Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains the nature, scope, and purpose of the processing of personal data (hereinafter referred to as “Data”) within our online offering and the associated websites, features, and content, as well as external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Online Offering”). With regard to the terms used, such as “processing” or “controller,” we refer to the definitions in Article 4 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Person in Charge

Almenland , LLC

Fladnitz 100
8163 Fladnitz an der Teichalm
T: +43 3179 23 000
Email: office (at) almenland. at

Legal Notice

Types of data processed:

• Master data (e.g., names, addresses)
• Contact information (e.g., email, phone numbers)
• Content data (e.g., text entries, photographs, videos)
• Usage data (e.g., websites visited, content interests, access times)
• Meta/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).

Categories of Data Subjects

Visitors and users of the online service (hereinafter, we collectively refer to these individuals as “users”).

Purpose of the Processing

• Provision of the online service, its features, and content
• Responding to contact requests and communicating with users
• Safety Measures
• Reach Measurement/Marketing

Terminology Used

“Personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter referred to as the “data subject”); A natural person is considered identifiable if they can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier (e.g., a cookie), or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.

“Processing” means any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and encompasses virtually any handling of data.

“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 that ensure the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

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

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.

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

Relevant Legal Bases

In accordance with Article 13 of the GDPR, we are providing you with the legal bases for our data processing activities. Unless the legal basis is specified in the Privacy Policy, the following applies: The legal basis for obtaining consent is Article 6(1)(a) and Article 7 of the GDPR; the legal basis for processing to fulfill our services, carry out contractual obligations, and respond to inquiries is Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR; the legal basis for processing to fulfill our legal obligations is Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR, and the legal basis for processing to protect our legitimate interests is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. In the event that the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person require the processing of personal data, Article 6(1)(d) of the GDPR serves as the legal basis.

Safety Measures

In accordance with Article 32 of the GDPR, and taking into account the state of the art, the costs of implementation, and the nature, scope, context, and purposes of the processing, as well as the varying likelihood and severity of the risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, we implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk.

These measures include, in particular, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical access to the data, as well as access to, input of, and disclosure of the data, ensuring its availability, and maintaining its separation. Furthermore, we have established procedures that ensure the exercise of data subjects’ rights, the erasure of data, and a response to data breaches. Furthermore, we take the protection of personal data into account from the very beginning of the development and selection of hardware, software, and procedures, in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and by default (Art. 25 GDPR).

Cooperation with Data Processors and Third Parties

If, in the course of our data processing, we disclose data to other individuals or companies (processors or third parties), transfer it to them, or otherwise grant them access to the data, this is done only on the basis of a legal authorization (e.g., if the transfer of data to third parties, such as payment service providers, is necessary for the performance of a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR), you have given your consent, a legal obligation requires it, or based on our legitimate interests (e.g., to respond to your vacation inquiry to accommodation providers, when using agents, web hosts, etc.).

If we engage third parties to process data on the basis of a so-called “Data Processing Agreement,” this is done in accordance with Article 28 of the GDPR.

Transfers to Third Countries

If we process data in a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)), or if this occurs in connection with the use of third-party services or the disclosure or transfer of data to third parties, we do so only if it is necessary to fulfill our (pre)contractual obligations, based on your consent, due to a legal obligation, or based on our legitimate interests. Subject to statutory or contractual permissions, we process data in a third country—or have it processed there—only if the specific requirements of Articles 44 et seq. of the GDPR are met. This means that processing takes place, for example, on the basis of specific safeguards, such as an officially recognized determination that a level of data protection equivalent to that of the EU exists (e.g., for the U.S. through the “Privacy Shield”) or compliance with officially recognized specific contractual obligations (so-called “Standard Contractual Clauses”).

Rights of Data Subjects

You have the right to request confirmation as to whether data concerning you is being processed, as well as access to that data, further information, and a copy of the data in accordance with Article 15 of the GDPR.

In accordance with Article 16 of the GDPR, you have the right to request that data concerning you be completed or that inaccurate data concerning you be corrected.

In accordance with Article 17 of the GDPR, you have the right to request that the relevant data be erased without delay; alternatively, in accordance with Article 18 of the GDPR, you have the right to request a restriction on the processing of the data.

You have the right to request, in accordance with Article 20 of the GDPR, to receive the data concerning you that you have provided to us and to request that it be transmitted to other data controllers.

You also have the right, pursuant to Article 77 of the GDPR, to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority.

Right of Withdrawal

You have the right to withdraw any consent you have given in accordance with Article 7(3) of the GDPR, effective for the future.

Right to Object

You may object at any time to the future processing of your personal data in accordance with Article 21 of the GDPR. In particular, you may object to processing for direct marketing purposes.

