account will be deleted, subject to legal retention requirements. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Economic analyses and market research<\/strong>: For business reasons and to identify market trends, wishes of contractual partners and users, we analyze the data available to us regarding business transactions, contracts, inquiries, etc., whereby the group of data subjects may include contractual partners, prospective customers, customers, visitors, and users of our online services.<\/p>\n<p>The analyses are carried out for the purpose of business evaluations, marketing, and market research (e.g., to determine customer groups with different characteristics). In doing so, we may, if available, take into account the profiles of registered users including their details, e.g., on services used. The analyses are for our sole benefit and are not disclosed externally, unless they are anonymous analyses with aggregated, i.e., anonymized values. Furthermore, we respect the privacy of users and process data for analysis purposes as pseudonymously as possible and, if feasible, anonymously (e.g., as aggregated data).   <\/p>\n<p><strong>Shop and E-commerce<\/strong>: We process the data of our customers to enable them to select, purchase, or order the chosen products, goods, and associated services, as well as their payment and provision, delivery, or execution. If necessary for the execution of an order, we use service providers, in particular postal, freight, and shipping companies, to carry out the delivery or execution to our customers. For the processing of payment transactions, we use the services of banks and payment service providers. The required information is marked as such within the order or comparable purchase process and includes the information necessary for delivery or provision and billing, as well as contact information to allow for any queries.   <\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of data processed:<\/strong> Inventory data (e.g., names, addresses), payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history), contact data (e.g., email, phone numbers), contract data (e.g., subject matter of contract, term, customer category), usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data subjects:<\/strong> Prospective customers, business and contractual partners, customers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of processing:<\/strong> Provision of contractual services and customer service, contact inquiries and communication, office and organizational procedures, management and response to inquiries, security measures, visit action evaluation, interest-based and behavioral marketing, profiling (creation of user profiles).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal bases:<\/strong> 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).      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Note: Please remove the passage on customer accounts or customer data analysis if you do not offer a customer account or do not analyze your customer data as described.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m326\">Payment Service Providers<\/h2>\n<p>Within the framework of contractual and other legal relationships, due to legal obligations, or otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests, we offer data subjects efficient and secure payment options and use other payment service providers in addition to banks and credit institutions (collectively &#8220;payment service providers&#8221;).<\/p>\n<p>The data processed by payment service providers includes inventory data, such as name and address, bank data, such as account numbers or credit card numbers, passwords, TANs, and checksums, as well as contract, sum, and recipient-related information. This information is necessary to carry out the transactions. However, the entered data is only processed and stored by the payment service providers. This means that we do not receive any account or credit card-related information, but only information confirming or denying the payment. Under certain circumstances, the data may be transmitted by the payment service providers to credit agencies. This transmission is for identity and creditworthiness checks. For this, we refer to the terms and conditions and privacy notices of the payment service providers.      <\/p>\n<p>The terms and conditions and privacy notices of the respective payment service providers, which can be accessed on their respective websites or transaction applications, apply to payment transactions. We also refer to these for further information and for asserting rights of revocation, access, and other data subject rights. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of data processed:<\/strong> Inventory data (e.g., names, addresses), payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history), contract data (e.g., subject matter of contract, term, customer category), usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data subjects:<\/strong> Customers, prospective customers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of processing:<\/strong> Provision of contractual services and customer service.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal bases:<\/strong> 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).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>PayPal:<\/strong> Payment services and solutions (e.g., PayPal, PayPal Plus, Braintree); Service provider: PayPal (Europe) S.\u00e0 r.l. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/de<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/de\/legalhub\/paypal\/privacy-full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/de\/legalhub\/paypal\/privacy-full<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Otherwise, adjust the list of services and providers as needed. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m325\">Credit Check<\/h2>\n<p>If we provide services in advance or incur comparable economic risks (e.g., for orders on account), we reserve the right to obtain identity and creditworthiness information from specialized service companies (credit agencies) for the purpose of assessing credit risk based on mathematical-statistical procedures, in order to safeguard legitimate interests.<\/p>\n<p>We process the information received from credit agencies about the statistical probability of payment default as part of a reasonable discretionary decision regarding the establishment, execution, and termination of the contractual relationship. We reserve the right to refuse payment on account or other advance services in the event of a negative credit check result. <\/p>\n<p>The decision whether to provide advance services is made, in accordance with Art. 22 GDPR, solely on the basis of an automated individual decision made by our software based on the information from the credit agency.<\/p>\n<p>If we obtain explicit consent from contractual partners, the legal basis for the credit report and the transmission of customer data to credit agencies is consent. If no consent is obtained, the credit report is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests in the payment security of our claims. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of data processed:<\/strong> Inventory data (e.g., names, addresses), payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history), contact data (e.g., email, phone numbers), contract data (e.g., subject matter of contract, term, customer category).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data subjects:<\/strong> Customers, prospective customers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of processing:<\/strong> Assessment of creditworthiness and solvency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal bases:<\/strong> Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Automated individual decision-making:<\/strong> Credit report (decision based on a credit check).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Verband der Vereine Creditreform e.V.:<\/strong> Credit agency; Service provider: Verband der Vereine Creditreform e.V., Hammfelddamm 13, D-41460 Neuss, Germany; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.creditreform.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.creditreform.de\/<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.creditreform.de\/datenschutz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.creditreform.de\/datenschutz<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Note: Remove the passage on credit checks if you do not perform credit checks. Review and, if necessary, change the list of service providers. A customer&#8217;s creditworthiness can be checked if there is otherwise a risk of payment default, i.e., if the goods are delivered without payment having been received (i.e., if the customer chooses to purchase on account). However, there is no risk of payment default if the customer, for example, chooses the prepayment option or makes payment via third-party providers such as PayPal.    <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">It should also be noted that obtaining an automatic credit report constitutes an &#8220;Automated individual decision-making&#8221; according to Art. 22 GDPR, i.e., a legal decision without human involvement. This is permissible if the customer has consented or if this decision is necessary for the conclusion of the contract. Whether the decision is necessary has not yet been conclusively clarified but is often considered to be the case, including by the author of this template.    <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">However, if you want to exclude any risk, you should obtain consent. Consent is also necessary if the credit report is already used to decide whether the &#8220;on account&#8221; option should be displayed at all. Because it could have been that the customer would have chosen prepayment or PayPal anyway, and the credit check would not have been necessary. Such consent could, for example, read as follows:    <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\"><em>\uf0f0 I agree that a credit check will be carried out to decide, in an automated procedure (Art. 22 GDPR), whether the option of purchasing on account is offered. Further information on the credit check, the credit agencies used, the procedure, and the objection options can be found in our [Link]Privacy Policy[\/Link]. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m225\">Provision of Online Services and Web Hosting<\/h2>\n<p>To be able to provide our online services securely and efficiently, we use the services of one or more web hosting providers, from whose servers (or servers managed by them) the online services can be accessed. For these purposes, we may use infrastructure and platform services, computing capacity, storage space and database services, as well as security services and technical maintenance services. <\/p>\n<p>The data processed in the context of providing the hosting services may include all information relating to the users of our online services that arises during use and communication. This regularly includes the IP address, which is necessary to deliver the content of online services to browsers, and all entries made within our online services or on websites. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Email dispatch and hosting<\/strong>: The web hosting services we use also include the sending, receiving, and storage of emails. For these purposes, the addresses of recipients and senders, as well as other information concerning email dispatch (e.g., the providers involved) and the content of the respective emails, are processed. The aforementioned data may also be processed for the purpose of spam detection. Please note that emails on the internet are generally not sent encrypted. As a rule, emails are encrypted during transmission, but (unless a so-called end-to-end encryption method is used) not on the servers from which they are sent and received. We therefore cannot assume responsibility for the transmission path of emails between the sender and the reception on our server.     <\/p>\n<p><strong>Collection of access data and log files<\/strong>: We ourselves (or our web hosting provider) collect data on every access to the server (so-called server log files). Server log files may include the address and name of the accessed web pages and files, date and time of access, transferred data volume, notification of successful access, browser type and version, the user&#8217;s operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. <\/p>\n<p>Server log files can be used, on the one hand, for security purposes, e.g., to prevent server overload (especially in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks) and, on the other hand, to ensure server utilization and stability.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of data processed:<\/strong> Content data (e.g., entries in online forms), usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data subjects:<\/strong> Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal bases:<\/strong> Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Note: If not already done: Please request a so-called &#8220;Data Processing Agreement&#8221; from the respective web hosters. This is legally required because the hoster collects personal data of website visitors on your behalf. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m182\">Contacting Us<\/h2>\n<p>When you contact us (e.g., via contact form, email, phone, or social media), the information of the inquiring persons is processed insofar as this is necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.<\/p>\n<p>The response to contact inquiries within the framework of contractual or pre-contractual relationships is made to fulfill our contractual obligations or to answer (pre-)contractual inquiries and otherwise on the basis of legitimate interests in answering the inquiries.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of data processed:<\/strong> Inventory data (e.g., names, addresses), contact data (e.g., email, phone numbers), content data (e.g., entries in online forms), usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data subjects:<\/strong> Communication partners, prospective customers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of processing:<\/strong> Contact inquiries and communication, management and response to inquiries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal bases:<\/strong> 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).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Contact form: <\/strong>If users contact us via our contact form, email, or other communication channels, we process the data communicated to us in this context to handle the stated concern. For this purpose, we process personal data within the framework of pre-contractual and contractual business relationships, insofar as this is necessary for their fulfillment, and otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests and the interests of the communication partners in responding to concerns and our legal retention obligations. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Help Scout:<\/strong> Management of contact inquiries and communication; Service provider: Help Scout PBC, 100 City Hall Square Suite 510 USA; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpscout.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.helpscout.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpscout.com\/company\/legal\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.helpscout.com\/company\/legal\/privacy\/<\/a>; Basis for third-country transfer: Standard Contractual Clauses (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpscout.com\/company\/legal\/dpa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.helpscout.com\/company\/legal\/dpa\/<\/a>); Data Processing Agreement: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpscout.com\/company\/legal\/dpa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.helpscout.com\/company\/legal\/dpa\/<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Note: If external CRM systems are used, their providers should be named. Adjust this information or remove the specified service provider. Furthermore, data processing agreements (or &#8220;Data Processing Agreements&#8221;) must be concluded with the providers. If the providers process user data in a third country, special guarantees must be in place (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).   <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m17\">Newsletter and Electronic Notifications<\/h2>\n<p>We send newsletters, emails, and other electronic notifications (hereinafter &#8220;newsletters&#8221;) only with the consent of the recipients or legal permission. If the content of a newsletter is specifically described during registration, it is decisive for the users&#8217; consent. Otherwise, our newsletters contain information about our services and us.  <\/p>\n<p>To subscribe to our newsletters, it is generally sufficient to provide your email address. However, we may ask you for a name, for personal address in the newsletter, or other information, if this is necessary for the purposes of the newsletter. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Double opt-in procedure:<\/strong> Registration for our newsletter generally takes place in a so-called double opt-in procedure. This means that after registration, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your registration. This confirmation is necessary so that no one can register with other people&#8217;s email addresses. Newsletter registrations are logged to be able to prove the registration process in accordance with legal requirements. This includes storing the registration and confirmation times, as well as the IP address. Changes to your data stored with the mailing service provider are also logged.     <\/p>\n<p><strong>Deletion and Restriction of Processing: <\/strong> We may store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years based on our legitimate interests before deleting them, in order to prove a previously given consent. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a possible defense against claims. An individual request for deletion is possible at any time, provided that the previous existence of consent is simultaneously confirmed. In the case of obligations to permanently observe objections, we reserve the right to store the email address solely for this purpose in a blocklist (so-called &#8220;blacklist&#8221;).   <\/p>\n<p>The logging of the registration process is based on our legitimate interests for the purpose of proving its proper execution. If we commission a service provider to send emails, this is done based on our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure mailing system. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Notes on Legal Bases:<\/strong> Newsletters are sent based on the recipients&#8217; consent or, if consent is not required, based on our legitimate interests in direct marketing, provided and to the extent that this is legally permitted, e.g., in the case of advertising to existing customers. If we commission a service provider to send emails, this is done based on our legitimate interests. The registration process is recorded based on our legitimate interests to prove that it was carried out in accordance with the law.  <\/p>\n<p><strong>Content:<\/strong> Information about us, our services, promotions, and offers.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of Data Processed:<\/strong> Inventory data (e.g., names, addresses), contact data (e.g., email, phone numbers), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses), usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data Subjects:<\/strong> Communication partners.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of Processing:<\/strong> Direct marketing (e.g., via email or postal mail).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Bases:<\/strong> Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Right to Object (Opt-Out):<\/strong> You can cancel your newsletter subscription at any time, i.e., revoke your consent or object to further receipt. A link to unsubscribe from the newsletter can be found either at the end of each newsletter or you can use one of the contact options provided above, preferably email, for this purpose. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Measurement of Open and Click Rates: <\/strong>The newsletters contain a so-called &#8220;web beacon,&#8221; i.e., a pixel-sized file that is retrieved from our server or that of a shipping service provider, if we use one, when the newsletter is opened. As part of this retrieval, technical information, such as browser and system details, 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 technical data or target groups and their reading behavior based on their retrieval locations (which can be determined using the IP address) or access times. This analysis also includes determining whether and when newsletters are opened and which links are clicked. The information is assigned to individual newsletter recipients and stored in their profiles until deletion. The evaluations serve 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 open and click rates, as well as the storage of the measurement results in user profiles and their further processing, are based on the users&#8217; consent. A separate revocation of success measurement is unfortunately not possible; in this case, the entire newsletter subscription must be canceled or objected to. In that case, the stored profile information will be deleted; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\"><strong>Legal Bases:<\/strong> Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR);<\/span>        <\/li>\n<li><strong>CleverReach:<\/strong> Email marketing platform; Service provider: CleverReach GmbH &#038; Co. KG, \/\/CRASH Building, Schafj\u00fcckenweg 2, 26180 Rastede, Germany; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cleverreach.com\/de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cleverreach.com\/de<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cleverreach.com\/de\/datenschutz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cleverreach.com\/de\/datenschutz\/<\/a>; Data Processing Agreement: Concluded with provider.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mailchimp: <\/strong>Email sending and email marketing platform; Service provider: Rocket Science Group, LLC, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE #5000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/mailchimp.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/mailchimp.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/legal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/legal\/<\/a>; Data Processing Agreement: <a href=\"https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/legal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/legal\/<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfer: Data Privacy Framework, Standard Contractual Clauses (inclusion in the Data Processing Agreement); Further Information: Special security measures: <a href=\"https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/help\/Mailchimp-european-data-transfers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/help\/Mailchimp-european-data-transfers\/<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Please delete the newsletter section if you do not send newsletters. Otherwise, adjust the list of services and providers as well as the information on the content of the newsletter and success measurement as needed.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m263\">Web Analytics, Monitoring, and Optimization<\/h2>\n<p>Web analytics (also referred to as &#8220;reach measurement&#8221;) serves to evaluate visitor flows 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, identify at what times our online offering or its functions or content are most frequently used or invite reuse. We can also understand which areas require optimization.  <\/p>\n<p>In addition to web analytics, we may also use testing procedures to, for example, test and optimize different versions of our online offering or its components.<\/p>\n<p>For these purposes, so-called user profiles can be created and stored in a file (so-called &#8220;cookie&#8221;) or similar procedures with the same purpose can be used. This information may include, for example, viewed content, visited websites and elements used there, and 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, this may also be processed depending on the provider.  <\/p>\n<p>Users&#8217; IP addresses are also collected. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. Generally, no clear data of users (such as email addresses or names) are stored within the framework of web analytics, A\/B testing, and optimization, but rather pseudonyms. This means that neither we nor the providers of the software used know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles for the purposes of the respective procedures.   <\/p>\n<p><strong>Notes on Legal Bases:<\/strong> 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 based on our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical, and user-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.  <\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of Data Processed:<\/strong> Usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data Subjects:<\/strong> Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of Processing:<\/strong> Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of recurring visitors), tracking (e.g., interest-\/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies), visit action evaluation, profiling (creation of user profiles).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Security Measures:<\/strong> IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Bases:<\/strong> Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>etracker: <\/strong>Web analytics\/reach measurement; Service provider: etracker GmbH, Erste Brunnenstra\u00dfe 1 20459 Hamburg, Germany; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etracker.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.etracker.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etracker.com\/datenschutz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.etracker.com\/datenschutz\/<\/a>; Data Processing Agreement: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etracker.com\/av-vertrag\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.etracker.com\/av-vertrag\/<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Google Analytics: <\/strong>We use Google Analytics to measure and analyze the use of our online offering based on a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain unique data such as names or email addresses. It serves to assign analytical information to an end device to recognize which content users have accessed within one or different usage processes, which search terms they have used, have accessed again, or have interacted with our online offering. The time of use and its duration are also stored, as well as the sources of users who refer to our online offering and technical aspects of their end devices and browsers.<br \/>\nPseudonymous user profiles are created with information from the use of various devices, whereby cookies may be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses for EU users. However, Analytics provides coarse geographic location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: city (and the derived latitude and longitude of the city), continent, country, region, subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). For EU traffic, IP address data is used exclusively for this derivation of geolocation data before being immediately deleted. It is not logged, is not accessible, and is not used for further purposes. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are performed on EU-based servers before traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com\/intl\/de\/about\/analytics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com\/intl\/de\/about\/analytics\/<\/a>; Security Measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Data Processing Agreement: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms\/<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Right to Object (Opt-Out): Opt-Out Plugin: <a href=\"https:\/\/tools.google.com\/dlpage\/gaoptout?hl=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/tools.google.com\/dlpage\/gaoptout?hl=de<\/a>, Settings for ad display: <a href=\"https:\/\/myadcenter.google.com\/personalizationoff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/myadcenter.google.com\/personalizationoff<\/a>; Further Information: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsservices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsservices\/<\/a> (types of processing and processed data).        <\/li>\n<li><strong>Google as Recipient of Consent: <\/strong>The consent given by users within a consent dialog (also known as &#8220;cookie opt-in\/consent,&#8221; &#8220;cookie banner,&#8221; etc.) serves several purposes. On the one hand, it enables us to fulfill our obligation to obtain consent for storing and reading information on and from users&#8217; end devices (in accordance with ePrivacy guidelines). On the other hand, it covers the processing of users&#8217; personal data in accordance with data protection regulations. Furthermore, this consent also applies to Google, as the company is obliged by the Digital Markets Act to obtain consent for personalized services. Therefore, we share the status of consents given by users with Google. Our consent management software informs Google whether consents have been given or not. The aim is to ensure that users&#8217; given or not given consents are taken into account when using Google Analytics and when integrating functions and external services. This allows users&#8217; consents and their revocation within Google Analytics and other Google services in our online offering to be dynamically adjusted depending on the user&#8217;s selection; <strong>Service provider:<\/strong> Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/analytics\/answer\/9976101?hl=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/support.google.com\/analytics\/answer\/9976101?hl=de<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>.       <\/li>\n<li><strong>Google Tag Manager:<\/strong> Google Tag Manager is a solution that allows us to manage so-called website tags via an interface and thus integrate other services into our online offering (further information on this is provided in this privacy policy). The Tag Manager itself (which implements the tags) does not, for example, create user profiles or store cookies. Google only learns the user&#8217;s IP address, which is necessary to run the Google Tag Manager; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, Parent company: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Data Processing Agreement:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfer: Data Privacy Framework, Standard Contractual Clauses (<a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms<\/a>); Further Information: <a href=\"https:\/\/privacy.google.com\/businesses\/adsservices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/privacy.google.com\/businesses\/adsservices<\/a> (types of processing and processed data).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Matomo (without cookies): <\/strong>Matomo is a privacy-friendly web analytics software that is used without cookies and where the recognition of recurring users is carried out with the help of a so-called &#8220;digital fingerprint,&#8221; which is stored anonymously and changed every 24 hours; The &#8220;digital fingerprint&#8221; records user movements within our online offering with the help of pseudonymized IP addresses in combination with user-side browser settings in such a way that conclusions about the identity of individual users are not possible. The user data collected within the framework of Matomo is only processed by us and not shared with third parties; Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/matomo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/matomo.org\/<\/a>. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Matomo: <\/strong>Matomo is software used for web analytics and reach measurement. When using Matomo, cookies are generated and stored on the users&#8217; end devices. The user data collected within the framework of Matomo is only processed by us and not shared with third parties. The cookies are stored for a maximum period of 13 months: <a href=\"https:\/\/matomo.org\/faq\/general\/faq_146\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/matomo.org\/faq\/general\/faq_146\/<\/a>; Data deletion: Cookies have a storage period of a maximum of 13 months.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Please delete the section on web analytics, monitoring, and optimization if you do not use web analytics, monitoring, and optimization tools on your website. Adjust the list of services and providers as needed.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m264\">Online Marketing<\/h2>\n<p>We process personal data for online marketing purposes, which may include, in particular, the marketing of advertising space or the display of advertising and other content (collectively referred to as &#8220;content&#8221;) based on potential user interests, as well as the measurement of their effectiveness.<\/p>\n<p>For these purposes, so-called user profiles are created and stored in a file (so-called &#8220;cookie&#8221;) or similar procedures are used, by means of which information relevant for the display of the aforementioned content about the user is stored. This information may include, for example, viewed content, visited websites, used online networks, but also communication partners and 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, this may also be processed.  <\/p>\n<p>Users&#8217; IP addresses are also collected. However, we use available IP masking procedures (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. Generally, no clear data of users (such as email addresses or names) are stored within the framework of online marketing procedures, but rather 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.   <\/p>\n<p>The information in the profiles is usually 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 procedure and analyzed for the purpose of displaying content, as well as supplemented with further data and stored on the server of the online marketing procedure provider. <\/p>\n<p>Exceptionally, clear data may be assigned to the profiles. This is the case if users, for example, are members of a social network whose online marketing procedure we use and the network links the user profiles with the aforementioned information. We ask you to note that users may enter into additional agreements with the providers, e.g., by giving consent during registration.  <\/p>\n<p>We generally only receive access to aggregated information about the success of our advertisements. However, within the framework 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. Conversion measurement is used solely to analyze the success of our marketing measures.  <\/p>\n<p>Unless otherwise stated, please assume that cookies used are stored for a period of two years.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Notes on Legal Bases:<\/strong> 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 based on our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical, and user-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.  <\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of Data Processed:<\/strong> Usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses), location data (information on the geographical position of a device or person).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data Subjects:<\/strong> Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services), interested parties.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of Processing:<\/strong> Tracking (e.g., interest-\/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies), remarketing, visit action evaluation, interest-based and behavior-based marketing, profiling (creation of user profiles), conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures), reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of recurring visitors), target group formation (determination of target groups relevant for marketing purposes or other output of content), cross-device tracking (cross-device processing of user data for marketing purposes).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Security Measures:<\/strong> IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Bases:<\/strong> Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Right to Object (Opt-Out):<\/strong> We refer to the privacy policies of the respective providers and the objection options (so-called &#8220;opt-out&#8221;) provided for the providers. If no explicit opt-out option has been specified, it is possible, on the one hand, to disable cookies in your browser settings. However, this may restrict functions of our online offering. We therefore additionally recommend the following opt-out options, which are offered collectively for respective areas:a) Europe: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youronlinechoices.eu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youronlinechoices.eu<\/a>.<br \/>\nb) Canada: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youradchoices.ca\/choices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youradchoices.ca\/choices<\/a>.<br \/>\nc) USA: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aboutads.info\/choices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aboutads.info\/choices<\/a>.<br \/>\nd) Cross-regional: <a href=\"https:\/\/optout.aboutads.info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/optout.aboutads.info<\/a>.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Meta Pixel and Audience Creation (Custom Audiences): <\/strong>With the help of the Meta Pixel (or comparable functions, for transmitting event data or contact information via interfaces in apps), Meta can, on the one hand, determine the visitors to our online offering as a target group for displaying ads (so-called &#8220;Meta Ads&#8221;). 