Privacy Policy

We assure you that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent.

We are delighted that you are interested in our company. Data protection is a top priority for the management of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH. In general, you can use the KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH website without providing any personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use specific services offered by our company via our website, the processing of personal data may be necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the consent of the data subject.

The processing of personal data, such as a data subject’s name, address, email address, or telephone number, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and in compliance with the state-specific data protection regulations applicable to KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH. Through this privacy policy, our company aims to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, this privacy policy informs data subjects of their rights.

As the data controller, KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most comprehensive protection possible of the personal data processed via this website. However, internet-based data transmissions may inherently involve security vulnerabilities, meaning that absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, data subjects are free to provide us with personal data through alternative means, such as by telephone.

1. Definitions

The privacy policy of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH is based on the terminology used by European legislators and regulators when enacting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy is intended to be easy to read and understand for the general public as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminology used in advance.

In this privacy policy, we use the following terms, among others:

a) Personal data

Personal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter referred to as the “data subject”). A natural person is considered identifiable if they 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.

b) Data subject

A data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.

c) Processing

Processing means any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, distribution or any other form of making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.

d) Restriction of processing

Restriction of processing refers to the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its future processing.

e) Profiling

Profiling means any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of such personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyze or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location or movements.

f) Pseudonymization

Pseudonymization is the processing of personal data in such a way 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 organizational measures that ensure the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

g) Data controller

The controller is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body that, 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 law or the law of the Member States, the controller or the specific criteria for its designation may be provided for by Union law or the law of the Member States.

h) Data processor

A processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body that processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

i) Recipient

A recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body to whom personal data is disclosed, regardless of whether or not that entity is a third party. However, public authorities that may receive personal data in the course of a specific investigative mandate under Union law or the law of the Member States are not considered recipients.

j) Third Party

A third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body other than the data subject, the controller, the processor, and the persons authorized to process the personal data under the direct authority of the controller or the processor.

k) Consent

Consent means any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes, expressed in the form of a statement or by a clear affirmative action, by which the data subject indicates that he or she consents to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.

2. Name and address of the data controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union and other provisions relating to data protection is:

KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH

Kaiserstr. 72-74
76133 Karlsruhe
Germany

Phone: +49 721 602997- 700

Mail: info@karlsruhe-tourismus.de

Website: https://www.conventionbureau-karlsruhe.de/

3. Cookies

The websites of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH use cookies. Cookies are text files that are placed and stored on a computer system via a web browser.

Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier for the cookie. It consists of a string of characters that allows websites and servers to associate the specific web browser in which the cookie was stored. This enables the visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other web browsers that contain different cookies. A specific web browser can be recognized and identified via the unique cookie ID.

By using cookies, KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the use of cookies.

Cookies allow us to optimize the information and offers on our website to better serve the user’s needs. As mentioned earlier, cookies enable us to recognize users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to navigate our website. For example, a user of a website that uses cookies does not have to re-enter their login credentials every time they visit the website, as this information is retrieved by the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the shopping cart cookie in an online store. The online store uses a cookie to remember the items a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart.

The data subject may prevent our website from setting cookies at any time by adjusting the settings of the web browser being used, thereby permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common web browsers. If the data subject disables the setting of cookies in the web browser they are using, not all functions of our website may be fully usable under certain circumstances.

4. Collection of general data and information

The website of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH collects a range of general data and information each time a data subject or an automated system accesses the website. This general data and information is stored in the server’s log files. The following may be recorded: (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 subpages 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 serve to prevent threats in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH does not use this general data and information to identify the data subject. Rather, this information is required to (1) correctly deliver the content of our website, (2) optimize the content of our website and the advertising on it, (3) ensure the ongoing functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in the event of a cyberattack. KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH therefore evaluates this anonymously collected data and information both statistically and with the aim of enhancing data protection and data security within our company, ultimately to ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data from the server log files is stored separately from any personal data provided by a data subject.

