Privacy Policy
We are very pleased about your interest in our company. The use of our website is generally possible without any indication of personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use specific services of our company via our website, the processing of personal data may become necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain consent from the data subject.
The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, email address, or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in compliance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to us. By means of this privacy policy, our company would like to inform the public about the type, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed by means of this privacy policy of the rights to which they are entitled.
As the controller, we have implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection of personal data processed through this website. However, internet-based data transmissions may, in principle, have security gaps, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us by alternative means, for example by telephone.
Definitions
The privacy policy is based on the terms used by the European legislator for the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy should be readable and understandable to the public as well as to our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to first explain the terminology used.
In this privacy policy, we use, among others, the following terms:
Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person ("data subject"). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
Data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller responsible for processing.
Processing is any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.
Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in the future.
Profiling means any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyse or predict aspects concerning that natural person's performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behaviour, location or movements.
Pseudonymisation is the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organisational measures to ensure that the personal data are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.
Controller or controller responsible for the processing is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.
Processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.
Recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or another body, to which the personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be regarded as recipients.
Third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or body other than the data subject, controller, processor and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or processor, are authorised to process personal data.
Consent of the data subject is any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject's wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.
Name and address of the controller
Controller for the purposes of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in Member States of the European Union and other provisions related to data protection is:
58708 Menden
Germany
Cookies / SessionStorage / LocalStorage
Our website uses cookies, LocalStorage, and SessionStorage in some cases. This serves to make our offering more user-friendly, more effective, and more secure. LocalStorage and SessionStorage are technologies with which your browser stores data on your computer or mobile device. Cookies are text files that are stored and saved on a computer system via an internet browser. You can prevent the use of cookies, LocalStorage, and SessionStorage by configuring your browser accordingly.
Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier of the cookie. It consists of a character string through which websites and servers can be assigned to the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This allows visited websites and servers to differentiate the individual browser of the data subject from other internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific internet browser can be recognized and identified using the unique cookie ID.
Through the use of cookies, the users of this website can be provided with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without cookies.
By means of a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimized in the user's interest. Cookies allow us, as already mentioned, to recognize the users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. The user of a website that uses cookies, for example, does not have to enter their access data each time the website is visited, because this is taken over by the website and the cookie stored on the user's computer system. Another example is the cookie of a shopping cart in an online shop. The online shop remembers the items that a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart via a cookie.
The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by means of an appropriate setting of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time via an internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the internet browser used, not all functions of our website may be fully usable.
Collection of general data and information
The website collects a series of general data and information when a data subject or automated system calls up the website. This general data and information is stored in the server log files. The following may be collected: (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrer), (4) the sub-websites which are accessed via an accessing system on our website, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serves to avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.
When using this general data and information, we do not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is needed to (1) deliver the contents of our website correctly, (2) optimize the contents of our website and the advertising for it, (3) ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyberattack. This anonymously collected data and information is therefore evaluated by us, on the one hand, statistically and, on the other hand, with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company in order to ultimately ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files is stored separately from any personal data provided by a data subject.
Registration on our website
The data subject has the option to register on the controller's website by providing personal data. Which personal data is transmitted to the controller in this case results from the respective input mask used for the registration. The personal data entered by the data subject is collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the controller and for its own purposes. The controller may arrange for the data to be passed on to one or more processors, for example a parcel service provider, who will also use the personal data exclusively for an internal use attributable to the controller.
By registering on the controller's website, the IP address assigned by the data subject's internet service provider (ISP), the date, and the time of registration are also stored. The storage of this data takes place against the background that this is the only way to prevent misuse of our services, and, if necessary, to enable the investigation of criminal offenses. In this respect, the storage of this data is necessary to safeguard the controller. As a rule, this data is not passed on to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to do so or the data is used for criminal prosecution.
The registration of the data subject with the voluntary indication of personal data serves the controller to offer the data subject content or services that, due to the nature of the matter, can only be offered to registered users. Registered persons are free to change the personal data provided during registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the controller's data records.
The controller shall, at any time, provide information upon request to each data subject as to what personal data is stored about the data subject. Furthermore, the controller shall correct or erase personal data at the request or indication of the data subject, provided that there are no statutory storage obligations to the contrary. All employees of the controller are available to the data subject as contact persons in this regard.
Contact options via the website
Due to legal requirements, our website contains information that enables quick electronic contact with our company as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general address for so-called electronic mail (email address). If a data subject contacts the controller by email or via a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject is automatically stored. Such personal data transmitted on a voluntary basis by a data subject to the controller is stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the data subject. This personal data is not passed on to third parties.
Routine deletion and restriction of personal data
The controller shall process and store personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the storage purpose or insofar as this has been provided for by the European legislator or another legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.
If the storage purpose ceases to apply or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data shall be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
Rights of the data subject
Each data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning them is being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of confirmation, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain free information from the controller at any time about the personal data stored concerning them and a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject access to the following information:
- the purposes of the processing
- the categories of personal data being processed
- the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organizations
- where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
- the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data, or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject, or to object to such processing
- the existence of the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
- where the personal data are not collected from the data subject: any available information as to their source
- the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and — at least in those cases — meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.
Furthermore, the data subject shall have a right of access as to whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject shall have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards relating to the transfer. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. Furthermore, the data subject has the right, taking into account the purposes of the processing, to have incomplete personal data completed — also by means of a supplementary statement. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning them without undue delay, where one of the following grounds applies and as long as the processing is not necessary:
- The personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
- The data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based according to Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR, and where there is no other legal ground for the processing.
- The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) GDPR.
- The personal data have been unlawfully processed.
