Data Protection Declaration

In this detailed data protection declaration we explain in more detail the circumstances of the data collection associated with our website outlined in the short version (the so-called "one pager"). We can accept no liability for links to external third-party content despite careful checks of the content.

In the following you will find information on what data is collected during your visit to the website and how this is used:

1. Collection and processing of data
Every access to our website and every retrieval of a file stored on the website is logged and stored for 6 months. This data is stored for internal system-related and statistical purposes. The following data is logged:

  • name of the file retrieved,
  • date and time of the retrieval,
  • data volume transmitted,
  • message of successful retrieval,
  • web browser and requesting domain,
  • referrer URL,
  • the IP addresses of the requesting computers.
  • In some areas the website uses so-called cookies.

Cookies are small amounts of data in the form of text information which the web server sends to your browser. These are stored on your hard drive. They can only be read by the server which previously placed them and contain information on what you have viewed on a website and when. Cookies identify the computer’s IP address and do not store any personal information such as your name.

You can decide whether you would like to accept cookies. Changes in this regard can be made in your browser settings. At least the following settings are possible:

  • always allow and store cookies,
  • allow cookies and delete them after every session,
  • do not allow cookies.

If you do not allow cookies, you may not have full use of the functions of the website and error messages may appear.

1.1. Newsletter
If you have registered for our newsletter or have provided us with your e-mail address in some other way so that we can send you the newsletter, we will use the e-mail address you gave us for this newsletter. If this e-mail address differs from the one for other communication, we will use it exclusively for the newsletter. You can unsubscribe from the distribution list for the newsletter at any time. If you have given an e-mail address to be used exclusively for the newsletter, we will delete this immediately after you unsubscribe.

After we have sent the newsletter, we can track whether you have opened it and the links you have clicked on in the newsletter. We use this data to design future newsletters more effectively. Additional personal data is only collected if you disclose this information voluntarily, for example when you contact us.

1.2. Further data collection forms
If further data collection forms are integrated into the website, we will indicate which fields in the form are mandatory and which are optional. A detailed explanation regarding the collection of data in such a form can be found in the form’s specific data protection notice, which you have to confirm you have read in an opt-in process before you can send the form.

We store the fact that you have ticked the opt-in field together with your enquiry.

2. Passing on of personal data
Your personal data will only be passed on or transmitted to third parties if this is necessary for the execution of the contract, for billing purposes or if you have given your prior consent. You have the right to withdraw any consent given at any time with effect for the future.

The stored personal data will be deleted or blocked if you withdraw your consent for the data to be stored, if the information is no longer required for the purpose for which it was stored or if it is not allowed to be stored for any other legal reasons. If we have transmitted your data, we will inform the recipient of the necessity to delete it.

3. Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to analyse activities on our website.

This is a web analysis service provided by Google Inc. ("Google"). Google Analytics uses "cookies", text files which are stored on your computers and allow an analysis of the use of the website. The information produced by the cookie on your use of this website will be transmitted to and stored on a Google server in the USA. In the event of IP anonymisation being activated on this website, your IP address will however be shortened beforehand within member states of the European Union or in other states signed up to the Agreement on the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA, where it will be shortened. Google will use this information on behalf of the operator of this Website to analyse your use of the Website, to compile reports on the Website activities and perform further services related to the use of the Website and internet for the website operator. The IP address transmitted by your browser while using Google Analytics will not be combined with other data held by Google. You may prevent cookies from being stored with an appropriate setting in your browser software; we point out, however, that in this case you will not have full use of all of the functions on this website. You may also prevent data generated by the cookie and relating to your use of the website (including your IP address) being collected and processed by Google by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link (http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de).

You can find further information on this at http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de or at www.google.com/intl/de/analytics/privacyoverview.html (general information about Google Analytics and data protection). We point out that on this website the code "gat._anonymizeIp()" was added to Google Analytics to ensure that IP addresses are collected anonymously (so-called IP masking).

We use Google Analytics on the legal basis provided by § 15 Para. 3 of the Telemedia Act (TMG) and Art. 6 Para. 1 Letter f of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The data sent by us and linked to cookies, user identifiers (e.g. user ID) or advertising IDs will be deleted automatically after 14 months. Data which has reached the end of its retention period is deleted automatically once a month. Further information on terms of use and data protection can be found under https://www.google.com/analytics/terms/de.html

4. Social media plugins
Our website does not use any social media plugins.

5. Data Protection Officer
Your trust is important to us, and it is for this reason too that we take data protection very seriously. We are therefore always ready to answer your questions concerning the processing of your personal data. Names and contact details can be found in the short version of this document.

If you have any questions which this data protection declaration did not answer or if you at any point need more detailed information, please contact the Data Protection Officer at any time.

6. Your rights
For your rights, please see the list in the short version of the data protection declaration from which you accessed this text.

7. Whistleblower system

We use the information you provide in the context of the whistleblower system for purposes such as reviewing and documenting the reports, for further investigations (including disclosure to external lawyers, auditors or other professionals bound by professional secrecy as well as to affected Group companies) and, if necessary, for disclosure to government agencies (such as law enforcement agencies, public prosecutors or courts). We will then only process the data provided by you within the notification and further communication. The report you submit may contain personal data of third parties. Persons affected by this will be given the opportunity to comment on the report.

We will then inform the person concerned about this report. Your identity will continue to be protected. As far as legally possible, no information about your identity will be provided so that your anonymity is preserved. The legal basis for the processing of your personal data is the fulfillment of legal obligations pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR i.V.m. § 10 S. 1 HinSchG as well as acc.

Art. 9 para. 2 lit. b GDPR in conjunction with. § 10 p. 2 HinSchG. Your personal data will only be processed by us for as long as is necessary for the above-mentioned purposes. If the data is no longer required, it will be deleted. In accordance with Section 11 (5) HinSchG, we will delete the documentation of your report no later than three years after completion of the procedure, as long as longer storage is not required to fulfill requirements under the HinSchG or other legal provisions. 

Security notice:
We take all technical and organisational measures to store your personal data so that it is not accessible to third parties. We cannot ensure full data security in communications by e-mail and therefore recommend that you send us confidential information by post.

This data protection declaration is subject to changing regulation and circumstances and will therefore be adjusted as necessary.