5. Subscribe to our newsletter

On the website of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH, users are given the opportunity to subscribe to our company’s newsletter. The personal data transmitted to the data controller when subscribing to the newsletter is determined by the input form used for this purpose.

KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH informs its customers and business partners at regular intervals via a newsletter about the company’s offers. In principle, the data subject can only receive our company’s newsletter if (1) the data subject has a valid email address and (2) the data subject registers to receive the newsletter. For legal reasons, a confirmation email is sent to the email address initially provided by a data subject for the newsletter via a double opt-in procedure. This confirmation email serves to verify whether the owner of the email address, as the data subject, has authorized the receipt of the newsletter.

When you subscribe to the newsletter, we also store the IP address assigned by the Internet service provider (ISP) to the computer system used by the data subject at the time of registration, as well as the date and time of registration. The collection of this data is necessary to be able to trace any (potential) misuse of a data subject’s email address at a later date and therefore serves to provide legal protection for the data controller.

The personal data collected when subscribing to the newsletter is used exclusively for sending our newsletter. Furthermore, newsletter subscribers may be notified by email if this is necessary for the operation of the newsletter service or for related registration purposes, such as in the event of changes to the newsletter content or alterations to the technical conditions. Personal data collected in connection with the newsletter service is not disclosed to third parties. The data subject may cancel their subscription to our newsletter at any time. Consent to the storage of personal data provided by the data subject for the purpose of sending the newsletter may be revoked at any time. A link for revoking consent is included in every newsletter. Furthermore, it is possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time directly on the website of the data controller or to notify the data controller of this in another manner.

6. Newsletter-Tracking

The newsletters from KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH contain so-called web beacons. A web beacon is a tiny graphic embedded in emails sent in HTML format to enable log file recording and analysis. This allows for a statistical evaluation of the success or failure of online marketing campaigns. Using the embedded web beacon, KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH can determine whether and when an email was opened by a data subject and which links contained in the email were clicked by the data subject.

Such personal data collected via the tracking pixels contained in the newsletters is stored and analyzed by the data controller in order to optimize the distribution of the newsletter and to better tailor the content of future newsletters to the interests of the data subject. This personal data is not disclosed to third parties. Data subjects are entitled at any time to revoke the separate declaration of consent provided via the double opt-in procedure. Following revocation, this personal data will be deleted by the data controller. Unsubscribing from the newsletter is automatically interpreted by KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH as a revocation.

7. Contact us via our website

In accordance with legal requirements, the website of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH contains information that enables users to quickly contact our company electronically and communicate directly with us, including a general email address. If a data subject contacts the data controller via email or a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject is automatically stored. Such personal data, transmitted voluntarily by a data subject to the data controller, is stored for the purpose of processing the request or contacting the data subject. This personal data is not disclosed to third parties.

8. Routine Deletion and Blocking of Personal Data

The data controller processes and stores the data subject’s personal data only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage, or to the extent provided for by the European legislative and regulatory authorities or another competent authority in laws or regulations to which the data controller is subject.

If the purpose of storage no longer applies or if a retention period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with legal requirements.

9. Rights of the data subject

a) Right to Confirmation

Every data subject has the right, granted by European legislation, to request confirmation from the data controller as to whether personal data concerning them is being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to confirmation, they may contact a representative of the data controller at any time.

b) Right to Information

Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right, granted by European legislation, to obtain from the controller, at any time and free of charge, information regarding the personal data stored about them and a copy of such information. Furthermore, European legislation grants the data subject the right to obtain 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 planned period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if this is not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning them, or to restriction of processing by the controller, or a right to object to such processing
the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: All available information regarding the origin of the data
the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and — at least in such cases — meaningful information regarding the logic involved, as well as the scope and intended consequences of such processing for the data subject

c) Right to rectification

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by European legislation, to request the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. Furthermore, the data subject has the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data — including by means of a supplementary statement — taking into account the purposes of the processing.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they may contact an employee of the data controller at any time.

