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privacy policy

preamble

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

The terms used are not gender-specific.

As of March 7, 2025

table of contents

responsible person

OVOX GmbH
Handwerkstr. 5670565 Stuttgart

Authorized representatives: Managing Director: Engelhard Heß

Email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: +49 711 220928-0

Imprint: https://ovox.eu/impressum.html

Overview of processing

The following overview summarises the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing and refers to the persons concerned.

types of data processed

  • inventory data.
  • payment details.
  • contact details.
  • content data.
  • contract data.
  • usage data.
  • Meta-, communication- and procedural data.
  • log data.

categories of data subjects

  • service recipient and client.
  • interested parties.
  • communication partner.
  • users.
  • business and contractual partners.

purposes of processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Communication.
  • security measures.
  • reach measurement.
  • office and organizational procedures.
  • organizational and administrative procedures.
  • feedback.
  • Marketing.
  • Profiles with user-related information.
  • Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Information technology infrastructure.
  • business processes and business management procedures.

Relevant legal bases

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

  • Consent (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR) - The data subject has given his or her consent to the processing of personal data concerning him or her for a specific purpose or several specific purposes.
  • Contract performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR) - The processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures taken at the request of the data subject.
  • Legal obligation (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR) – The processing is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR) - the processing is necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the controller or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require the protection of personal data do not prevail.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national regulations on data protection apply in Germany. This includes in particular the law on protection against misuse of personal data in data processing (Federal Data Protection Act - BDSG). The BDSG contains in particular special regulations on the right to information, the right to deletion, the right of objection, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes and transmission as well as automated decision-making in individual cases including profiling. In addition, state data protection laws of the individual federal states may apply.

Note on the validity of the GDPR and the Swiss DSG: This data protection notice serves to provide information in accordance with both the Swiss DSG and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For this reason, we ask you to note that the terms of the GDPR are used due to the broader spatial application and comprehensibility. In particular, instead of the terms "processing" of "personal data", "overriding interest" and "personal data requiring particular protection" used in the Swiss DSG, the terms "processing" of "personal data" as well as "legitimate interest" and "special categories of data" used in the GDPR are used. However, the legal meaning of the terms will continue to be determined according to the Swiss DSG within the scope of the validity of the Swiss DSG.

security measures

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

The 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, transfer, securing availability and separation. Furthermore, we have set up procedures that ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the deletion of data and reactions to threats to data. Furthermore, we take the protection of personal data into account when developing or selecting hardware, software and processes in accordance with the principle of data protection, through technology design and through data protection-friendly default settings.

Shortening the IP address: If IP addresses are processed by us or by the service providers and technologies used and the processing of a complete IP address is not necessary, the IP address is shortened (also known as "IP masking"). The last two digits or the last part of the IP address after a period are removed or replaced by placeholders. The shortening of the IP address is intended to prevent or significantly complicate the identification of a person based on their IP address.

transmission of personal data

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

General information on data storage and deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with the statutory provisions as soon as the underlying consent is revoked or there are no further legal bases for the processing. This applies to cases in which the original processing purpose no longer applies or the data is no longer required. Exceptions to this rule exist if legal obligations or special interests require the data to be stored or archived for a longer period.

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

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

If there are several specifications regarding the retention period or deletion period for a date, the longest period always applies.

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

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

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Storage and deletion of data: The following general periods apply to storage and archiving under German law:
    • 10 years - 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 (Section 147 Paragraph 1 No. 1 in conjunction with Paragraph 3 AO, Section 14b Paragraph 1 UStG, Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 1 in conjunction with Paragraph 4 HGB).
    • 8 years - accounting documents, such as invoices and cost receipts (Section 147 Paragraph 1 No. 4 and 4a in conjunction with Paragraph 3 Sentence 1 AO and Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 4 in conjunction with Paragraph 4 HGB).
    • 6 years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents, insofar as they are relevant for taxation, e.g. hourly wage slips, operating accounting sheets, calculation documents, price labels, but also payroll documents, insofar as they are not already accounting documents and cash register slips (Section 147 Paragraph 1 No. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with Paragraph 3 AO, Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 2 and 3 in conjunction with Paragraph 4 HGB).
    • 3 years - Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights as well as to process related inquiries based on previous business experience and standard industry practices will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

rights of the data subjects

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

  • Right to object: You have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (e) or (f) GDPR, for reasons related to your particular situation; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. If the personal data concerning you are processed in order to conduct direct advertising, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purposes of such advertising; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct advertising.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
  • Right to information: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether data concerning you is being processed and to request information about this data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Right to rectification: You have the right, in accordance with the statutory provisions, to request that the data concerning you be completed or that inaccurate data concerning you be rectified.
  • Right to erasure and restriction of processing: You have the right, in accordance with the statutory provisions, to request that data concerning you be erased immediately or, alternatively, to request that the processing of the data be restricted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the data concerning you that you have made available to us in a structured, common and machine-readable format in accordance with the legal requirements or to request that it be transmitted to another controller.
  • Complaint to a supervisory authority: Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you violates the provisions of the GDPR.

