Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Controller

Veysel Demir
An der alten Post 12
50859 Cologne, Germany

Authorized representative: Veysel Demir

Email address: info@zosev.com

Legal notice: https://zosev.com/impressum

Overview of Processing Activities

The following overview summarizes the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing, referring to the affected individuals.

Types of Processed Data

  • Inventory data.
  • Location data.
  • Contact data.
  • Content data.
  • Usage data.
  • Meta, communication and procedural data.
  • Log data.

Categories of Affected Individuals

  • Communication partners.
  • Users.

Purposes of Processing

  • Communication.
  • Security measures.
  • Direct marketing.
  • Reach measurement.
  • Tracking.
  • Target group formation.
  • Organizational and administrative procedures.
  • Feedback.
  • Marketing.
  • Profiles with user-related information.
  • Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
  • Information technology infrastructure.
  • Public relations.
  • Sales promotion.

Legal Bases

Relevant legal bases under the GDPR: Below you will find an overview of the legal bases of the GDPR on which we base the processing of personal data. Please note that in addition to the provisions of the GDPR, national data protection regulations may apply in your or our country of residence. Should more specific legal bases be relevant in individual cases, we will inform you of these in the privacy policy.

  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) – The data subject has given consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes.
  • Contract performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national regulations on data protection apply in Germany. These include in particular the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG). The BDSG contains in particular special regulations on the right to information, the right to erasure, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes and transmission as well as automated individual decision-making, including profiling. Furthermore, state data protection laws of the individual federal states may apply.

Note on applicability of GDPR and Swiss DPA: This privacy policy serves to provide information both under the Swiss Data Protection Act (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For this reason, we ask you to note that due to the broader spatial application and comprehensibility, the terms of the GDPR are used. In particular, instead of the terms “processing” of “personal data”, “overriding interest” and “particularly sensitive personal data” used in the Swiss DPA, the terms “processing” of “personal data” as well as “legitimate interest” and “special categories of data” used in the GDPR are used. However, the legal meaning of the terms will continue to be determined in accordance with the Swiss DPA within the scope of application of the Swiss DPA.

Security Measures

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

The measures include, in particular, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data as well as the access, input, transfer, ensuring availability and its separation. Furthermore, we have established procedures that ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the deletion of data and responses to data threats. Furthermore, we already take the protection of personal data into account in the development or selection of hardware, software and procedures in accordance with the principle of data protection, through technology design and through data protection-friendly default settings.

Transfer of Personal Data

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

International Data Transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we transfer data to a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)) or if this occurs in the context of using third-party services or disclosing or transferring data to other persons, entities or companies (as indicated by the respective provider’s postal address or when the privacy policy explicitly mentions data transfer to third countries), this is always done in compliance with legal requirements.

For data transfers to the U.S., we primarily rely on the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), which was recognized as a secure legal framework by the EU Commission on 07/10/2023. Additionally, we have concluded standard contractual clauses with the respective providers that comply with the EU Commission’s requirements and establish contractual obligations to protect your data.

This dual safeguard ensures comprehensive protection of your data: The DPF forms the primary level of protection, while the standard contractual clauses serve as an additional security measure. Should changes occur within the DPF framework, the standard contractual clauses will serve as a reliable fallback option. This ensures that your data remains adequately protected even in the event of political or legal changes.

For individual service providers, we inform you whether they are certified under the DPF and whether standard contractual clauses exist. Further information on the DPF and a list of certified companies can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/ (in English).

For data transfers to other third countries, corresponding security measures apply, in particular standard contractual clauses, explicit consents or legally required transfers. Information on third country transfers and applicable adequacy decisions can be found in the information provided by the EU Commission: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en?prefLang=de.

General Information on Data Retention and Deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with legal requirements as soon as the underlying consents are revoked or no other legal basis for processing exists. This applies to cases where the original processing purpose no longer applies or the data is no longer required. Exceptions to this rule exist if legal obligations or special interests require longer retention or archiving of the data.

In particular, data that must be retained for commercial or tax law reasons or whose storage is necessary for the assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of other natural or legal persons must be archived accordingly.

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

If multiple retention periods or deletion deadlines are specified for a date, the longest period always applies.

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

Data that is no longer required for the originally intended purpose but is retained due to legal requirements or other reasons is processed exclusively for the reasons that justify its retention.

