Data Protection 

We are delighted that you have taken an interest in our company. Data protection is a top priority for VPACE’s management. In principle, it is possible to use VPACE’s website without providing any personal data. However, should a data subject wish to make use of specific services offered by our company via our website, the processing of personal data may be necessary. Where the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally seek 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 country-specific data protection regulations applicable to VPACE. 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, VPACE GmbH has implemented numerous technical and organisational measures to ensure the most comprehensive possible protection of the personal data processed via this website. Nevertheless, internet-based data transmissions may, in principle, be subject to security vulnerabilities, meaning that absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, any data subject is free to provide personal data to us via alternative means, such as by telephone. 

1. Definitions 

VPACE’s privacy policy is based on the terminology used by the 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 terms used in advance. In this Privacy Policy, we use the following terms, amongst others: 

a) personal data Personal data means 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 association with an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or one or more specific characteristics that reflect the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person, can be identified. 

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 which is carried out on personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, distribution or any other form of making available, the matching or linking, the restriction, erasure or destruction. 

(d) Restriction of processing Restriction of processing means the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its future processing. 

e) Profiling Profiling is 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 analyse or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s work performance, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behaviour, location or movements of that natural person. 

f) Pseudonymisation Pseudonymisation 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 organisational measures ensuring that the personal data cannot be attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person. 

g) Controller The controller 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 law or the law of the Member States, the controller or the specific criteria for its designation may be laid down in accordance with Union law or the law of the Member States. 

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

i) Recipient A recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body to whom personal data are disclosed, irrespective of whether they are a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the course of a specific investigation mandate under Union law or the law of the Member States shall not be regarded as 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 authorised to process the personal data under the direct responsibility of the controller or the processor. 

k) Consent Consent means any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, by which the data subject signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to them. 

2. Name and address of the data controller

The data 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: 

VPACE Bicycles GmbH
Am Tobel 15
88263 Horgenzell
Germany
Tel.: +4975049155566
Email: info@vpace.de
Website: www.vpace.de

3. Cookies 

The VPACE website uses 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 what is known as a ‘cookie ID’. A cookie ID is a unique identifier for the cookie. It consists of a string of characters that enables websites and servers to be associated with the specific web browser in which the cookie was stored. This allows the websites and servers visited to distinguish the data subject’s individual browser from other web browsers that contain different cookies. A specific web browser can be recognised and identified via the unique cookie ID. By using cookies, VPACE can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the use of cookies. Cookies enable us to optimise the information and content on our website to suit the user’s needs. As already mentioned, cookies allow us to recognise 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 details every time they visit the site, as this is handled by the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the shopping basket cookie in an online shop. The online shop uses a cookie to remember the items a customer has placed in their virtual shopping basket. The data subject may prevent our website from setting cookies at any time by adjusting the settings of their web browser, 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 programmes. This is possible in all common web browsers. If the data subject disables the setting of cookies in the web browser they are using, it may not be possible to use all the functions of our website to their full extent. 

4. Collection of general data and information

The VPACE website 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 (known as the referrer), (4) the sub-pages on our website accessed via an accessing system, (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 used for security purposes in the event of attacks on our information technology systems. When using this general data and information, VPACE does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is required in order to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) to optimise the content of our website and the advertising displayed on it, (3) to ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology underpinning our website, and (4) to provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in the event of a cyber-attack. This data and information, collected anonymously, is therefore analysed by VPACE both for statistical purposes and with the aim of enhancing data protection and data security within our organisation, 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. Registration on our website 