Business Services

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

We use this data to fulfill our contractual obligations. This includes in particular the obligations to provide the agreed services, any updating obligations and remedy in the event of warranty and other service disruptions. In addition, we use the data to protect our rights and for the purposes of the administrative tasks associated with these obligations and company organization. In addition, we process the data on the basis of our legitimate interests in both proper and economical business management and security measures to protect our contractual partners and our business operations from misuse, endangerment of their data, secrets, information and rights (e.g. the involvement of telecommunications, transport and other auxiliary services as well as subcontractors, banks, tax and legal advisors, payment service providers or tax authorities). Within the framework of applicable law, we only pass on the data of contractual partners to third parties to the extent that this is necessary for the aforementioned purposes or to fulfill legal obligations. The contractual partners are informed about other forms of processing, such as for marketing purposes, in this data protection declaration.

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

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

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers). Contract data (e.g. subject of the contract, term, customer category).
  • Affected persons: service recipients and clients; interested parties; business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; communication; office and organizational procedures; organizational and administrative procedures. Business processes and commercial procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter c) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Project and development services: We process the data of our customers and clients (hereinafter referred to as "customers") in order to enable them to select, purchase or commission the selected services or works and associated activities as well as to pay for them and make them available or to carry them out or provide them. The required information is marked as such in the context of the order, purchase order or comparable contract conclusion and includes the information required for the provision of services and billing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultations. Insofar as we receive access to information from end customers, employees or other persons, we process it in accordance with the legal and contractual requirements; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR).
  • Technical services: We process the data of our customers and clients (hereinafter referred to as "customers") in order to enable them to select, purchase or commission the selected services or works and associated activities as well as to pay for them and make them available or to carry them out or provide them. The required information is marked as such in the context of the order, purchase order or comparable contract conclusion and includes the information required for the provision of services and billing as well as contact information in order to be able to hold any consultations. Insofar as we receive access to information from end customers, employees or other persons, we process it in accordance with the legal and contractual requirements; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR).

business processes and procedures

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

The data collected is used to fulfill contractual obligations and to make operational processes efficient. This includes processing business transactions, managing customer relationships, optimizing sales strategies and ensuring internal accounting and financial processes. In addition, the data supports the protection of the rights of the person responsible and promotes administrative tasks and the organization of the company.

Personal data may be passed on to third parties if this is necessary to fulfil the stated purposes or legal obligations - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext ); Payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext ); Contact data (e.g. postal and e-mail addresses or - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext ); Content data (e.g. textual or visual messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as details of authorship - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext ); Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext ); Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext ). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, parties involved - This text area must be activated with a premium license. - premiumtext premiumtext premiumtext ).
  • Affected persons: service recipients and clients; interested parties; communication partners; business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; office and organizational procedures. Business processes and commercial procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

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

Use of online platforms for offer and sales purposes

We offer our services on online platforms operated by other service providers. In this context, the data protection notices of the respective platforms apply in addition to our data protection notices. This applies in particular with regard to the execution of the payment process and the methods used on the platforms for range measurement and interest-based marketing.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, people involved).
  • Affected persons: Service recipients and clients. Business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; marketing. Business processes and commercial procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

payment methods

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

The data processed by the payment service providers includes inventory data such as name and address, bank details such as account numbers or credit card numbers, passwords, TANs and checksums as well as contract, sum and recipient-related information. The information is required to carry out the transactions. However, the data entered is only processed and stored by the payment service providers. This means that we do not receive any account or credit card-related information, only information confirming or rejecting the payment. The payment service providers may transmit the data to credit agencies. This transmission is for the purpose of checking identity and creditworthiness. For this purpose, we refer to the terms and conditions and the data protection information of the payment service providers.