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Retention and deletion of data: The following general periods apply to retention and archiving under German law:
    • 10 years – Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets as well as the work instructions and other organizational documents required for their understanding (§ 147 (1) no. 1 in conjunction with (3) AO, § 14b (1) UStG, § 257 (1) no. 1 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
    • 8 years – Accounting records, such as invoices and receipts (§ 147 (1) no. 4 and 4a in conjunction with (3) sentence 1 AO as well as § 257 (1) no. 4 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
    • 6 years – Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents, insofar as they are relevant for taxation, e.g. timesheets, operating statements, calculation documents, price lists, but also payroll records, insofar as they are not already accounting records, and cash register receipts (§ 147 (1) no. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with (3) AO, § 257 (1) no. 2 and 3 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
    • 3 years – Data that is required to take into account potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practices, is stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

Rights of Data Subjects

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject, you have various rights under the GDPR, which arise in particular from Articles 15 to 21 GDPR:

  • Right to object: You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. Where personal data are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
  • Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning you are being processed, and, where that is the case, access to the personal data and certain other information.
  • Right to rectification: You have the right to obtain the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning you and to have incomplete personal data completed.
  • Right to erasure and restriction: You have the right to obtain the erasure of personal data concerning you without undue delay or the restriction of processing in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you which you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and to transmit those data to another controller.
  • Right to lodge a complaint: Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the GDPR.

Provision of Online Services and Web Hosting

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

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times).
  • Affected persons: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; IT infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment). Security measures.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online services is logged in the form of so-called “server log files”. Server log files may include the address and name of the retrieved web pages and files, date and time of retrieval, transferred data volumes, notification of successful retrieval, browser type and version, the user’s operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page) and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. The server log files may be used for security purposes, e.g., to avoid overloading the servers (especially in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks) and to ensure server stability; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Data deletion: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further retention is required for evidentiary purposes is exempt from deletion until final clarification of the respective incident.

Use of Cookies

The term “cookies” refers to functions that store and retrieve information on users’ end devices. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, such as for functionality, security and convenience of online services as well as for creating analyses of visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with legal requirements. If required, we obtain prior consent from users. If consent is not necessary, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies when storing and retrieving information is essential to provide expressly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, storing settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online services. Consent can be revoked at any time. We clearly inform about their scope and which cookies are used.

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

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

  • Temporary cookies (also: session or session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user leaves an online offer and closes his device (e.g. browser or mobile application).
  • Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after closing the device. For example, the login status can be saved and preferred content can be displayed directly when the user visits a website again. The user data collected with the help of cookies can also be used for reach measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage period of cookies (e.g. when obtaining consent), they should assume that these are permanent and the storage period can be up to two years.

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

  • Types of data processed: Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Affected persons: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

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

Contact and Inquiry Management

When contacting us (e.g. by post, contact form, email, telephone or via social media) and in the context of existing user and business relationships, the information of the inquiring persons is processed insofar as this is necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. text or image messages and posts as well as the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g. page views and duration, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Affected persons: Communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Contract performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Contact form: When contacting us via our contact form, by email or other communication channels, we process the personal data transmitted to us to answer and process the respective request. This typically includes information such as name, contact details and, if applicable, further information that is communicated to us and is necessary for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal basis: Contract performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Newsletters and Electronic Notifications

We send newsletters, emails and other electronic notifications (hereinafter “newsletters”) only with the consent of recipients or based on legal permission. If the contents of the newsletter are specified during registration, they are decisive for the users’ consent. Typically, providing your email address is sufficient for newsletter registration. However, to offer personalized services, we may ask for your name for personal salutation in the newsletter or additional information if necessary for the newsletter’s purpose.

Deletion and restriction of processing: We may store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years based on our legitimate interests before deleting them to prove previously given consent. Processing of this data is limited to potential defense against claims. Individual deletion requests are possible at any time if the prior existence of consent is confirmed. For permanent objection obligations, we reserve the right to store the email address solely for this purpose in a blocklist (so-called “blocklist”).

The logging of the registration process is based on our legitimate interests for proving its proper execution. If we commission a service provider to send emails, this is done based on our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure sending system.

Contents:

Information about us, our services, promotions and offers.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
  • Affected persons: Communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by email or post).
  • Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).
  • Opt-out option: You can cancel receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e. revoke your consent or object to further receipt. A link to unsubscribe from the newsletter can be found at the end of each newsletter or you can use one of the contact options listed above, preferably email.