The data subject has the option of registering on the data controller’s website by providing personal data. The personal data transmitted to the data controller in this process is determined by the relevant input form used for registration. The personal data entered by the data subject is collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the data controller and for the data controller’s own purposes. The data controller may arrange for the personal data to be passed on to one or more data processors, such as a parcel delivery service, who will also use the personal data exclusively for internal purposes attributable to the data controller. Furthermore, when registering on the data controller’s website, the IP address assigned by the data subject’s Internet Service Provider (ISP), as well as the date and time of registration, are stored. This data is stored on the basis that this is the only way to prevent misuse of our services, and that, where necessary, this data enables criminal offences to be investigated. In this respect, the storage of this data is necessary to safeguard the data controller. As a general rule, this data is not disclosed to third parties, unless there is a legal obligation to do so or the disclosure serves the purposes of criminal prosecution. The data subject’s registration, involving the voluntary provision of personal data, enables the data controller to offer the data subject content or services which, by their very nature, can only be provided to registered users. Registered users are free to amend the personal data provided at the time of registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the data controller’s database. The data controller shall, upon request, provide any data subject at any time with information regarding which personal data relating to that data subject are stored. Furthermore, the data controller shall rectify or erase personal data at the request or upon notification by the data subject, provided this does not conflict with any statutory retention obligations. A Data Protection Officer named in this privacy policy and all staff members of the data controller are available to the data subject as points of contact in this regard. 

6. Subscription to our newsletter

On the VPACE website, 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 specified in the input form used for this purpose. VPACE 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 first provided by a data subject when registering for the newsletter, using the double opt-in procedure. This confirmation email serves to verify whether the holder of the email address, as the data subject, has authorised the receipt of the newsletter. When registering for 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 as part of a newsletter subscription is used exclusively for sending our newsletter. Furthermore, newsletter subscribers may be informed by email where this is necessary for the operation of the newsletter service or for registration purposes, as might be the case with changes to the newsletter content or alterations to the technical conditions. No personal data collected as part of the newsletter service is passed on to third parties. The data subject may cancel their subscription to our newsletter at any time. Consent to the storage of personal data, which the data subject has given to us for the purpose of sending the newsletter, may be withdrawn at any time. A link for this purpose is provided in every newsletter. Furthermore, it is possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time directly on the data controller’s website or to notify the data controller of this in another way. 

7. Newsletter Tracking

VPACE’s newsletters contain so-called web beacons. A web beacon is a miniature 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, VPACE can determine whether and when an email has been opened by a data subject and which links contained in the email have been clicked by the data subject. Such personal data collected via the tracking pixels contained in the newsletters is stored and analysed by the data controller in order to optimise the distribution of newsletters and to tailor the content of future newsletters even more closely to the data subject’s interests. This personal data is not disclosed to third parties. Data subjects are entitled at any time to withdraw the separate declaration of consent given in this regard via the double opt-in procedure. Following withdrawal, this personal data will be deleted by the data controller. VPACE automatically interprets unsubscribing from the newsletter as a withdrawal of consent. 

8. Contact options via the website

In accordance with legal requirements, the VPACE website contains information that enables you to contact our company quickly by electronic means and to communicate directly with us, which also includes a general electronic mail address (e-mail 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, provided voluntarily by a data subject to the data controller, is stored for the purposes of processing the enquiry or contacting the data subject. This personal data is not disclosed to third parties. 

9. Comment function on the website’s blog

VPACE offers users the opportunity to leave individual comments on specific blog posts via a blog located on the data controller’s website. A blog is a portal hosted on a website, usually accessible to the public, where one or more people – known as bloggers or web bloggers – can post articles or write down their thoughts in so-called blog posts. Third parties can usually comment on these blog posts. If a data subject leaves a comment on the blog published on this website, in addition to the comments left by the data subject, details of the time the comment was submitted and the username (pseudonym) chosen by the data subject are also stored and published. Furthermore, the IP address assigned by the data subject’s internet service provider (ISP) is also logged. This IP address is stored for security reasons and in the event that the data subject infringes the rights of third parties through a comment they have posted or publishes unlawful content. The storage of this personal data is therefore in the data controller’s own interest, so that the data controller may, if necessary, exonerate themselves in the event of a legal infringement. This personal data collected is not disclosed to third parties, unless such disclosure is required by law or serves to defend the controller’s legal position. 

10. Routine erasure and restriction of personal data

The data controller processes and stores the data subject’s personal data only for the period necessary to fulfil the purpose of storage, or insofar as this is provided for by the European legislator (Directives and Regulations) or another legislator in laws or regulations to which the data controller is subject. If the purpose of storage ceases to apply or if a retention period prescribed by the European legislative and regulatory authorities or another competent legislative authority expires, the personal data shall be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the statutory provisions. 