d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)

Any data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right, granted by European legislation, to request that the controller erase the personal data concerning them without delay, provided that one of the following grounds applies and provided that the processing is not necessary:

The personal data has been collected or otherwise processed for purposes for which it is no longer necessary.
The data subject withdraws their consent on which the processing was based pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR.
The personal data has been processed unlawfully.
The erasure of the personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
The personal data was collected in relation to information society services offered pursuant to Article 8(1) of the GDPR.

e) Right to restriction of processing

Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by European legislation, to request that the controller restrict the processing if any of the following conditions are met:

The data subject disputes the accuracy of the personal data, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
The processing is unlawful, the data subject objects to the erasure of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of the use of the personal data.
The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but the data subject needs it to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.
The data subject has objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) of the GDPR, and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

f) Right to data portability

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by European legislation, to receive the personal data concerning them—which they have provided to a controller—in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. They also have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data was provided, provided that the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) of the GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, provided that 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, when exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) of the GDPR, the data subject has the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another controller, provided this is technically feasible and does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject may contact a representative of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH at any time.

g) Right to object

Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by European legislation, to object at any time, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning them that is carried out pursuant to Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

In the event of an objection, KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH will no longer process the personal data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override the interests, rights, and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

If KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH processes personal data for the purpose of direct marketing, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data for the purpose of such marketing. This also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH regarding processing for direct marketing purposes, KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.

In addition, the data subject has the right to object, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning him or her that is carried out by KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.

To exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH or another employee directly. The data subject is also free, in connection with the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise their right to object by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.

h) Automated decisions in individual cases, including profiling

Any data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right, granted by the European legislator, not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing—including profiling—that produces legal effects concerning the data subject or similarly significantly affects the data subject, provided that the decision (1) is not necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, and that law provides for appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms and legitimate interests of the data subject, or (3) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent.

If the decision (1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is made with the explicit consent of the data subject, KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms as well as the legitimate interests of the data subject, which shall include at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to present one’s own point of view, and to contest the decision.

If the data subject wishes to exercise rights related to automated decision-making, they may contact a representative of the data controller at any time.

i) Right to withdraw consent under data protection law

Any individual whose personal data is being processed has the right, granted by European legislation, to withdraw their consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

If the individual wishes to exercise their right to withdraw consent, they may contact a representative of the data controller at any time.

10. Data Protection for Job Applications and the Hiring Process

The data controller collects and processes the personal data of applicants for the purpose of conducting the application process. This processing may also be carried out electronically. This is particularly the case when an applicant submits the relevant application documents to the data controller electronically, for example via email or through a web form on the website. If the data controller enters into an employment contract with an applicant, the transmitted data will be stored for the purpose of managing the employment relationship in compliance with legal requirements. If the data controller does not enter into an employment contract with the applicant, the application documents will be automatically deleted two months after notification of the rejection decision, provided that no other legitimate interests of the data controller preclude such deletion. Other legitimate interests in this context include, for example, a duty to provide evidence in proceedings under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).

11. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Facebook

The data controller has integrated components from Facebook into this website. Facebook is a social network.

A social network is an online social gathering place, an online community that generally allows users to communicate with one another and interact in a virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for exchanging opinions and experiences or enable the online community to share personal or business-related information. Among other things, Facebook allows users of the social network to create private profiles, upload photos, and connect with others through friend requests.

The operator of Facebook is Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. If a data subject resides outside the United States or Canada, the controller responsible for the processing of personal data is Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Each time a user visits one of the individual pages of this website—which is operated by the data controller and on which a Facebook component (Facebook plugin) has been integrated—the user’s web browser on their computer is automatically prompted by the respective Facebook component to download a representation of that Facebook component from Facebook. A complete overview of all Facebook plug-ins can be found at https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/?locale=de_DE. As part of this technical process, Facebook learns which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged into Facebook at the same time, Facebook recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject accesses our website and for the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the Facebook component and assigned by Facebook to the data subject’s respective Facebook account. If the data subject clicks on one of the Facebook buttons integrated into our website, such as the “Like” button, or if the data subject posts a comment, Facebook associates this information with the data subject’s personal Facebook user account and stores this personal data.