The terms and conditions and data protection notices of the respective payment service providers, which can be accessed within the respective websites or transaction applications, apply to payment transactions. We also refer to these for further information and to assert revocation, information and other rights of those affected.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g. bank details, invoices, payment history); contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, people involved).
  • Affected persons: service recipients and clients; business and contractual partners; interested parties.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Business processes and commercial procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • PayPal: payment services (technical connection of online payment methods) (e.g. PayPal, PayPal Plus, Braintree); service provider: PayPal (Europe) S.à rl et Cie, SCA, 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR); website: https://www.paypal.com/de . Privacy Policy: https://www.paypal.com/de/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full .

provision of the online offer and web hosting

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

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication and process data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, people involved); protocol data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times). Content data (e.g. textual or visual messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online service and user-friendliness; Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)). Security measures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Provision of online services on rented storage space: To provide our online services, we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent from a corresponding server provider (also called "web host") or obtain from other sources; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).
  • Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called "server log files". The server log files can include the address and name of the websites and files accessed, the date and time of access, the amount of data transferred, notification of successful access, browser type and version, the user's operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page) and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. The server log files can be used for security purposes, e.g. to avoid overloading the servers (particularly in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and to ensure the utilization of the servers and their stability; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR). Deletion of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data that needs to be retained for evidentiary purposes will not be deleted until the incident in question has been finally resolved.
  • E-mail sending and hosting: The web hosting services we use also include the sending, receiving and storing of e-mails. For these purposes, the addresses of the recipients and senders as well as other information regarding the e-mail sending (e.g. the providers involved) and the contents of the respective e-mails are processed. The aforementioned data can also be processed for the purposes of detecting SPAM. Please note that e-mails are generally not sent encrypted on the Internet. As a rule, e-mails are encrypted during transport, but (unless a so-called end-to-end encryption method is used) not on the servers from which they are sent and received. We cannot therefore accept any responsibility for the transmission path of the e-mails between the sender and the reception on our server; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).

use of cookies

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

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

Storage period: With regard to the storage period, the following types of cookies are distinguished:

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

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

  • Types of data processed: Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

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

blogs and publication media

We use blogs or comparable means of online communication and publication (hereinafter "publication medium"). Readers' data is only processed for the purposes of the publication medium to the extent that it is necessary for its presentation and communication between authors and readers or for security reasons. For the rest, we refer to the information on the processing of visitors to our publication medium in the context of this data protection notice.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. textual or visual messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, people involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form); provision of our online offer and user-friendliness; security measures. Organizational and administrative procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Comments and contributions: When users leave comments or other contributions, their IP addresses can be stored on the basis of our legitimate interests. This is done for our security in case someone leaves illegal content in comments and contributions (insults, prohibited political propaganda, etc.). In this case, we ourselves can be held liable for the comment or contribution and are therefore interested in the identity of the author. Furthermore, we reserve the right to process the user's information for the purpose of spam detection on the basis of our legitimate interests. On the same legal basis, we reserve the right to store the IP addresses of users for the duration of surveys and to use cookies to avoid multiple voting. The personal information provided in the comments and contributions, any contact and website information as well as the content information will be stored by us permanently until the user objects; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).

contact and inquiry management

When you contact us (e.g. by post, contact form, email, telephone or via social media) and within the framework of existing user and business relationships, the information provided by the person making the inquiry will be processed to the extent that this is necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. textual or visual messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, people involved).
  • Data subjects: communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing: communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR). Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Contact form: When you contact us via our contact form, by email or other means of communication, we process the personal data sent to us in order to answer and process the respective request. This usually includes details such as name, contact information and, if applicable, other information that is communicated to us and is necessary for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 Letter f) GDPR).

web analysis, monitoring and optimization

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

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

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

In addition, the IP addresses of the users are stored. However, we use an IP masking process (i.e. pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear user data (such as email addresses or names) is stored as part of web analysis, 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 purpose of the respective processes.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is consent. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this data protection declaration.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles). Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion as stated in the "General information on data retention and deletion" section. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).
  • Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
  • Legal basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Google Analytics: 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 any unique data, such as names or email addresses. It is used to assign analysis information to a device in order to recognize which content users have accessed within one or more usage processes, which search terms they have used, accessed them again or 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 devices and browsers.
    Pseudonymous profiles of users are created with information from the use of various devices, and cookies may be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses for EU users. However, Analytics provides rough 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, the 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 any other purposes. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are performed on EU-based servers before the traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/ ; Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy ; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/ ; Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), standard contractual clauses ( https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms ), Data Privacy Framework (DPF) standard contractual clauses ( https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms ); Possibility of objection (opt-out): Opt-out plug-in: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de , Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff . Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (types of processing and data processed).

