Privacy Policy

We are very pleased that you are interested in our company. Data protection is of particularly high priority for the management of pixelquadrat GmbH. Use of the pixelquadrat GmbH website is generally possible without providing any personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use special services offered by our company via our website, it may become necessary to process personal data. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no statutory basis for such processing, we generally obtain consent from the data subject.

The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in accordance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to pixelquadrat GmbH. By means of this privacy policy, our company would like to inform the general public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed by means of this privacy policy of the rights to which they are entitled.

As the controller, pixelquadrat GmbH has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection possible of personal data processed through this website. However, Internet-based data transmissions may in principle have security gaps, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us via alternative means, for example by telephone.

1. Definitions

The privacy policy of pixelquadrat GmbH is based on the terms used by the European legislator for the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy should be legible and understandable for the general public as well as our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminology used in advance.

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

a) personal data

Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person ("data subject"). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.

b) data subject

Data subject means any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller responsible for the processing.

c) processing

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

d) restriction of processing

Restriction of processing means the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in the future.

e) profiling

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

f) pseudonymization

Pseudonymization means the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal data are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

g) controller or controller responsible for the processing

Controller or controller responsible for the processing means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.

h) processor

Processor means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

i) recipient

Recipient means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or another body to which the personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be regarded as recipients.

j) third party

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

k) consent

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

2. Name and address of the controller

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

pixelquadrat GmbH
Volmerswerther Str. 388
40221 Düsseldorf
Germany

Phone: +49 (0)211 30 20 68 10

E-mail: hello @ pixelquadrat.com
Website: www.pixelquadrat.com

3. Cookies

The pixelquadrat GmbH website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored on a computer system via an Internet browser.

Many websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier of the cookie. It consists of a character string through which websites and servers can be assigned to the specific Internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This allows visited websites and servers to differentiate the individual browser of the data subject from other Internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific Internet browser can be recognized and identified using the unique cookie ID.

Through the use of cookies, pixelquadrat GmbH can provide the users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the cookie settings.

A cookie can be used to optimize the information and offers on our website for the user. Cookies allow us, as previously mentioned, to recognize our website users. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to utilize our website. For example, a website user who uses cookies does not have to enter their access data every time they visit the website, because this is handled by the website and the cookie stored on the user's computer system. Another example is the cookie of a shopping cart in an online shop. The online shop remembers the items a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart via a cookie.

The data subject may prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting of the Internet browser used, and may thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies already set may be deleted at any time via an Internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common Internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the Internet browser used, not all functions of our website may be fully usable.

4. Collection of general data and information

The pixelquadrat GmbH website collects a series of general data and information each time the website is accessed by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information is stored in the server's log files. The following may be collected: (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrers), (4) the sub-websites accessed via an accessing system on our website, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an Internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information used to avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

When using this general data and information, pixelquadrat GmbH does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is required to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) optimize the content of our website and its advertising, (3) ensure the long-term viability of our information technology systems and website technology, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in case of a cyberattack. This anonymously collected data and information is therefore statistically evaluated by pixelquadrat GmbH, and further evaluated with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company, and ultimately ensuring an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files is stored separately from any personal data provided by a data subject.

5. Registration on our website

The data subject has the option to register on the controller's website by providing personal data. Which personal data are transmitted to the controller is determined by the respective input form used for registration. The personal data entered by the data subject are collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the controller and for the controller's own purposes. The controller may arrange for the transfer to one or more processors, such as a parcel delivery service, which also uses the personal data exclusively for internal use attributable to the controller.

By registering on the controller's website, the IP address assigned by the data subject's Internet service provider (ISP), the date, and the time of registration are also stored. This data is stored because it is the only way to prevent the misuse of our services, and, if necessary, to make it possible to investigate committed offenses. To this extent, the storage of this data is necessary to secure the controller. This data is generally not disclosed to third parties unless there is a statutory obligation to disclose it, or the disclosure serves the purpose of criminal prosecution.