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Measurement of open and click rates: The newsletters contain a so-called “web beacon”, i.e. a pixel-sized file that is retrieved from our server or that of the dispatch service provider when the newsletter is opened. During this retrieval, technical information such as browser and system details as well as your IP address and time of retrieval are initially collected. This information is used for technical improvements to our newsletter based on technical data or target groups and their reading behavior based on retrieval locations (which can be determined using the IP address) or access times. This analysis also includes determining whether and when newsletters are opened and which links are clicked. The information is assigned to individual newsletter recipients and stored in their profiles until deletion. The evaluations serve to recognize the reading habits of our users and adapt our content to them or to send different content according to the interests of our users. The measurement of opening and click rates as well as the storage of measurement results in users’ profiles; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Promotional Communication via Email, Post, Fax or Phone

We process personal data for promotional communication purposes via various channels such as email, telephone, post or fax in accordance with legal requirements.

Recipients have the right to revoke given consents at any time or object to promotional communication at any time.

After revocation or objection, we store the data required to prove previous authorization for contact or sending for up to three years from the end of the year of revocation or objection based on our legitimate interests. Processing of this data is limited to potential defense against claims. Based on the legitimate interest in permanently observing users’ objections, we also store the data necessary to avoid renewed contact (e.g. depending on the communication channel, the email address, telephone number, name).

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers). Content data (e.g. text or image messages and posts as well as the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation).
  • Affected persons: Communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g. by email or post); Marketing. Sales promotion.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section.
  • Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Web Analytics, Monitoring and Optimization

Web analytics (also referred to as “reach measurement”) serves to evaluate visitor flows to our online offering and may include behavior, interests or demographic information about visitors, such as age or gender, as pseudonymous values. Through reach analysis, we can recognize, for example, when our online offering or its functions/content are most frequently used or invite reuse. We can also identify areas requiring optimization.

In addition to web analytics, we may use testing methods to test and optimize different versions of our online offering or its components.

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

Furthermore, users’ IP addresses are stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e. pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. Generally, no clear user data (such as email addresses or names) is stored for web analytics, A/B testing and optimization, but pseudonyms. This means we and the software providers do not know users’ actual identities, only the information stored in their profiles for the respective procedures.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed based on our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we also refer to the information on cookie use in this privacy policy.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Affected persons: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles). Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users’ devices for a period of two years.).
  • Security measures: IP masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address).
  • Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to measure and analyze the use of our online offering based on a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number contains no unique data such as names or email addresses. It serves to assign analysis information to an end device to recognize which content users have accessed within one or various usage processes, which search terms they used, revisited or interacted with our online offering. The time of use and its duration are also stored, as well as the sources of users referring to our online offering and technical aspects of their end devices and browsers. Pseudonymous user profiles are created with information from the use of various devices, whereby cookies may be used. Google Analytics does not record or store individual IP addresses for EU users. However, Analytics provides rough geographic location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: City (and derived latitude and longitude of the city), continent, country, region, subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). For EU traffic, IP address data is used solely for this geolocation derivation before being immediately deleted. It is not logged, accessible or used for further purposes. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are performed on EU-based servers before traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/; Security measures: IP masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Basis for third country transfer: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms), Data Privacy Framework (DPF)Standard Contractual Clauses ( https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms); Opt-out option: Opt-Out-Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff. Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (Types of processing and data processed).

Online Marketing

We process personal data for online marketing purposes, which may include marketing advertising space or displaying promotional and other content (collectively referred to as “content”) based on potential user interests and measuring their effectiveness.

For these purposes, so-called user profiles are created and stored in a file (so-called “cookie”) or similar procedures are used to store information relevant to displaying the aforementioned content. This may include, for example, viewed content, visited websites, online networks used, but also communication partners and technical information such as the browser used, computer system used and information on usage times and functions used. If users have consented to the collection of their location data, this may also be processed.

Furthermore, users’ IP addresses are stored. However, we use available IP masking procedures (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. Generally, no clear user data (such as email addresses or names) is stored in online marketing procedures, but pseudonyms. This means we and the online marketing procedure providers do not know the actual user identity, only the information stored in their profiles.

The information in the profiles is usually stored in cookies or by means of similar procedures. These cookies can later generally be read on other websites that use the same online marketing procedure and analyzed to display content and supplemented with additional data and stored on the server of the online marketing procedure provider.

Exceptionally, clear data may be assigned to profiles, particularly when users are members of a social network whose online marketing procedure we use and the network connects users’ profiles with the aforementioned information. We ask you to note that users may make additional agreements with providers, for example by giving consent during registration.

We generally only receive access to aggregated information about the success of our advertisements. However, as part of so-called conversion measurements, we can check which of our online marketing procedures have led to a so-called conversion, i.e., for example, to a contract conclusion with us. Conversion measurement is used solely to analyze the success of our marketing measures.

Unless otherwise stated, we ask you to assume that cookies used are stored for a period of two years.

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is consent. Otherwise, user data is processed based on our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we also refer to the information on cookie use in this privacy policy.