11. Rights of the data subject

a) Right to confirmation

Every data subject has the right, as granted by the European legislative authorities, 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 our Data Protection Officer or another member of staff of the data controller at any time.

b) Right of access 

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, as granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller, free of charge, information at any time regarding the personal data stored about them and a copy of that information. Furthermore, the European legislative and regulatory authorities have granted the data subject the right to access 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 where recipients are in third countries or are international organisations where possible, the envisaged 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 where the personal data are not collected from the data subject: any available information as to the source of the data the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, in accordance with Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and — at least in such cases — meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the intended consequences of such processing for the data subject Furthermore, the data subject has the right to be informed as to whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. Where this is the case, the data subject is also entitled to receive information on the appropriate safeguards in connection with the transfer. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, they may contact our Data Protection Officer or another member of staff of the data controller at any time. 

 c) Right to rectification

Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, as granted by the European legislator, to request 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 request that incomplete personal data be completed — including by means of a supplementary statement. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they may contact our Data Protection Officer or another member of staff of the data controller at any time. 

d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)

Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, as granted by the European legislator, to request that the controller erase personal data relating to them without delay, provided that one of the following grounds applies and insofar as the processing is not necessary: The personal data was 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 in accordance with Article 21(1) of the GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing in accordance with 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 in accordance with Article 8(1) of the GDPR. If any of the above grounds apply and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by VPACE, they may contact our Data Protection Officer or another member of staff of the controller at any time. VPACE’s Data Protection Officer or another member of staff will ensure that the request for erasure is complied with without delay. If the personal data has been made public by VPACE and our company, as the controller, is obliged to erase the personal data in accordance with Article 17(1) of the GDPR, VPACE shall, taking into account the available technology and the costs of implementation, take appropriate measures, including technical measures, to inform other data controllers processing the published personal data that the data subject has requested that these other data controllers delete all links to this personal data or any copies or replicas of this personal data, insofar as the processing is not necessary. VPACE’s Data Protection Officer or another member of staff will take the necessary steps on a case-by-case basis. 

e) Right to restriction of processing

Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to request that the controller restrict processing if one of the following conditions is 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, that the use of the personal data be restricted. The controller no longer requires the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but the data subject requires it for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. The data subject has objected to the processing in accordance with Article 21(1) of the GDPR, and it has not yet been determined whether the controller’s legitimate grounds override those of the data subject. If any of the above conditions are met and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by VPACE, they may contact our Data Protection Officer or another member of staff of the controller at any time. VPACE’s Data Protection Officer or another member of staff will arrange for the restriction of processing.

f) Right to data portability

Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, as granted by the European legislator, 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 Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR or Article 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 under 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, in so far as this is technically feasible and provided that this does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of other individuals. To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact the data protection officer appointed by VPACE or another member of staff. 

g) Right to object

Any 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, to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning them which is carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions. In the event of an objection, VPACE will no longer process the personal data, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. Where VPACE processes personal data for the purposes of direct marketing, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data for the purposes of such marketing. This also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to VPACE regarding processing for the purposes of direct marketing, VPACE will no longer process the personal data for these purposes. Furthermore, 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 by VPACE for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes in accordance with 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 VPACE’s Data Protection Officer or another member of staff 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 individual decision-making, including profiling

Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, as 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, 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 authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, and that law provides for appropriate measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms as well as their legitimate interests; 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 data subject’s explicit consent, VPACE shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms and legitimate interests of the data subject, including, at a minimum, the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express their point of view and to contest the decision. If the data subject wishes to exercise rights relating to automated decisions, they may contact our Data Protection Officer or another member of staff of the controller at any time. 

 i) Right to withdraw consent to data processing

Any 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 their right to withdraw consent, they may contact our Data Protection Officer or another member of staff of the data controller at any time. 