- The personal data have to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation in Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
- The personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) GDPR.
If one of the above-mentioned reasons applies and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee of the controller will arrange for the erasure request to be complied with immediately.
Where the controller has made personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) GDPR to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data, as long as the processing is not necessary. The employee of the controller will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the restriction of processing where one of the following applies:
- The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
- The processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of their use.
- The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.
- The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.
If one of the above-mentioned conditions is met and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee will arrange for the restriction of processing.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to receive the personal data concerning them, which were provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. They have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, as long as the processing is based on consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6(1) GDPR or point (a) of Article 9(2) GDPR, or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6(1) GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, as long as the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
Furthermore, in exercising the right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) GDPR, the data subject has the right to have personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and where it does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject may contact us at any time.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to object, on grounds relating to their particular situation, at any time, to the processing of personal data concerning them, which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.
We shall no longer process the personal data in the event of the objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.
If we process personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject shall have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning them for such marketing. This also applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to processing for direct marketing purposes, we shall no longer process the personal data for these purposes.
In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to object to the processing of personal data concerning them which is carried out for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest. To exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee. The data subject is also free, in the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to use their right to object by automated means using technical specifications.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing — including profiling — which produces legal effects concerning them, or similarly significantly affects them, as long as the decision (1) is not necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is not authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is not based on the data subject's explicit consent.
If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is based on the data subject's explicit consent, we shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express their point of view and contest the decision. If the data subject wishes to exercise rights concerning automated individual decision-making, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
Each data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw consent, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
Legal basis for the processing
Article 6(1)(a) GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing operations for which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations necessary for the supply of goods or the provision of any other service or consideration, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. The same applies to processing operations necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures, for example in the case of inquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation that requires the processing of personal data, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(c) GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may become necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured in our company and their name, age, health insurance details, or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital, or other third party. The processing would then be based on Article 6(1)(d) GDPR.
Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations not covered by any of the above legal bases, if processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our company or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests, fundamental rights, and freedoms of the data subject. Such processing operations are particularly permissible because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. The legislator considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47 sentence 2 GDPR).
Legitimate interests in the processing
Where the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business activities for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and shareholders.
Duration for which the personal data are stored
The criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiry of this period, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, provided that it is no longer required for the performance of the contract or the initiation of a contract.
Statutory or contractual requirements to provide personal data
We inform you that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or may also result from contractual provisions (e.g., information about the contractual partner).
Sometimes it may be necessary for the conclusion of a contract that a data subject provides us with personal data, which must subsequently be processed by us. The data subject is, for example, obligated to provide us with personal data when our company concludes a contract with them. The non-provision of personal data would have the consequence that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded.
Before personal data is provided by the data subject, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will explain to the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and what the consequences of non-provision of personal data would be.
Google Analytics
This website uses various services of the provider Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. The individual services are described in more detail in the following section.
In principle, with the use of the following services and the associated collection of personal data (in particular the IP address), we pursue a legitimate interest in presenting the offer on our website attractively, analyzing it, improving it, and adapting possible advertising to your needs (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Google Analytics uses so-called "cookies." They are stored on your computer and enable an analysis of your use of the website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website is generally transmitted to a Google server in the USA and stored there.
IP anonymization
We have activated the IP anonymization function on this website. This means that your IP address is shortened by Google within member states of the European Union or in other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area before being transmitted to the USA. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activity, and to provide further services associated with website use and internet use to the website operator. The IP address transmitted by your browser within the framework of Google Analytics is not merged with other Google data.
Objection to data collection
You can prevent the storage of cookies by setting your browser software accordingly; however, we point out that in this case you may not be able to use all functions of this website to their full extent. You can also prevent the collection of data generated by the cookie and related to your use of the website (including your IP address) to Google as well as the processing of this data by Google by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en
You can find more information on how Google Analytics handles user data in Google's privacy policy: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=en.
Data processing agreement
We have concluded a data processing agreement for the use of Google Analytics and fully implement the strict requirements of the German data protection authorities when using the services.
Demographic features in Google Analytics
This website uses the "demographic features" function of Google Analytics. This allows the creation of reports that contain statements about the age, gender, and interests of site visitors. This data comes from interest-based advertising by Google and from third-party visitor data. This data cannot be assigned to a specific person. You can deactivate this function at any time via the ad settings in your Google account or generally prohibit the collection of your data by Google Analytics as described in the previous paragraph.
Cookies used by Google Analytics
YouTube
We use the video service YouTube on this site, provided by YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA.
By accessing pages of our website that have YouTube videos integrated, data is transmitted to YouTube, stored, and evaluated. If you have a YouTube account and are logged in, this data will be assigned to your personal account and the data stored therein.
You can read about which data is collected by Google and what this data is used for at https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/.
Comment function in the blog on the website
We offer users the possibility to leave individual comments on individual blog posts on a blog located on the controller's website. A blog is a portal maintained on a website, generally publicly accessible, in which one or more persons, called bloggers or web bloggers, can post articles or write down thoughts in so-called blog posts. The blog posts can usually be commented on by third parties.
If a data subject leaves a comment on the blog published on this website, in addition to the comments left by the data subject, information on the time of the comment entry as well as the username (pseudonym) chosen by the data subject is stored and published. Furthermore, the IP address assigned by the data subject's internet service provider (ISP) is logged. This storage of the IP address takes place for security reasons and in case the data subject violates the rights of third parties or posts illegal content through a comment. The storage of this personal data is therefore in the controller's own interest, so that the controller could exculpate themselves in the event of a legal violation. This collected personal data is not passed on to third parties unless such a transfer is required by law or serves the legal defense of the controller.