The registration of the data subject, with voluntary provision of personal data, is intended to enable the controller to offer content or services that, due to the nature of the matter, can only be offered to registered users. Registered persons are free to change or completely delete the personal data provided at the time of registration from the controller's data at any time.

The controller shall, at any time, upon request, provide information to each data subject as to what personal data about the data subject is stored. Furthermore, the controller shall correct or delete personal data at the request or notice of the data subject, provided that this does not conflict with any statutory retention requirements. All employees of the controller are available to the data subject as contact persons in this regard.

6. Option to contact us via the website

Due to statutory requirements, the pixelquadrat GmbH website contains information that enables rapid electronic contact with our company, as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general address for so-called electronic mail (e-mail address). If a data subject contacts the controller by e-mail or via a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject is automatically stored. Such personal data transmitted voluntarily by a data subject to the controller are stored for the purposes of processing or contacting the data subject. There is no disclosure of this personal data to third parties.

7. Routine erasure and blocking of personal data

The controller shall process and store the personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage, or as provided for by the European legislator or other legislators in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.

If the storage purpose is no longer applicable, or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data is routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with statutory requirements.

8. Rights of the data subject

a) Right of confirmation

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

b) Right of access

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller, at any time and free of charge, information about the personal data stored about them and a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject access to the following information:

the purposes of the processing
the categories of personal data concerned
the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organizations
where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data, or restriction of processing, or to object to such processing
the existence of the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
where the personal data are not collected from the data subject: any available information as to their source
the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and — at least in those cases — meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject

Furthermore, the data subject has a right of access to information as to whether personal data have been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. Where this is the case, the data subject also has the right to obtain information on the appropriate safeguards relating to the transfer.

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

c) Right to rectification

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

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

d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning them without undue delay, and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies and provided the processing is not necessary:

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

If one of the aforementioned grounds applies and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by pixelquadrat GmbH, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. The employee of pixelquadrat GmbH shall promptly ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately.

Where the personal data have been made public by pixelquadrat GmbH and our company, as the controller, is obliged to erase the personal data pursuant to Article 17(1) GDPR, pixelquadrat GmbH shall take reasonable steps, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the published personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such other controllers of any links to, or copies or replications of, that personal data, as far as processing is not required. The employee of pixelquadrat GmbH will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.

e) Right to restriction of processing

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller a restriction of processing where one of the following applies:

The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
The processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of their use.
The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR pending verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

If one of the aforementioned conditions is met and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by pixelquadrat GmbH, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. The employee of pixelquadrat GmbH will arrange for the restriction of the processing.

f) Right to data portability

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to receive the personal data concerning them, which was provided to a controller by the data subject, 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 which the personal data was provided, as long as the processing is based on consent pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR, or on a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, provided the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

Furthermore, in exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) GDPR, the data subject has the right to have personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and where doing so does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

To assert the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact any employee of pixelquadrat GmbH.

g) Right to object

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

pixelquadrat GmbH shall no longer process the personal data in the event of an objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights, and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing serves the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

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

In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to object to processing of personal data concerning them carried out by pixelquadrat GmbH for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.

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

h) Automated individual decision-making, including profiling

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing — including profiling — which produces legal effects concerning them, or similarly significantly affects them, as long as the decision (1) is not necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is based on the data subject's explicit consent.

If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) it is based on the data subject's explicit consent, pixelquadrat GmbH shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express their point of view, and to contest the decision.

If the data subject wishes to exercise rights concerning automated decisions, they may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

i) Right to withdraw data protection consent

Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to withdraw consent to the processing of their personal data at any time.

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

9. Data protection provisions on the use and application of Google AdSense

The controller has integrated Google AdSense on this website. Google AdSense is an online service that enables the placement of advertising on third-party websites. Google AdSense is based on an algorithm that selects advertisements displayed on third-party websites to match the content of the respective third-party site. Google AdSense allows interest-based targeting of the Internet user, which is implemented by generating individual user profiles.