12. Data Protection Provisions Regarding the Use of Facebook

The data controller has integrated components from the company Facebook into this website. Facebook is a 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, Facebook allows users of the social network to create private profiles, upload photos and connect with others via friend requests. Facebook is operated by Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. Where a data subject resides outside the USA or Canada, the data 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 accesses one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a Facebook component (Facebook plug-in) has been integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Facebook component to download a representation of the corresponding 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 is informed of which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject. Provided the data subject is logged into Facebook at the same time, Facebook recognises, each time the data subject accesses our website and throughout the duration of their visit to our website, which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting. This information is collected by the Facebook component and linked 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 this information to be transmitted to Facebook, they can prevent such transmission by logging out of their Facebook account before visiting our website. Facebook’s privacy policy, which is available at https://de-de.facebook.com/about/privacy/, provides information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by Facebook. It also explains the settings options Facebook offers to protect the data subject’s privacy. In addition, various applications are available which make it possible to prevent data from being transmitted to Facebook. The data subject may use such applications to prevent data from being transmitted to Facebook. 

13. Privacy Policy on the Use of Google Analytics (with anonymisation function)

The data controller has integrated the Google Analytics component (with anonymisation function) into this website. Google Analytics is a web analytics service. Web analytics refers to the collection, gathering and analysis of data regarding the behaviour of website visitors. Among other things, a web analytics service records data on which website a data subject came from (known as the ‘referrer’), which sub-pages of the website were accessed, and how often and for how long a sub-page was viewed. Web analytics is primarily used to optimise a website and to carry out a 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 add-on “_gat._anonymizeIp” for web analytics via Google Analytics. This suffix causes Google to truncate and anonymise the IP address of the data subject’s internet connection when access to our website occurs 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 analyse visitor traffic on our website. Google uses the data and information collected, amongst other things, to evaluate the use of our website, to compile online reports for us showing 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 IT system. What cookies are has already been explained above. The placement of the cookie enables Google to analyse the use of our website. Each time a user accesses 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 IT system is automatically prompted by the relevant Google Analytics component to transmit data to Google for the purposes of online analysis. As part of this technical process, Google obtains personal data, such as the data subject’s IP address, which Google uses, amongst other things, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks and, consequently, to enable commission settlements. Personal information, such as the time of access, the location from which access originated and the frequency of the data subject’s visits to our website, is stored by means of a cookie. 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 via the technical process, to third parties. As outlined above, the data subject may at any time prevent our website from setting cookies by adjusting the settings of the web browser they are using, thereby permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Adjusting the settings of the internet browser used in this way would also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the data subject’s information technology system. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programmes. Furthermore, the data subject has the option to object to the collection of data generated by Google Analytics relating to the use of this website, as well as to the processing of such data by Google, and to prevent this from taking place. To do this, 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 visits to websites may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google regards the installation of the browser add-on as an objection. If the data subject’s IT system is subsequently deleted, formatted or reinstalled, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on in order to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or by another person within their control, it is possible to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on. Further information and Google’s applicable data protection provisions can be found 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/. 

14. 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 via friend requests. Google+ is operated by Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA. Each time a user accesses 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 web browser on the data subject’s IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Google+ button to download a display of the corresponding Google+ button from Google. As part of this technical process, Google becomes aware of which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject. Further information on Google+ is available at https://developers.google.com/+/ Provided the data subject is logged into Google+ at the same time, Google recognises, each time the data subject accesses our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website, which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting. This information is collected via the Google+ button and linked 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 gives 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 made 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, such as the search results of the Google search engine, the data subject’s Google Account, or in other places, for example 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 optimising its various services. Google receives information via the Google+ button to the effect that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged into Google+ at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Google+ button or not. If the data subject does not wish personal data to be 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 data protection regulations can be found at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/. Further information from Google regarding the Google+1 button can be found at https://developers.google.com/+/web/buttons-policy. 