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 Meta&#8217;s cooperating partners (so-called &#8220;Audience Network&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/audiencenetwork\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/audiencenetwork\/<\/a> ) who have shown an interest in our online offering or who have certain characteristics (e.g., interest in certain topics or products, which become apparent from the visited websites) that we transmit to Meta (so-called &#8220;Custom Audiences&#8221;). With the help of the Meta Pixel, we also want to ensure that our Meta Ads correspond to the potential interests of users and do not appear annoying. With the help of the Meta Pixel, we can also track the effectiveness of Meta Ads for statistical and market research purposes by seeing whether users were redirected to our website after clicking on a Meta Ad (so-called &#8220;conversion measurement&#8221;); Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/<\/a>; Data Processing Agreement: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/dataprocessing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/dataprocessing<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further Information: User event data, i.e., behavioral and interest information, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience creation based on the joint controller agreement (&#8220;Controller Addendum,&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/controller_addendum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/controller_addendum<\/a>). Joint controllership is limited to the collection and transmission 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 particularly concerns the transfer of data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA (based on the Standard Contractual Clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).      <\/li>\n<li><strong>Google Ad Manager: <\/strong>We use the service &#8220;Google Ad Manager&#8221; to place ads in the Google advertising network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.). Google Ad Manager is characterized by displaying ads in real-time based on presumed user interests. This allows us to show ads for our online offering to users who might have a potential interest in our offering or had previously been interested in it, and to measure the success of the ads; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further Information: Types of processing and processed data: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsservices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsservices\/<\/a>; Data processing terms for Google advertising products: Information on the services data processing terms between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adscontrollerterms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adscontrollerterms<\/a>; if Google acts as a processor, data processing terms for Google advertising products and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsprocessorterms<\/a>.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Google Ads and Conversion Measurement:<\/strong> Online marketing procedure for the purpose of placing content and ads within the service provider&#8217;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; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR), Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/marketingplatform.google.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further Information: Types of processing and processed data: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsservices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adsservices\/<\/a>; Data processing terms between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adscontrollerterms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/adscontrollerterms<\/a>.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Please delete the online marketing section if you do not use online marketing tools on your website. Adjust the list of services and providers as needed. Please note that the use of marketing services on the website usually requires a cookie opt-in.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m136\">Presences on Social Networks (Social Media)<\/h2>\n<p>We maintain online presences within social networks and process user data in this context to communicate with active users there or to offer information about us.<\/p>\n<p>We point out that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This may result in risks for users, for example, because the enforcement of user rights could be made more difficult. <\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, user data within social networks is generally processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created based on usage behavior and resulting user interests. These usage profiles can in turn be used to display advertisements within and outside the networks that presumably correspond to the users&#8217; interests. For these purposes, cookies are generally stored on users&#8217; computers, in which user behavior and interests are stored. Furthermore, data independent of the devices used by users can also be stored in the usage profiles (especially if users are members of the respective platforms and are logged in to them).    <\/p>\n<p>For a detailed description of the respective processing forms and objection options (opt-out), we refer to the privacy policies and information of the operators of the respective networks.<\/p>\n<p>Also, in the case of information requests and the assertion of data subject rights, we point out that these can be asserted most effectively with the providers. Only the providers have access to the user data and can directly take appropriate measures and provide information. Should you still need help, you can contact us.  <\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of Data Processed:<\/strong> Inventory data (e.g., names, addresses), contact data (e.g., email, phone numbers), content data (e.g., entries in online forms), usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data Subjects:<\/strong> Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of Processing:<\/strong> Contact inquiries and communication, tracking (e.g., interest-\/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies), remarketing, reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of recurring visitors).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Bases:<\/strong> Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Instagram: <\/strong>Social network, enables sharing photos and videos, commenting and liking posts, sending messages, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/privacycenter.instagram.com\/policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/privacycenter.instagram.com\/policy\/<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Facebook Pages: <\/strong>Profiles within the social network Facebook &#8211; The controller is jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection and transmission of data from visitors to our Facebook page (&#8220;Fanpage&#8221;). This includes, in particular, information about user behavior (e.g., viewed or interacted content, actions performed) as well as device information (e.g., IP address, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data). More details can be found in the Facebook Data Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/.<\/a> Facebook also uses this data to provide us with statistical evaluations via the &#8220;Page Insights&#8221; service, which provide insights into how people interact with our page and its content. This is based on an agreement with Facebook (&#8220;Information on Page Insights&#8221;: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/page_controller_addendum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/page_controller_addendum<\/a>), which, among other things, regulates security measures and the exercise of data subject rights. Further information can be found here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/information_about_page_insights_data\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/information_about_page_insights_data.<\/a> Users can therefore address information or deletion requests directly to Facebook. Users&#8217; rights (in particular information, deletion, objection, complaint to a supervisory authority) remain unaffected by this. Joint controllership is limited exclusively to the collection of data by Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (EU). Meta Platforms Ireland Limited is solely responsible for further processing, including a possible transfer to Meta Platforms Inc. in the USA; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/EU_data_transfer_addendum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/EU_data_transfer_addendum<\/a>).        <\/li>\n<li><strong>LinkedIn: <\/strong>Social network &#8211; We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of data from visitors that is used to create the &#8220;Page Insights&#8221; (statistics) of our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. Details about the devices used are also collected, such as IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, and cookie data, as well as information from user profiles, such as job function, country, industry, hierarchy level, company size, and employment status. Data protection information on the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn&#8217;s privacy policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/legal\/privacy-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/legal\/privacy-policy.