Cookies and the Right to Object to Direct Marketing

“Cookies” are small files that are stored on users’ computers. Various types of information can be stored in cookies. A cookie is primarily used to store information about a user (or the device on which the cookie is stored) during or after their visit to a website. Temporary cookies—also known as “session cookies” or “transient cookies”—are cookies that are deleted after a user leaves an online service and closes their browser. Such a cookie can, for example, store the contents of a shopping cart in an online store or a login status. Cookies that remain stored even after the browser is closed are referred to as “permanent” or “persistent.” For example, a user’s login status may be stored so that it remains active when the user returns to the site several days later. Similarly, such a cookie may store the user’s interests, which are used for audience measurement or marketing purposes. “Third-party cookies” are cookies provided by parties other than the controller operating the online service (otherwise, if only the controller’s own cookies are used, they are referred to as “first-party cookies”).

We may use temporary and permanent cookies and provide information about this in our Privacy Policy.

If users do not wish to have cookies stored on their computers, they are asked to disable the corresponding option in their browser’s settings. Stored cookies can be deleted in the browser’s settings. Disabling cookies may result in functional limitations of this online service.

A general objection to the use of cookies for online marketing purposes can be submitted for a wide range of services—particularly in the case of tracking—via the U.S. website https://optout.aboutads.info/or the EU website https://www.youronlinechoices.com/. Furthermore, you can prevent cookies from being stored by disabling them in your browser settings. Please note that, in this case, you may not be able to use all features of this website.

Deletion of Data

The data we process will be deleted or its processing restricted in accordance with Articles 17 and 18 of the GDPR. Unless expressly stated otherwise in this Privacy Policy, the data we store will be deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary for its intended purpose and there are no legal retention requirements preventing its deletion. If the data is not erased because it is required for other, legally permissible purposes, its processing will be restricted. This means that the data will be blocked and not processed for any other purposes. This applies, for example, to data that must be retained for commercial or tax law reasons.

In accordance with German legal requirements, data is retained for a period of 10 years in particular, pursuant to Sections 147(1) of the German Fiscal Code (AO), Section 257(1)(1) and (4), and (4) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) (books, records, management reports, accounting documents, trading ledgers, documents relevant for taxation, etc.) and for 6 years in accordance with Section 257(1)(2) and (3), and (4) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) (business correspondence).

In accordance with statutory requirements in Austria, records must be retained for 7 years pursuant to § 132(1) of the Austrian Federal Tax Code (BAO) (accounting records, receipts/invoices, accounts, supporting documents, business papers, statements of income and expenses, etc.), for 22 years in connection with real estate, and for 10 years for documents related to electronically supplied services, telecommunications, radio, and television services provided to non-business customers in EU member states for which the Mini One-Stop Shop (MOSS) is utilized.

Business-Related Processing

In addition, we process
- contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).
- payment data (e.g., bank account information, payment history)
from our customers, prospects, and business partners for the purposes of providing contractual services, customer service and support, marketing, advertising, and market research.

Online Booking and Customer Account

We process our customers’ data as part of the online booking process in our online store to enable them to select and book the products and services of their choice, as well as to facilitate payment, delivery, and fulfillment.

The data processed includes master data, communication data, contract data, and payment data; the individuals affected by this processing include our customers, prospective customers, and other business partners. The processing is carried out for the purpose of providing contractual services in connection with the operation of an online booking tool, billing, delivery, and customer service. In doing so, we use session cookies to store the contents of the shopping cart and persistent cookies to store the login status.

Bookings are processed by the provider feratel media technologies AG, Maria-Theresien-Straße 8, 6020 Innsbruck. You can view the shipping service provider’s privacy policy here: https://www.feratel.at/agb/

Data processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) (execution of orders) and (c) (legally required archiving) of the GDPR. The information marked as required is necessary for the establishment and fulfillment of the contract. We disclose the data to third parties only in connection with delivery, payment, or within the scope of legal permissions and obligations toward legal advisors and authorities. The data is processed in third countries only if this is necessary for the fulfillment of the contract (e.g., at the customer’s request for delivery or payment).

Users may optionally create a user account, which allows them, in particular, to view their orders. During registration, users are informed of the required mandatory information. User accounts are not public and cannot be indexed by search engines. Once users have closed their user accounts, their data associated with the account will be deleted, unless retention is necessary for commercial or tax law reasons in accordance with Art. 6(1)(c) of the GDPR. Information in the customer account remains until the account is deleted, after which it is archived if required by law. It is the users’ responsibility to back up their data prior to the end of the contract period if they cancel their account.

As part of the registration process, subsequent logins, and the use of our online services, we store the IP address and the time of each user action. This data is stored based on our legitimate interests, as well as the users’ interests in protection against misuse and other unauthorized use. This data is generally not disclosed to third parties, unless it is necessary to pursue our claims or there is a legal obligation to do so pursuant to Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR.