15. Data protection provisions 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 adverts both in Google’s search engine results and on the Google Display Network. Google AdWords enables an advertiser to specify certain keywords in advance, whereby an advert is displayed in Google’s search engine results only when a user retrieves a search result relevant to those keywords via the search engine. Within the Google Display Network, adverts are distributed across thematically relevant websites using an automated algorithm and in accordance with the pre-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 adverts on third-party websites and in Google’s search results, and to display third-party adverts on our website. If a data subject accesses our website via a Google advert, Google places a so-called conversion cookie on the data subject’s IT 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 sub-pages – for example, the shopping basket in an online shop system – have been accessed on our website. The conversion cookie enables both us and Google to determine whether a data subject who arrived at our website via an AdWords advert generated a sale, i.e. whether they completed or abandoned a purchase. The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie are used by Google to compile 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 adverts – in other words, to assess the success or failure of the respective AdWords advert and to optimise our AdWords adverts for the future. Neither our company nor other Google AdWords advertisers receive any 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. Consequently, each time our website is visited, 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, pass on this personal data, collected via the technical process, to third parties. As explained above, the data subject may at any time prevent our website from setting cookies by adjusting the settings of their web browser accordingly, thereby permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Adjusting the settings of the web browser used in this way would also prevent Google from setting a conversion cookie on the data subject’s IT system. Furthermore, any cookie already set by Google AdWords can be deleted at any time via the web browser or other software programmes. 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 configure the desired settings there. Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be found at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/. 

16. Data Protection Provisions 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 the Instagram services is Instagram LLC, 1 Hacker Way, Building 14 First Floor, Menlo Park, CA, USA. Each time a user accesses one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which an Instagram component (Insta button) has been integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Instagram component to download a display of the relevant Instagram component. As part of this technical process, Instagram becomes aware of 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 recognises, each time the data subject visits our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website, which specific sub-page the data subject is visiting. This information is collected by the Instagram component and linked 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 in this way are associated with the data subject’s personal Instagram user account and are stored and processed by Instagram. Instagram always receives information via the Instagram component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into Instagram at the same time as 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 such information to be transmitted to Instagram, they can prevent this by logging out of their Instagram account before visiting our website. Further information and Instagram’s applicable privacy policy can be found at https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388 and https://www.instagram.com/about/legal/privacy/. 

17. Data protection provisions regarding the use of LinkedIn 

The data controller has integrated components from LinkedIn Corporation into this website. LinkedIn is an internet-based social network that enables users to connect with existing business contacts and establish new business contacts. Over 400 million registered users utilise LinkedIn in more than 200 countries. This makes LinkedIn currently the largest platform for business contacts and one of the most visited websites in the world. LinkedIn is operated by 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 USA. Each time our website, which features 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 on the LinkedIn plug-ins can be found at https://developer.linkedin.com/plugins. As part of this technical process, LinkedIn becomes aware of which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject. Provided the data subject is logged into LinkedIn at the same time, LinkedIn recognises which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time they access our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the LinkedIn component and linked by LinkedIn to the data subject’s respective LinkedIn account. If the data subject clicks on a LinkedIn button integrated into our website, LinkedIn links this information to the data subject’s personal LinkedIn user account and stores this personal data. LinkedIn always receives information via the LinkedIn component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged into LinkedIn at the same time as accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the LinkedIn component or not. If the data subject does not wish this information to be transmitted to LinkedIn, they can prevent such transmission by logging out of their LinkedIn account before visiting our website. LinkedIn offers the option to unsubscribe from email messages, text messages and targeted adverts, as well as to manage advert 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. Such cookies can be opted out of 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. 

18. Privacy Policy on the Use of Pinterest

The data controller has integrated components from Pinterest Inc. into this website. Pinterest 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, Pinterest enables users of the social network to publish collections of images, individual images and descriptions on virtual pinboards (known as ‘pinning’), which can then be shared (known as ‘repinning’) or commented on by other users. Pinterest is operated by Pinterest Inc., 808 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. Each time a user accesses one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a Pinterest component (Pinterest plug-in) has been integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Pinterest component to download a representation of the relevant Pinterest component from Pinterest. Further information on Pinterest is available at https://pinterest.com/. As part of this technical process, Pinterest becomes aware of which specific sub-page of our website is being visited by the data subject. Provided the data subject is logged into Pinterest at the same time, Pinterest recognises, each time the data subject visits our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website, which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting. This information is collected by the Pinterest component and assigned by Pinterest to the data subject’s respective Pinterest account. If the data subject clicks a Pinterest button integrated into our website, Pinterest assigns this information to the data subject’s personal Pinterest user account and stores this personal data. Pinterest receives information via the Pinterest component to the effect that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged into Pinterest at the same time as accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Pinterest component or not. If the data subject does not wish this information to be transmitted to Pinterest, they can prevent such transmission by logging out of their Pinterest account before visiting our website. Pinterest’s privacy policy, which is available at https://about.pinterest.com/privacy-policy, provides information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by Pinterest. 