<\/a><br \/>\nWe have concluded a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland (&#8220;Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum&#8221;, <a href=\"https:\/\/legal.linkedin.com\/pages-joint-controller-addendum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/legal.linkedin.com\/pages-joint-controller-addendum<\/a>), which, in particular, regulates which security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill data subject rights (i.e., users can, for example, address information or deletion requests directly to LinkedIn). Users&#8217; rights (in particular the right to information, deletion, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. Joint controllership is limited to the collection and transmission of data to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. The further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, particularly concerning the transfer of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Dublin 2, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/legal\/privacy-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/legal\/privacy-policy<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/legal\/privacy-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/legal\/privacy-policy<\/a>); Right to Object (Opt-Out): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/psettings\/guest-controls\/retargeting-opt-out\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/psettings\/guest-controls\/retargeting-opt-out<\/a>.      <\/li>\n<li><strong>Pinterest: <\/strong>Social network, enables sharing photos, commenting, liking and curating posts, sending messages, subscribing to profiles; Service provider: Pinterest Europe Limited, 2nd Floor, Palmerston House, Fenian Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.pinterest.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/policy.pinterest.com\/de\/privacy-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/policy.pinterest.com\/de\/privacy-policy<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>TikTok: <\/strong>Social network, enables sharing photos and videos, commenting and liking posts, sending messages, subscribing to accounts; Service provider: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland and TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited, Kaleidoscope, 4 Lindsey Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1A 9HP; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.tiktok.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/legal\/page\/eea\/privacy-policy\/de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/legal\/page\/eea\/privacy-policy\/de<\/a>; <strong>Data Processing Agreement:<\/strong> Provided by the service provider.<\/li>\n<li><strong>X: <\/strong>Social network; Service provider: X Internet Unlimited Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/x.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/de\/privacy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/x.com\/de\/privacy<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>YouTube: <\/strong>Social network and video platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Privacy Policy:<a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Basis for <strong>Third Country Transfers:<\/strong> Data Privacy Framework (DPF); <strong>Right to Object (Opt-Out):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/myadcenter.google.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/myadcenter.google.com\/<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Xing: <\/strong>Social network; Service provider: New Work SE, Am Strandkai 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.xing.com\/<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/privacy.xing.com\/de\/datenschutzerklaerung\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/privacy.xing.com\/de\/datenschutzerklaerung<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Adjust the list of social networks as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m328\">Plugins and Embedded Functions and Content<\/h2>\n<p>We integrate functional and content elements into our online offering that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as &#8220;third-party providers&#8221;). These may include, for example, graphics, videos, or social media buttons and posts (hereinafter uniformly referred to as &#8220;content&#8221;). <\/p>\n<p>The integration always requires that the third-party providers of this content process the users&#8217; IP address, as they would not be able to send the content to their browser without the IP address. The IP address is therefore necessary for the display of this content or functions. We strive to use only content whose respective providers use the IP address solely for the delivery of the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also referred to as &#8220;web beacons&#8221;) for statistical or marketing purposes. Through the &#8220;pixel tags,&#8221; information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website can be evaluated. The pseudonymous information can also be stored in cookies on the users&#8217; device and may contain, among other things, technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, visit time, and other information about the use of our online offering, as well as be combined with such information from other sources.     <\/p>\n<p><strong>Notes on Legal Bases:<\/strong> 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 based on our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical, and user-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.  <\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Types of Data Processed:<\/strong> Usage data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times), meta\/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses), location data (information on the geographical position of a device or person), content data (e.g., entries in online forms), inventory data (e.g., names, addresses), contact data (e.g., email, phone numbers).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data Subjects:<\/strong> Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services), communication partners.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposes of Processing:<\/strong> Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness, provision of contractual services and customer service, contact inquiries and communication, tracking (e.g., interest-\/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies), interest-based and behavior-based marketing, profiling (creation of user profiles), security measures, management and response to inquiries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Bases:<\/strong> Legitimate Interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR), Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR), Performance of contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Services and Service Providers Used:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"m-elements\">\n<li><strong>Facebook Plugins and Content: <\/strong>Facebook Social Plugins and content &#8211; This may include, for example, content such as images, videos or texts and buttons with which users can share content of this online offering within Facebook. The list and appearance of the Facebook Social Plugins can be viewed here: <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.facebook.com\/docs\/plugins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/developers.facebook.com\/docs\/plugins\/<\/a> &#8211; We are jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or receipt, within the framework of a transmission (but not the further processing), of &#8220;event data&#8221; that Facebook collects via the Facebook Social Plugins (and embedding functions for content) executed on our online offering or receives within the framework of a transmission for the following purposes: a) Display of content and advertising information that corresponds to the presumed interests of users; b) Delivery of commercial and transaction-related messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) Improvement of ad delivery and personalization of functions and content (e.g., improving the recognition of which content or advertising information presumably corresponds to the interests of users). We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook (&#8220;Controller Addendum&#8221;, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/controller_addendum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/controller_addendum<\/a>), which, in particular, regulates which security measures Facebook must observe (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/data_security_terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/data_security_terms<\/a>) and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill data subject rights (i.e., users can, for example, address information or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with metrics, analyses, and reports (which are aggregated, i.e., do not contain information about individual users and are anonymous to us), this processing does not take place within the framework of joint controllership, but on the basis of a data processing agreement (&#8220;Data Processing Terms&#8221;, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/dataprocessing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/dataprocessing<\/a>), the &#8220;Data Security Terms&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/data_security_terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/terms\/data_security_terms<\/a>) as well as, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of Standard Contractual Clauses (&#8220;Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/EU_data_transfer_addendum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legal\/EU_data_transfer_addendum<\/a>). Users&#8217; rights (in particular to information, deletion, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal Bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privacy\/policy\/<\/a>; Basis for Third Country Transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).       <\/li>\n<li><strong>Google Fonts (obtained from Google server): <\/strong>Obtaining fonts (and symbols) for the purpose of 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 IP address of the user is shared with the font provider so that the fonts can be made available in the user&#8217;s browser. In addition, technical data (language settings, screen resolution, operating system, hardware used) is transmitted, which is necessary for providing 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 &#8211; When visiting our online offer, users&#8217; browsers send their browser HTTP requests to the Google Fonts Web API (i.e., a software interface for retrieving the fonts). The Google Fonts Web API provides users with the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) from Google Fonts and then the fonts specified in the CSS. 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 describing the browser and operating system versions of the website visitors, as well as the referrer URL (i.e., the webpage on which the Google font is to be displayed). IP addresses are neither logged nor stored on Google servers and they are not analyzed. The Google Fonts Web API logs details of the 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 generated for the respective browser type. The user agent is primarily logged and used for debugging to generate aggregated usage statistics that measure the popularity of font families. These summarized usage statistics are published on the Google Fonts &#8220;Analytics&#8221; page. Finally, the referrer URL is logged so that the data can be used for production maintenance and an aggregated report on the top integrations based on the number of font requests can be generated. 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 serve targeted ads; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/fonts.google.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/fonts.google.com\/<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/fonts\/faq\/privacy?hl=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/developers.google.com\/fonts\/faq\/privacy?hl=en<\/a>.               <\/li>\n<li><strong>Google Maps: <\/strong>We embed maps from the &#8220;Google Maps&#8221; service provided by Google. The processed data may include, in particular, users&#8217; IP addresses and location data; <strong>Service provider:<\/strong> Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson\u2019s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/mapsplatform.google.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/mapsplatform.google.com\/<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). <\/li>\n<li><strong>YouTube Videos: <\/strong>Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/business.safety.google\/privacy\/<\/a>; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Opt-out option: Opt-out plugin: <a href=\"https:\/\/tools.google.com\/dlpage\/gaoptout?hl=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/tools.google.com\/dlpage\/gaoptout?hl=en<\/a>, Ad personalization settings: <a href=\"https:\/\/myadcenter.google.com\/personalizationoff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/myadcenter.google.com\/personalizationoff<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vimeo Video Player: <\/strong>Integration of a video player; Service provider: Vimeo Inc., 555 West 18th Street New York, New York 10011, USA; <span class=\"prev_lb_wrp\">Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); <\/span>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/vimeo.com<\/a>; Privacy Policy: <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/privacy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/vimeo.com\/privacy<\/a>; Data Processing Agreement: <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/legal\/enterprise-terms\/dpa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/vimeo.com\/legal\/enterprise-terms\/dpa<\/a>; Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (<a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/legal\/enterprise-terms\/dpa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/vimeo.com\/legal\/enterprise-terms\/dpa<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Please delete the section on plugins and embedded functions as well as content if you do not use any plugins or embedded functions or content within your website. Otherwise, adjust the list of services and providers as needed.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"m12\">Deletion of Data<\/h2>\n<p id=\"m15\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">We delete personal data that we process in accordance with legal regulations as soon as the underlying consent is withdrawn or there are no further legal bases for processing. This applies to cases where the original purpose of processing no longer exists or the data is no longer needed. Exceptions to this rule exist if legal obligations or special interests require longer storage or archiving of the data.  <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"dsg-module-preview-12-de\" class=\"dsg-module-preview-generate dsg-preview-parent dsg-module-preview-fill active\" data-language=\"de\" data-id=\"29\" data-mid=\"12\" data-sku-de=\"\">\n<p>In particular, data that must be kept for commercial or tax reasons, or whose storage is necessary for legal action or to protect the rights of other natural or legal persons, must be archived accordingly.<\/p>\n<p>Our privacy policy contains additional information on the storage and deletion of data that applies specifically to certain processing operations.<\/p>\n<p>If there are multiple specifications regarding the storage duration or deletion periods of data, the longest period is always decisive. Data that is no longer kept for the originally intended purpose, but due to legal requirements or other reasons, is processed by us exclusively for the reasons that justify its storage. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Please select this passage on the storage and deletion of data if your headquarters is in Germany:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"dsg-module-preview-5229-de\" class=\"dsg-module-preview dsg-module-preview-generate dsg-option-preview dsg-option-preview-5229 dsg-option-preview-parent-12 dsg-module-preview-fill active\" data-language=\"de\" data-parent_mid=\"12\" data-group_mid=\"9\" data-mid=\"5229\" data-sku-de=\"\">\n<p><strong>Storage and deletion of data according to German law:<\/strong> The following general periods apply to storage and archiving according to German law:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>10 years &#8211; Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, as well as the work instructions and other organizational documents required for their understanding (\u00a7 147 Para. 1 No. 1 in conjunction with Para. 3 AO, \u00a7 14b Para. 1 UStG, \u00a7 257 Para. 1 No. 1 in conjunction with Para. 4 HGB).<\/li>\n<li>8 years &#8211; Accounting vouchers, such as invoices and cost receipts (\u00a7 147 Para. 1 No. 4 and 4a in conjunction with Para. 3 Sentence 1 AO and \u00a7 257 Para. 1 No. 4 in conjunction with Para. 4 HGB).<\/li>\n<li>6 years &#8211; Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, copies of sent commercial or business letters, other documents as far as they are relevant for taxation, e.g., hourly wage slips, cost accounting sheets, calculation documents, price tags, but also payroll documents as far as they are not already accounting vouchers and cash register tapes (\u00a7 147 Para. 1 No. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with Para. 3 AO, \u00a7 257 Para. 1 No. 2 and 3 in conjunction with Para. 4 HGB).<\/li>\n<li>3 years &#8211; Data required to consider potential warranty and damage claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practices, are stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (\u00a7\u00a7 195, 199 BGB).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"dsg-module-preview-5230-de\" class=\"dsg-module-preview dsg-module-preview-generate dsg-option-preview dsg-option-preview-5230 dsg-option-preview-parent-12 dsg-module-preview-fill active\" data-language=\"de\" data-parent_mid=\"12\" data-group_mid=\"9\" data-mid=\"5230\" data-sku-de=\"\">\n<p><span style=\"color: red;\">Please select this passage on the storage and deletion of data if your headquarters is in Austria:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Storage and deletion of data according to Austrian law:<\/strong> The following general periods apply according to Austrian law for the storage and archiving of personal data, as far as these are necessary to fulfill legal obligations or to protect legitimate interests:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>7 years &#8211; Personal data processed in connection with tax-relevant business documents are stored for a period of seven years in accordance with \u00a7 132 BAO and \u00a7\u00a7 190\u2013212 UGB. This includes, in particular, books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, accounting vouchers, invoices, as well as received and sent commercial or business letters and other documents significant for tax collection. The period begins at the end of the calendar year for which the last entry was made and is extended if necessary as long as the documents are relevant for pending tax proceedings.  <\/li>\n<li>3 years &#8211; Data required for the assertion, exercise, or defense of warranty, damage, or other contractual claims are stored for the duration of the respective applicable statutory limitation period. This is regularly three years according to \u00a7 1489 ABGB, provided there are no longer statutory retention obligations. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"m15\">Changes and Updates to the Privacy Policy<\/h2>\n<p>We ask you to regularly inform yourself about the content of our privacy policy. We adapt the privacy policy as soon as changes in 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.  <\/p>\n<p>If we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this privacy policy, please note that the addresses can change over time and also at short notice, and we ask you to check the details before contacting them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"m10\">Rights of Data Subjects<\/h2>\n<p>As a data subject under the GDPR, you are entitled to various rights, which arise in particular from Art. 15 to 21 GDPR:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Right to object:<\/strong> You have the right, for reasons arising from your particular situation, to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Art. 6 (1) (e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. If the personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purpose of such advertising; this also applies to profiling as far as it is connected with such direct marketing.   <\/li>\n<li><strong>Right to withdraw consent:<\/strong> You have the right to withdraw any consent given at any time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Right of access:<\/strong> You have the right to request confirmation as to whether relevant data is being processed and to access this data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with legal requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Right to rectification:<\/strong> In accordance with legal requirements, you have the right to request the completion of data concerning you or the rectification of incorrect data concerning you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Right to erasure and restriction of processing:<\/strong> In accordance with legal requirements, you have the right to request that data concerning you be deleted immediately or, alternatively, to request a restriction of the processing of the data in accordance with legal requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Right to data portability:<\/strong> You have the right to receive data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format or to demand its transmission to another controller in accordance with legal requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complaint to a supervisory authority:<\/strong> Furthermore, in accordance with legal requirements, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, your place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement, if you believe that the processing of personal data concerning you violates the GDPR.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"m42\">Definitions of Terms<\/h2>\n<p>This section provides an overview of the terminology used in this privacy policy. Many of the terms are taken from the law and are defined primarily in Art. 4 GDPR. The legal definitions are binding. The following explanations, on the other hand, are intended primarily for understanding. The terms are sorted alphabetically.    <\/p>\n<ul class=\"glossary\">\n<li><strong>Conversion Tracking:<\/strong> &#8220;Conversion Tracking&#8221; refers to a process used to determine the effectiveness of marketing measures. For this purpose, a cookie is usually stored on users&#8217; devices within the websites where 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.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Credit Report:<\/strong> 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 loan application, or an online application process without any human intervention). Such automated decisions are only permissible under Art. 22 GDPR if data subjects consent, if they are necessary for the performance of a contract, or if national laws allow these decisions. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Cross-Device Tracking:<\/strong> Cross-device tracking is a form of tracking in which users&#8217; behavioral and interest information is recorded across devices in so-called profiles by assigning an online identifier to the users. This allows user information to be analyzed, usually for marketing purposes, regardless of the browsers or devices used (e.g., mobile phones or desktop computers). For most providers, the online identifier is not linked to clear data such as names, postal addresses, or email addresses.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>IP Masking:<\/strong> &#8220;IP Masking&#8221; refers to a method in which the last octet, i.e., the last two numbers of an IP address, is deleted so that the IP address can no longer serve to uniquely identify a person. Therefore, IP masking is a means of pseudonymizing processing methods, especially in online marketing. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Interest-based and Behavioral Marketing:<\/strong> Interest-based and\/or behavioral marketing occurs when potential user interests in ads and other content are predetermined as accurately as possible. This is done based on information about their previous behavior (e.g., visiting certain websites and staying on them, purchasing behavior, or interaction with other users), which is stored in a so-called profile. Cookies are usually used for these purposes.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Conversion Measurement:<\/strong> Conversion measurement is a process used to determine the effectiveness of marketing measures. For this purpose, a cookie is usually stored on users&#8217; devices within the websites where 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.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Personal Data:<\/strong> &#8220;Personal data&#8221; means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter &#8220;data subject&#8221;); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier (e.g., cookie), or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Profiling:<\/strong> &#8220;Profiling&#8221; refers to any type of automated processing of personal data consisting 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 includes information regarding age, gender, location data and movement data, interaction with websites and their content, purchasing behavior, social interactions with other people) (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. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Reach Measurement:<\/strong> Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to evaluate the visitor flows of an online offer and can include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as website content. With the help of reach analysis, website owners can, for example, recognize at what time visitors visit their website and what content they are interested in. This allows them, for example, to better adapt the website content to the needs of their visitors. For reach analysis purposes, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more accurate analyses of the use of an online offer.   <\/li>\n<li><strong>Remarketing:<\/strong> &#8220;Remarketing&#8221; or &#8220;retargeting&#8221; occurs when, for example, for advertising purposes, it is noted 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Location Data:<\/strong> Location data is generated when a mobile device (or another device with the technical requirements for location determination) connects to a cell tower, a WLAN, or similar technical intermediaries and functions for location determination. Location data serves to indicate at which geographically determinable position on earth the respective device is located. Location data can be used, for example, to display map functions or other location-dependent information.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Tracking:<\/strong> &#8220;Tracking&#8221; occurs when user behavior can be traced across multiple online offers. As a rule, behavioral and interest information regarding the online offers used is stored in cookies or on the servers of the tracking technology providers (so-called profiling). This information can then be used, for example, to show users advertisements that are likely to correspond to their interests.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Controller:<\/strong> &#8220;Controller&#8221; means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Processing:<\/strong> &#8220;Processing&#8221; is any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and covers practically any handling of data, whether it is collection, evaluation, storage, transmission, or deletion. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Target Group Formation:<\/strong> Target group formation (or &#8220;Custom Audiences&#8221;) occurs when target groups are determined for advertising purposes, e.g., displaying advertisements. For example, based on a user&#8217;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 shop where they viewed the products. &#8220;Lookalike Audiences&#8221; (or similar target groups) occur when content deemed suitable is displayed to users whose profiles or interests presumably correspond to the users for whom the profiles were formed. Cookies and web beacons are usually used for the purpose of forming Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Disclaimer: The following template was created by an attorney (Dr. jur. Schwenke, LL.M. commercial (UoA), Certified Data Protection Auditor (DSA-T\u00dcV), Certified Data Protection Officer (T\u00dcV S\u00fcd)) in accordance with the typical requirements of an online store. However, you should only use the template after careful review and adaptation to your specific business model. 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