Notes on revocation and objection:

We refer to the privacy policies of the respective providers and the objection options specified for the providers (so-called “opt-out”). If no explicit opt-out option is specified, you can turn off cookies in your browser settings. However, this may restrict functions of our online offering. We therefore additionally recommend the following opt-out options, which are offered collectively for specific areas:

a) Europe: https://www.youronlinechoices.eu.

b) Canada: https://www.youradchoices.ca/choices.

c) USA: https://www.aboutads.info/choices.

d) Cross-regional: https://optout.aboutads.info.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
  • Affected persons: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Tracking (e.g. interest/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); Target group formation; Marketing. Profiles with user-related information (Creating user profiles).
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users’ devices for a period of two years.).
  • Security measures: IP masking (Pseudonymization of the IP address).

Presence in Social Networks (Social Media)

We maintain online presences within social networks and process user data in this context to communicate with active users there or to offer information about us.

We point out that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This may result in risks for users because, for example, enforcement of user rights could be made more difficult.

Furthermore, user data within social networks is usually processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created based on user behavior and resulting interests. The usage profiles can in turn be used, for example, to place advertisements within and outside the networks that presumably correspond to the interests of the users. For these purposes, cookies are usually stored on users’ computers, in which the usage behavior and interests of users are stored. Furthermore, data may also be stored in the usage profiles regardless of the devices used by the users (especially if the users are members of the respective platforms and are logged in to them).

For a detailed presentation of the respective processing forms and the opt-out options, we refer to the privacy statements and information of the operators of the respective networks.

Also in the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we point out that these can be asserted most effectively with the providers. Only the providers have access to the users’ data and can take appropriate measures and provide information directly. If you still need help, you can contact us.

  • Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g. text or image messages and posts as well as the information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation). Usage data (e.g. page views and duration, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
  • Affected persons: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online form). Public relations.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Instagram: Social network; enables sharing of photos and videos, commenting on and favoriting posts, sending messages, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/. Basis for third country transfer: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Plugins and Embedded Functions and Content

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

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

Notes on legal bases: If we ask users for consent to use third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is consent. Otherwise, user data is processed based on our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, we also refer to the information on cookie use in this privacy policy.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties). Location data (Information on the geographical position of a device or a person).
  • Affected persons: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; Reach measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Tracking (e.g. interest/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); Target group formation. Marketing.
  • Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users’ devices for a period of two years.).
  • Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Additional information on processing operations, procedures and services:

  • Google Fonts (retrieval from Google server): Retrieval of fonts (and symbols) for the purpose of technically secure, maintenance-free and efficient use of fonts and symbols with regard to currency and loading times, their uniform presentation and consideration of possible licensing restrictions. The IP address of the user is communicated to the provider of the fonts so that the fonts can be made available in the user’s browser. In addition, technical data (language settings, screen resolution, operating system, hardware used) is transmitted that is necessary for the provision of the fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment. This data may be processed on a server of the font provider in the USA – When visiting our online offering, users’ browsers send HTTP requests to the Google Fonts Web API (i.e. a software interface for retrieving fonts). The Google Fonts Web API provides users with the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) of Google Fonts and then the fonts specified in the CCS. These HTTP requests include (1) the IP address used by the respective user to access the Internet, (2) the requested URL on the Google server and (3) the HTTP headers, including the user agent, which describes the browser and operating system versions of the website visitors, as well as the referrer URL (i.e. the web page on which the Google font is to be displayed). IP addresses are neither logged nor stored on Google servers and they are not analyzed. The Google Fonts Web API logs details of HTTP requests (requested URL, user agent and referrer URL). Access to this data is restricted and strictly controlled. The requested URL identifies the font families for which the user wants to load fonts. This data is logged so that Google can determine how often a particular font family is requested. The Google Fonts Web API must customize the font for the respective browser type based on the user agent. The user agent is primarily logged for debugging purposes and used to generate aggregated usage statistics that measure the popularity of font families. These aggregated usage statistics are published on the “Analytics” page of Google Fonts. Finally, the referrer URL is logged so that the data can be used for production maintenance and to generate an aggregated report on the top integrations based on the number of font requests. According to its own statements, Google does not use any of the information collected by Google Fonts to create end-user profiles or serve targeted ads; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfer: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy?hl=de.
  • Google Maps: We integrate the maps of the “Google Maps” service provided by Google. The processed data may include, in particular, IP addresses and location data of users; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://mapsplatform.google.com/; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy. Basis for third country transfer: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • YouTube videos: Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third country transfer: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-out option: Opt-Out-Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.