19. Data Protection Provisions Regarding the Use of Tumblr

The data controller has integrated components from Tumblr into this website. Tumblr is a platform that enables users to create and run a blog. A blog is a portal hosted on a website, usually accessible to the public, on which one or more people – known as bloggers or webloggers – can post articles or record their thoughts in so-called blog posts. On a Tumblr blog, for example, users can publish text, images, links and videos and share them online. Furthermore, Tumblr users can embed content from other websites into their own blog. Tumblr is operated by Tumblr, Inc., 35 East 21st St, Ground Floor, New York, NY 10010, USA. Each time a user accesses one of the individual pages of this website – which is operated by the data controller and on which a Tumblr component (Tumblr button) has been integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Tumblr component to download a representation of the corresponding Tumblr component from Tumblr. Further information on the Tumblr buttons is available at https://www.tumblr.com/buttons. As part of this technical process, Tumblr becomes aware of which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject. The purpose of integrating the Tumblr component is to enable our users to share the content of this website, to raise the profile of this website in the digital world and to increase our visitor numbers. Provided the data subject is logged into Tumblr at the same time, Tumblr recognises which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time they access our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the Tumblr component and assigned by Tumblr to the data subject’s respective Tumblr account. If the data subject clicks one of the Tumblr buttons integrated into our website, the data and information transmitted in this way are associated with the data subject’s personal Tumblr user account and are stored and processed by Tumblr. Tumblr receives information via the Tumblr component to the effect that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged into Tumblr at the same time as accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Tumblr component or not. If the data subject does not wish such information to be transmitted to Tumblr, they can prevent this by logging out of their Tumblr account before accessing our website. Tumblr’s current privacy policy is available at https://www.tumblr.com/policy/en/privacy. 

20. Data protection provisions regarding the use of Twitter

The data controller has integrated Twitter components into this website. Twitter is a multilingual, publicly accessible microblogging service on which users can publish and share so-called ‘tweets’, i.e. short messages limited to 140 characters. These short messages are accessible to everyone, including those 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 wide audience via hashtags, links or retweets. Twitter is operated by Twitter, Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. Each time a user accesses 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 IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Twitter component to download a representation of the relevant Twitter component from Twitter. Further information on the Twitter buttons is available at https://about.twitter.com/de/resources/buttons. As part of this technical process, Twitter is informed of 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 raise the profile of this website in the digital world and to increase our visitor numbers. Provided the data subject is logged into Twitter at the same time, Twitter recognises which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time they access our website and throughout 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 in this way 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 to the effect that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged into Twitter at the time of 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 such information to be transmitted to Twitter, they can prevent this 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. 

21. Legal basis for processing

Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company’s processing operations where 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 enquiries regarding our products or services. Where our company is subject to a legal obligation which necessitates the processing of personal data, such as for the fulfilment of 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 of 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 details or other vital information subsequently had to be disclosed to a doctor, a hospital or other third parties. In such cases, the processing would be based on Article 6(1)(d) of the GDPR. Finally, processing operations may be based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. This legal basis applies to processing operations not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases, where the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not take precedence. We are permitted to carry out such processing operations in particular because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this regard, the legislator took the view that a legitimate interest might be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47, second sentence, of the GDPR). 

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

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

23. Duration for which personal data is stored 

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

24. Legal or contractual requirements regarding the provision of personal data

Necessity for the conclusion of a 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. details of the contracting party). In some cases, the conclusion of a contract may require a data subject to provide us with personal data, which we must subsequently process. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data if our company enters into a contract with them. Failure to provide the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before providing personal data, the data subject must contact our Data Protection Officer. Our Data Protection Officer will inform the data subject, on a case-by-case basis, whether the provision of personal data is required by law or under a contract, or is necessary for the conclusion of a contract; whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data; and what the consequences of failing to provide the personal data would be. 

25. Use of automated decision-making

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