The operating company of the Google AdSense component is Alphabet Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The purpose of the Google AdSense component is the integration of advertisements on our website. Google AdSense places a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. The definition of cookies has already been explained above. The placement of the cookie enables Alphabet Inc. to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up of one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and on which a Google AdSense component has been integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Google AdSense component to transmit data for the purpose of online advertising and commission settlement to Alphabet Inc. During the course of this technical procedure, Alphabet Inc. gains knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Alphabet Inc., among other things, to understand the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently to create commission settlements.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding adjustment of the web browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the Internet browser used would also prevent Alphabet Inc. from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, a cookie already placed by Alphabet Inc. may be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs.

Google AdSense also uses so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a miniature graphic embedded in websites to enable log file recording and log file analysis, allowing for a statistical evaluation to be carried out. Based on the embedded tracking pixel, Alphabet Inc. can determine whether and when a website was opened by a data subject and which links were clicked by the data subject. Tracking pixels serve, among other purposes, to analyze the flow of visitors on a website.

Through Google AdSense, personal data and information, including the IP address, which is necessary for the collection and settlement of the advertisements displayed, is transmitted to Alphabet Inc. in the United States of America. This personal data is stored and processed in the United States of America. Alphabet Inc. may transfer the personal data collected through this technical process to third parties under certain circumstances.

Google AdSense is explained in more detail under this link https://www.google.de/intl/de/adsense/start/.

10. Data protection provisions on the use and application of Google Analytics (with anonymization function)

The controller has integrated the component Google Analytics (with anonymization function) on this website. Google Analytics is a web analytics service. Web analytics is the collection, gathering, and analysis of data about the behavior of visitors to websites. A web analytics service collects, among other things, data about the website from which a data subject has come to a website (so-called referrers), which sub-pages of the website were accessed, or how often and for what duration a sub-page was viewed. Web analytics are mainly used for the optimization of a website and to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of Internet advertising.

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

The controller uses the addition "_gat._anonymizeIp" for web analytics via Google Analytics. By means of this addition, the IP address of the Internet connection of the data subject is abridged and anonymized by Google if accessing our websites from a Member State of the European Union or another contracting state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze the traffic on our website. Google uses the data and information obtained, among other things, to evaluate the use of our website, to compile online reports for us that show the activities on our websites, and to provide other services relating to the use of our website.

Google Analytics places a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. The definition of cookies has already been explained above. With the setting of the cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up of one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and on which a Google Analytics component has been integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Google Analytics component to transmit data for the purpose of online analysis to Google. During the course of this technical procedure, Google gains knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Google, among other things, to understand the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently to create commission settlements.

By means of the cookie, personal information, such as access time, the location from which access was made, and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject, is stored. With each visit to our websites, 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 transfer this personal data collected through this technical process to third parties under certain circumstances.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding adjustment of the web browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, a cookie already placed by Google Analytics may be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the possibility of objecting to and preventing the collection of data generated by Google Analytics that relates to the use of this website, as well as the processing of this data by Google. To do so, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on from the link https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This browser add-on informs Google Analytics via JavaScript that no data and information about visits to websites may be transmitted to Google Analytics. The installation of the browser add-on is regarded as an objection by Google. If the data subject's information technology system is later deleted, formatted, or reinstalled, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on was uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or by any other person within their sphere of control, it is possible to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on.

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

11. Data protection provisions on the use and application of Google+

The controller has integrated the Google+ button as a component on this website. Google+ is a so-called social network. A social network is an Internet-operated social meeting place, an online community, that usually allows users to communicate with each other and interact in a virtual space. A social network may serve as a platform for the exchange of opinions and experiences, or allow the Internet community to provide personal or business-related information. Google+ enables users of the social network to, among other things, create private profiles, upload photos, and network via friend requests.

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

With each call-up of one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and on which a Google+ button has been integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Google+ button to download a representation of the corresponding Google+ button from Google. During the course of this technical procedure, Google gains knowledge of which specific sub-page of our website was visited by the data subject. Further information on Google+ is available under https://developers.google.com/+/.