Facebook always receives information via the Facebook component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into Facebook at the same time as accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Facebook component or not. If the data subject does not wish for this information to be transmitted to Facebook, they can prevent the transmission by logging out of their Facebook account before visiting our website.

The Data Policy published by Facebook, available at https://de-de.facebook.com/about/privacy/, provides information about Facebook’s collection, processing, and use of personal data. It also explains the settings options Facebook offers to protect the data subject’s privacy. In addition, various applications are available that allow users to prevent data from being transmitted to Facebook. Data subjects may use such applications to prevent data from being transmitted to Facebook.

12. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Google Analytics (with Anonymization Feature)

The data controller has integrated the Google Analytics component (with anonymization) into this website. Google Analytics is a web analytics service. Web analytics refers to the collection, gathering, and evaluation of data regarding the behavior of website visitors. A web analytics service collects, among other things, data on which website a data subject came from to a website (so-called referrer), which subpages of the website were accessed, or how often and for how long a subpage was viewed. Web analytics is primarily used to optimize a website and for cost-benefit analysis of online advertising.

The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The data controller uses the suffix “_gat._anonymizeIp” for web analytics via Google Analytics. This suffix causes Google to truncate and anonymize the IP address of the data subject’s internet connection when accessing our website from a member state of the European Union or from another signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze visitor traffic on our website. Google uses the data and information collected, among other things, to evaluate the use of our website, to compile online reports for us that illustrate activity on our website, and to provide other services related to the use of our website.

Google Analytics places a cookie on the data subject’s computer system. What cookies are has already been explained above. By placing the cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. Each time a user visits one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a Google Analytics component has been integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s computer is automatically prompted by the respective Google Analytics component to transmit data to Google for the purpose of online analysis. As part of this technical process, Google obtains personal data, such as the data subject’s IP address, which Google uses, among other things, to track the origin of visitors and clicks and, consequently, to enable commission settlements.

Cookies are used to store personal information, such as the time of access, the location from which access originated, and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject. Each time our website is visited, this personal data—including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject—is transmitted to Google in the United States of America. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may, under certain circumstances, disclose this personal data collected through technical means to third parties.

As described above, the data subject may prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by adjusting the settings of the web browser used, thereby permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Such a setting in the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the data subject’s information technology system. In addition, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option to object to the collection of data generated by Google Analytics regarding the use of this website, as well as to the processing of such data by Google, and to prevent such collection and processing. To do so, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on from the link https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This browser add-on uses JavaScript to inform Google Analytics that no data or information regarding website visits may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google interprets the installation of the browser add-on as an objection. If the data subject’s computer system is deleted, formatted, or reinstalled at a later date, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or another person within their control, it is possible to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on.

Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be accessed at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/ and at http://www.google.com/analytics/terms/de.html. Google Analytics is explained in more detail at this link: https://www.google.com/intl/de_de/analytics/.

13. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Google+

The data controller has integrated the Google+ button as a component on this website. Google+ is a so-called social network. A social network is a social meeting place operated on the Internet, an online community that generally enables users to communicate with one another and interact in a virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for exchanging opinions and experiences or enable the online community to share personal or business-related information. Among other things, Google+ allows users of the social network to create private profiles, upload photos, and connect with others through friend requests.

The operator of Google+ is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

Each time a user visits one of the individual pages of this website—which is operated by the data controller and on which a Google+ button has been integrated—the user’s web browser on their computer automatically downloads a representation of the corresponding Google+ button from Google via that button. As part of this technical process, Google learns which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject. More detailed information about Google+ is available at https://developers.google.com/+/

If the data subject is logged into Google+ at the same time, Google recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject accesses our website and for the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected via the Google+ button and assigned by Google to the data subject’s respective Google+ account.