Plug-ins and embedded functions and content

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

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

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for their consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this data protection declaration.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion as stated in the "General information on data retention and deletion" section. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).
  • Legal basis: Consent (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Google Fonts (obtained from Google server): Obtaining fonts (and symbols) for the purpose of a technically secure, maintenance-free and efficient use of fonts and symbols with regard to timeliness and loading times, their uniform presentation and consideration of possible licensing restrictions. The provider of the fonts is informed of the user's IP address so that the fonts can be made available in the user's browser. In addition, technical data (language settings, screen resolution, operating system, hardware used) is transmitted that is necessary for the provision of the fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment. This data can be processed on a server of the provider of the fonts in the USA - When visiting our online offer, the user's browser sends 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 CCS. These HTTP requests include (1) the IP address used by the 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, and the referring URL (i.e., the web page where the Google font should be displayed). IP addresses are not logged or 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 referring 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. The Google Fonts Web API requires the user agent to customize the font that is generated for the respective browser type. The user agent is logged primarily for debugging purposes and is used to generate aggregated usage statistics that measure the popularity of font families. These aggregated usage statistics are published on the Google Fonts Analytics page. Finally, the referring URL is logged so that the data can be used for production maintenance and to generate an aggregated report on the top integrations based on the number of font requests. According to Google, it does not use any of the information collected by Google Fonts to create profiles of end users or to display targeted ads; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 Clause 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/ ; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy ; Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy?hl=de .

change and update

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

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

definitions of terms

This section provides you with an overview of the terms used in this privacy policy. To the extent that the terms are defined by law, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations, however, are primarily intended to aid understanding.

  • Inventory data: Inventory data includes essential information that is necessary for the identification and management of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles and similar assignments. This data can include, among other things, personal and demographic information such as names, contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses), dates of birth and specific identifiers (user IDs). Inventory data forms the basis for any formal interaction between people and services, institutions or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.
  • Content data: Content data includes information generated during the creation, editing and publishing of all types of content. This category of data can include text, images, videos, audio files and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not only limited to the actual content, but also includes metadata that provides information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author information and publication dates
  • Contact details: Contact details are essential information that enable communication with people or organizations. They include, among others, telephone numbers, postal addresses and email addresses, as well as communication tools such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
  • Meta, communication and procedural data: Meta, communication and procedural data are categories that contain information about the way data is processed, transmitted and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information that describes the context, origin and structure of other data. It can include information about file size, creation date, author of a document and change histories. Communication data records the exchange of information between users across different channels, such as email traffic, call logs, social media messages and chat histories, including the people involved, timestamps and transmission paths. Procedural data describes the processes and procedures within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, logs of transactions and activities, and audit logs used to track and review events.
  • Usage data: Usage data refers to information that records how users interact with digital products, services or platforms. This data includes a wide range of information that shows how users use applications, which features they prefer, how long they spend on certain pages and which paths they take through an application. Usage data can also include frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information and location data. It is particularly valuable for analyzing user behavior, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content and improving products or services. In addition, usage data plays a crucial role in identifying trends, preferences and potential problem areas within digital offerings
  • Personal data: "Personal data" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter "data subject"); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier (e.g. a cookie) or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
  • Profiles with user-related information: The processing of "profiles with user-related information", or "profiles" for short, includes any type of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of this personal data to analyze, evaluate or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include different information relating to demographics, behavior and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.) (e.g. interests in certain content or products, click behavior on a website or location). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes.
  • Log Data: Log data is information about events or activities logged on a system or network. This data typically includes information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other details about the usage or operation of a system. Log data is often used to analyze system problems, monitor security, or create performance reports.
  • Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to evaluate the flow of visitors to an online offering and can include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as the content of websites. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online offerings can, for example, recognize at what time users visit their websites and what content they are interested in. This enables them, for example, to better adapt the content of the websites to the needs of their visitors. For the purposes of reach analysis, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online offering.
  • Controller: The "controller" is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which alone or jointly with others decides on the purposes and means of processing personal data.
  • Processing: "Processing" is any operation or set of operations which is carried out with or without the aid of automated procedures in connection with personal data. The term is broad and covers practically every handling of data, be it the collection, evaluation, storage, transmission or deletion.
  • Contract data: Contract data is specific information related to the formalization of an agreement between two or more parties. It documents the terms under which services or products are provided, exchanged or sold. This category of data is essential for managing and fulfilling contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data may include start and end dates of the contract, the type of services or products agreed upon, pricing agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options and special conditions or clauses. It serves as the legal basis for the relationship between the parties and is crucial for clarifying rights and obligations, enforcing claims and resolving disputes.
  • Payment data: Payment data includes all information needed to process payment transactions between buyers and sellers. This data is crucial for e-commerce, online banking and any other form of financial transaction. It includes details such as credit card numbers, bank details, payment amounts, transaction data, verification numbers and billing information. Payment data may also include information about payment status, chargebacks, authorizations and fees.