If the data subject is logged in to Google+ at the same time, Google recognizes, with every call-up of our website by the data subject and for the entire duration of their stay on our website, which specific sub-page of our website the data subject is visiting. This information is collected through the Google+ button and assigned by Google to the respective Google+ account of the data subject.

If the data subject clicks one of the Google+ buttons integrated on our website and thereby gives a Google+1 recommendation, Google assigns this information to the personal Google+ user account of the data subject and stores this personal data. Google stores the data subject's Google+1 recommendation and makes it publicly available in accordance with the terms and conditions accepted by the data subject in this respect. A Google+1 recommendation given 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 therein, in other Google services, such as the Google search engine's search results, the Google account of the data subject, or in other locations, such as on websites or in connection with advertisements. Google is also able to link the visit to this website with other personal data stored by Google. Google further records this personal data with the purpose of improving or optimizing the various services offered by Google.

Google receives information via the Google+ button that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged in to Google+ at the same time as visiting our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks the Google+ button or not.

If the data subject does not want 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 privacy policy can be retrieved under https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/. Further guidance from Google on the Google+1 button can be retrieved under https://developers.google.com/+/web/buttons-policy.

12. Data protection provisions on the use and application of Google AdWords

The controller has integrated Google AdWords on this website. Google AdWords is an Internet advertising service that allows advertisers to place advertisements in both Google's search engine results and in the Google advertising network. Google AdWords allows an advertiser to pre-define specific keywords by means of which an advertisement is displayed in Google's search engine results only when the user uses the search engine to retrieve a keyword-relevant search result. Within the Google advertising network, the advertisements are distributed to relevant websites using an automatic algorithm, taking into account the previously defined keywords.

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

The purpose of Google AdWords is the promotion of our website by displaying interest-relevant advertising on the websites of third-party companies and in the search engine results of the Google search engine, as well as the display of third-party advertising on our website.

If a data subject reaches our website via a Google advertisement, a so-called conversion cookie is placed by Google on the information technology system of the data subject. The definition of cookies has already been explained above. A conversion cookie loses its validity after thirty days and does not serve to identify the data subject. If the cookie has not yet expired, the conversion cookie is used to track whether certain sub-pages, for example the shopping cart of an online shop system, were accessed on our website. Through the conversion cookie, both we and Google can track whether a data subject who arrived at our website via an AdWords advertisement generated sales, that is, completed or canceled a purchase of goods.

The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie is used by Google to create visit statistics for our website. These visit statistics are in turn used by us to determine the total number of users who were referred to us via AdWords advertisements, that is, to determine the success or failure of the respective AdWords advertisement and to optimize our AdWords advertisements for the future. Neither our company nor other advertisers of Google AdWords receive information from Google that could be used to identify the data subject.

By means of the conversion cookie, personal information, such as the websites visited by the data subject, is stored. Accordingly, every time our websites are 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 transfer this personal data collected through this technical process to third parties under certain circumstances.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding adjustment of the web browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from placing a conversion cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, a cookie already placed by Google AdWords may be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the possibility of objecting 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 Internet browsers used and set the desired settings there.

Further information and Google's applicable privacy policy can be retrieved under https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/.

13. Data protection provisions on the use and application of Twitter

The controller has integrated components of Twitter on this website. Twitter is a multilingual, publicly accessible microblogging service in which users can publish and disseminate so-called tweets, i.e., short messages limited to 280 characters. These short messages are available to everyone, including those not registered with Twitter. The tweets are also displayed to the so-called followers of the respective user. Followers are other Twitter users who follow a particular user's tweets. Furthermore, Twitter allows a wide audience to be addressed via hashtags, links, or retweets.

The operating company of Twitter is Twitter, Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA.