If the data subject clicks one of the Google+ buttons integrated into our website and thereby submits a Google+1 recommendation, Google associates this information with the data subject’s personal Google+ user account and stores this personal data. Google stores the data subject’s Google+1 recommendation and makes it publicly accessible in accordance with the terms and conditions accepted by the data subject in this regard. A Google+1 recommendation submitted by the data subject on this website is subsequently stored and processed together with other personal data, such as the name of the Google+1 account used by the data subject and the photo stored in that account, in other Google services—for example, in the search results of the Google search engine, the data subject’s Google account, or in other locations, such as on websites or in connection with advertisements. Furthermore, Google is able to link the visit to this website with other personal data stored by Google. Google also records this personal information for the purpose of improving or optimizing the various Google services.

Whenever the data subject visits our website, Google receives information via the Google+ button that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged into Google+ at the time of visiting our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Google+ button or not.

If the data subject does not wish to have personal data transmitted to Google, they can prevent such transmission by logging out of their Google+ account before visiting our website.

Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be found at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/. Additional information from Google regarding the Google+1 button can be found at https://developers.google.com/+/web/buttons-policy.

14. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Google AdWords

The data controller has integrated Google AdWords into this website. Google AdWords is an online advertising service that allows advertisers to place ads both in Google’s search results and on the Google Display Network. Google AdWords enables an advertiser to specify certain keywords in advance, through which an ad is displayed in Google’s search engine results only when the user retrieves a keyword-relevant search result using the search engine. Within the Google Display Network, ads are distributed across topic-relevant websites using an automated algorithm and in accordance with the previously defined keywords.

The operator of the Google AdWords services is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The purpose of Google AdWords is to promote our website by displaying interest-based advertisements on third-party websites and in the search results of the Google search engine, as well as by displaying third-party advertisements on our website.

If a data subject visits our website via a Google ad, Google places a so-called conversion cookie on the data subject’s computer system. What cookies are has already been explained above. A conversion cookie expires after thirty days and is not used to identify the data subject. Provided the cookie has not yet expired, the conversion cookie is used to track whether certain subpages—such as the shopping cart of an online store system—have been accessed on our website. The conversion cookie allows both us and Google to track whether a data subject who arrived at our website via an AdWords ad generated revenue—that is, completed or abandoned a purchase.

The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie are used by Google to generate visitor statistics for our website. We, in turn, use these visitor statistics to determine the total number of users who were referred to us via AdWords ads, i.e., to assess the success or failure of the respective AdWords ad and to optimize our AdWords ads for the future. Neither our company nor other Google AdWords advertisers receive information from Google that could be used to identify the data subject.

The conversion cookie is used to store personal information, such as the web pages visited by the data subject. Each time our website is visited, personal data—including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject—is therefore transmitted to Google in the United States of America. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may, under certain circumstances, disclose this personal data collected through technical means to third parties.

As described above, the data subject may prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by adjusting the settings of the web browser used, thereby permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Such a setting in the web browser would also prevent Google from setting a conversion cookie on the data subject’s computer system. In addition, a cookie already set by Google AdWords can be deleted at any time via the web browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option to object to interest-based advertising by Google. To do so, the data subject must access the link www.google.de/settings/ads from each of the web browsers they use and make the desired settings there.

For more information and to view Google's current privacy policy, please visit https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/.

15. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Instagram

The data controller has integrated components of the Instagram service into this website. Instagram is a service that qualifies as an audiovisual platform and enables users to share photos and videos, as well as to repost such content on other social networks.

The operator of Instagram’s services is Instagram LLC, 1 Hacker Way, Building 14 First Floor, Menlo Park, CA, USA.

Each time a user visits a page on this website operated by the data controller that includes an integrated Instagram component (Instagram button), the user’s web browser on their computer automatically downloads a representation of the corresponding Instagram component via that component. As part of this technical process, Instagram learns which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged into Instagram at the same time, Instagram recognizes which specific subpage the data subject is visiting each time the data subject accesses our website and for the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the Instagram component and assigned by Instagram to the data subject’s respective Instagram account. If the data subject clicks on one of the Instagram buttons integrated into our website, the data and information transmitted thereby are associated with the data subject’s personal Instagram user account and are stored and processed by Instagram.

Instagram receives information via the Instagram component that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged into Instagram at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Instagram component or not. If the data subject does not wish for this information to be transmitted to Instagram, they can prevent the transmission by logging out of their Instagram account before visiting our website.

Further information and Instagram’s current privacy policy can be found at https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388 and https://www.instagram.com/about/legal/privacy/.

16. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of LinkedIn

The data controller has integrated components from LinkedIn Corporation into this website. LinkedIn is an online social network that enables users to connect with existing business contacts and establish new ones. Over 400 million registered users access LinkedIn in more than 200 countries. This makes LinkedIn the largest platform for business networking and one of the most visited websites in the world.

The operator of LinkedIn is LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. LinkedIn Ireland, Privacy Policy Issues, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, is responsible for data protection matters outside the United States.

Each time our website, which is equipped with a LinkedIn component (LinkedIn plug-in), is accessed, this component causes the browser used by the data subject to download a corresponding representation of the LinkedIn component. Further information about the LinkedIn plug-ins can be found at https://developer.linkedin.com/plugins. As part of this technical process, LinkedIn learns which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged into LinkedIn at the same time, LinkedIn recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject accesses our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the LinkedIn component and assigned by LinkedIn to the data subject’s respective LinkedIn account. If the data subject clicks a LinkedIn button integrated into our website, LinkedIn assigns this information to the data subject’s personal LinkedIn user account and stores this personal data.

Through the LinkedIn component, LinkedIn receives information that the data subject has visited our website as soon as they are logged into LinkedIn at the same time they access our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the LinkedIn component or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to LinkedIn, they can prevent the transmission by logging out of their LinkedIn account before visiting our website.

LinkedIn offers the option to opt out of email messages, SMS messages, and targeted ads, as well as to manage ad settings, at https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls. LinkedIn also uses partners such as Quantcast, Google Analytics, BlueKai, DoubleClick, Nielsen, Comscore, Eloqua, and Lotame, which may set cookies. You can opt out of these cookies at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy. LinkedIn’s current privacy policy is available at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy. LinkedIn’s cookie policy is available at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy.

17. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Twitter

The data controller has integrated Twitter components into this website. Twitter is a multilingual, publicly accessible microblogging service where users can publish and share so-called tweets—short messages limited to 280 characters. These short messages are accessible to everyone, including people who are not registered with Twitter. However, the tweets are also displayed to the respective user’s so-called followers. Followers are other Twitter users who follow a user’s tweets. Furthermore, Twitter enables users to reach a broad audience through hashtags, links, or retweets.

Twitter is operated by Twitter, Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA.

Each time a user visits one of the individual pages of this website—which is operated by the data controller and on which a Twitter component (Twitter button) has been integrated—the web browser on the data subject’s computer is automatically prompted by the respective Twitter component to download a representation of that Twitter component from Twitter. Further information about the Twitter buttons is available at https://about.twitter.com/de/resources/buttons. As part of this technical process, Twitter learns which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject. The purpose of integrating the Twitter component is to enable our users to share the content of this website, to promote this website in the digital world, and to increase our visitor numbers.

If the data subject is logged into Twitter at the same time, Twitter recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject accesses our website and for the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the Twitter component and assigned by Twitter to the data subject’s respective Twitter account. If the data subject clicks on one of the Twitter buttons integrated into our website, the data and information transmitted thereby are associated with the data subject’s personal Twitter user account and are stored and processed by Twitter.