With each call-up of one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and on which a Twitter component (Twitter button) has been integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Twitter component to download a representation of the corresponding Twitter component from Twitter. Further information about the Twitter buttons is available under https://about.twitter.com/de/resources/buttons. During the course of this technical procedure, Twitter gains knowledge of which specific sub-page of our website was visited by the data subject. The purpose of integrating the Twitter component is to enable our users to redistribute the content of this website, to make this website known in the digital world, and to increase our visitor numbers.

If the data subject is logged in to Twitter at the same time, Twitter recognizes, with every call-up of our website by the data subject and for the entire duration of their stay on our website, which specific sub-page of our website the data subject is visiting. This information is collected through the Twitter component and assigned by Twitter to the respective Twitter account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks one of the Twitter buttons integrated on our website, the data and information transmitted thereby is assigned to the personal Twitter user account of the data subject and stored and processed by Twitter.

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

Twitter's applicable privacy policy is available under https://twitter.com/privacy?lang=de.

14. Data protection provisions on the use and application of YouTube

The controller has integrated components of YouTube on this website. YouTube is an Internet video portal that allows video publishers to post video clips free of charge, and other users to view, rate, and comment on them free of charge as well. YouTube allows the publication of all kinds of videos, which is why both complete film and television broadcasts, as well as music videos, trailers, or videos produced by users themselves, can be accessed via the Internet portal.

The operating company of YouTube is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. YouTube, LLC is a subsidiary of Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

With each call-up of one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and on which a YouTube component (YouTube video) has been integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective YouTube component to download a representation of the corresponding YouTube component from YouTube. Further information about YouTube can be retrieved under https://www.youtube.com/yt/about/de/. During the course of this technical procedure, YouTube and Google gain knowledge of which specific sub-page of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time, YouTube recognizes, when calling up a sub-page containing a YouTube video, which specific sub-page of our website the data subject is visiting. This information is collected by YouTube and Google and assigned to the respective YouTube account of the data subject.

YouTube and Google receive information via the YouTube component that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time as visiting our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks a YouTube video or not. If such transmission of this information to YouTube and Google is not desired by the data subject, they can prevent the transmission by logging out of their YouTube account before visiting our website.

The privacy policy published by YouTube, available under https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/, provides information about the collection, processing, and use of personal data by YouTube and Google.

15. Legal basis for the processing

Article 6(1)(a) GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company for processing operations for which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party, as is the case, for example, when processing operations are necessary for the supply of goods or to provide any other service or consideration, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations which are necessary for carrying out pre-contractual measures, for example in cases of inquiries concerning our products or services. Is our company subject to a legal obligation by which processing of personal data is required, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(c) GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may become necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured at our company and their name, age, health insurance data, or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital, or other third party. Then the processing would be based on Article 6(1)(d) GDPR. Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. Processing operations not covered by any of the aforementioned legal grounds are based on this legal basis if processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our company or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests, fundamental rights, and fundamental freedoms of the data subject. Such processing operations are particularly permissible because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. It considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a client of the controller (Recital 47, sentence 2 GDPR).

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

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

17. Period for which the personal data will be stored

The criterion for the duration of the storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiry of that period, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, provided it is no longer required for the performance or initiation of a contract.

18. Statutory or contractual provisions for the provision of personal data; requirement necessary to enter into a contract; obligation of the data subject to provide the personal data; possible consequences of failure to provide such data

We clarify that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or may also result from contractual provisions (e.g., information about the contractual partner). Sometimes it may be necessary to conclude a contract, in that the data subject provides us with personal data, which must subsequently be processed by us. The data subject is, for example, obligated to provide us with personal data when our company 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 one of our employees. Our employee will clarify to the data subject, on a case-by-case basis, whether the provision of personal data is required by law or contract, or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and the consequences of failure to provide such data.

19. Existence of automated decision-making

As a responsible company, we refrain from automated decision-making or profiling.

This privacy policy was created by the privacy policy generator of DGD Deutsche Gesellschaft für Datenschutz GmbH, which acts as External Data Protection Officer Aschaffenburg, in cooperation with the attorney for IT and data protection law Christian Solmecke.