Twitter receives information via the Twitter component that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged into Twitter at the same time as accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Twitter component or not. If the data subject does not wish for this information to be transmitted to Twitter, they can prevent the transmission by logging out of their Twitter account before visiting our website.

Twitter’s current privacy policy is available at https://twitter.com/privacy?lang=de.

18. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Xing

The data controller has integrated Xing components into this website. Xing is an online social network that enables users to connect with existing business contacts and establish new ones. Individual users can create a personal profile on Xing. Companies can, for example, create company profiles or post job openings on Xing.

The operator of Xing is XING SE, Dammtorstraße 30, 20354 Hamburg, Germany.

Each time a user visits one of the individual pages of this website—which is operated by the data controller and on which a Xing component (Xing plug-in) has been integrated—the web browser on the data subject’s computer is automatically prompted by the respective Xing component to download a representation of the corresponding Xing component from Xing. Further information about the Xing plug-ins can be found at https://dev.xing.com/plugins. As part of this technical process, Xing learns which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged into Xing at the same time, Xing recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject accesses our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the Xing component and assigned by Xing to the data subject’s respective Xing account. If the data subject clicks one of the Xing buttons integrated into our website, such as the “Share” button, Xing associates this information with the data subject’s personal Xing user account and stores this personal data.

Xing receives information via the Xing component whenever the data subject visits our website, provided that the data subject is logged into Xing at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Xing component or not. If the data subject does not wish for this information to be transmitted to Xing, they can prevent the transmission by logging out of their Xing account before visiting our website.

The privacy policy published by Xing, available at https://www.xing.com/privacy, provides information about the collection, processing, and use of personal data by Xing. Furthermore, Xing has published privacy notices for the XING Share button at https://www.xing.com/app/share?op=data_protection.

19. Legal basis for processing

Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company’s processing operations in 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 required for the delivery of goods or the provision of other services or consideration—the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. The same applies to processing operations necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, such as in cases of inquiries regarding our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation that requires the processing of personal data, such as to fulfill tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were to be injured on our premises and their name, age, health insurance information, or other vital information subsequently had to be disclosed to a doctor, a hospital, or other third parties. In that case, the processing would be based on Article 6(1)(d) of the GDPR. Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. Processing operations not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases are based on this legal basis if the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights, and fundamental freedoms of the data subject do not override those interests. We are permitted to carry out such processing operations in particular because they were specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this regard, the legislator took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47, Sentence 2 of the GDPR).

20. Legitimate interests in processing pursued by the controller or a third party

If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business operations for the benefit of all our employees and shareholders.

21. The period for which personal data is stored

The criterion for the duration of the storage of personal data is the applicable statutory retention period. Once this period has expired, the relevant data is routinely deleted, provided it is no longer necessary for the performance or initiation of a contract.

22. Legal or contractual requirements for the provision of personal data; necessity for the conclusion of the contract; the data subject’s obligation to provide personal data; possible consequences of failure to provide such data

We would like to inform you that the provision of personal data is in some cases required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or may also arise from contractual provisions (e.g., information about the contracting party). In some cases, it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data in order to conclude a contract, which we must then process. For example, the data subject is obligated to provide us with personal data when our company enters into a contract with them. Failure to provide the personal data would result in the contract with the data subject not being able to be concluded. Before providing personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will inform 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 consequences failure to provide the personal data would have.

23. Existence of automated decision-making

As a responsible company, we do not use automated decision-making or profiling.

This Privacy Policy was created using the Privacy Policy Generator provided by DGD Deutsche Gesellschaft für Datenschutz GmbH, which acts as the External Data Protection Officer for Upper Bavaria, in cooperation with the data protection attorneys at the law firm WILDE BEUGER SOLMECKE | Rechtsanwälte.