The data is deleted upon the expiration of statutory warranty obligations and comparable obligations; the necessity of retaining the data is reviewed every three years. In the case of statutory archiving obligations, the data is deleted upon their expiration (at the end of the retention periods under commercial law (6 years) and tax law (10 years)).

Contractual Services

We process the data of our contractual partners and prospective customers, as well as other clients, customers, or contractual partners (collectively referred to as “contractual partners”) in accordance with Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR in order to provide them with our contractual or pre-contractual services. The data processed in this context, as well as the nature, scope, purpose, and necessity of its processing, are determined by the underlying contractual relationship.

The data processed includes the master data of our contractual partners (e.g., names and addresses), contact information (e.g., email addresses and phone numbers), as well as contract data (e.g., services utilized, contract terms, contractual communication, names of contact persons) and payment data (e.g., bank account information, payment history).

As a general rule, we do not process special categories of personal data, unless they are part of commissioned or contractually mandated processing.

We process data necessary for establishing and fulfilling contractual obligations and will indicate the necessity of providing such data if this is not evident to the contractual partners. Disclosure to external individuals or companies occurs only if required under the terms of a contract. When processing data provided to us in connection with an order, we act in accordance with the client’s instructions and legal requirements.

When our online services are used, we may store the IP address and the time of the respective user action. This storage is based on our legitimate interests, as well as the users’ interests in protection against misuse and other unauthorized use. This data is generally not disclosed to third parties, unless such disclosure is necessary to pursue our claims pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) of the GDPR or there is a legal obligation to do so pursuant to Art. 6(1)(c) of the GDPR.

The data will be deleted when it is no longer necessary for the fulfillment of contractual or statutory duties of care, as well as for handling any warranty and similar obligations; the necessity of retaining the data is reviewed every three years; otherwise, the statutory retention requirements apply.

Administration, Financial Accounting, Office Organization, Contact Management

We process data in connection with administrative tasks, the organization of our operations, financial accounting, and compliance with legal obligations, such as archiving. In doing so, we process the same data that we process in connection with the provision of our contractual services. The legal bases for processing are Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR and Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. This processing affects customers, prospective customers, business partners, and website visitors. The purpose and our interest in the processing lie in administration, financial accounting, office organization, and data archiving—that is, tasks that serve to maintain our business operations, fulfill our responsibilities, and provide our services. The deletion of data related to contractual services and contractual communication is in accordance with the information provided regarding these processing activities.

In this context, we disclose or transfer data to tax authorities, advisors (such as tax consultants or auditors), as well as other fee-collecting agencies and payment service providers.

Furthermore, based on our business interests, we store information about suppliers, event organizers, and other business partners, e.g., for the purpose of contacting them at a later date. We generally store this data—which is predominantly company-related—on a permanent basis.

Business Analyses and Market Research

In order to operate our business efficiently and to identify market trends as well as the needs of our contractual partners and users, we analyze the data available to us regarding business transactions, contracts, inquiries, etc. In doing so, we process inventory data, communication data, contract data, payment data, usage data, and metadata on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, whereby the data subjects include contractual partners, prospective customers, customers, visitors, and users of our online services.

These analyses are conducted for the purposes of business evaluations, marketing, and market research. In doing so, we may take into account the profiles of registered users, including information such as the services they have used. The analyses help us improve user-friendliness, optimize our offerings, and enhance operational efficiency. The analyses are used solely by us and are not disclosed externally, unless they consist of anonymous analyses with aggregated values.

If these analyses or profiles contain personal data, they will be deleted or anonymized upon termination of the user’s account; otherwise, they will be deleted two years after the conclusion of the contract. In all other cases, overall business analyses and general trend assessments are conducted anonymously whenever possible.

Privacy Notice for the Application Process

We process applicant data solely for the purpose of and within the scope of the application process, in accordance with legal requirements. The processing of applicant data is carried out to fulfill our (pre)contractual obligations within the scope of the application process pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) and Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, provided that data processing becomes necessary for us, for example, in the context of legal proceedings (in Germany, § 26 BDSG also applies).

The application process requires that applicants provide us with their application data. The necessary application data is indicated, if we offer an online form; otherwise, it is derived from the job descriptions and generally includes personal information, mailing and contact addresses, and the documents accompanying the application, such as a cover letter, resume, and certificates. In addition, applicants may voluntarily provide us with additional information.

By submitting their application to us, applicants consent to the processing of their data for the purposes of the application process in accordance with the manner and scope set forth in this Privacy Policy.

To the extent that special categories of personal data within the meaning of Article 9(1) of the GDPR are voluntarily provided as part of the application process, their processing is additionally carried out in accordance with Article 9(2)(b) of the GDPR (e.g., health data, such as severe disability status or ethnic origin). To the extent that special categories of personal data within the meaning of Article 9(1) of the GDPR are requested from applicants as part of the application process, their processing is additionally carried out in accordance with Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR (e.g., health data, if such data is necessary for the performance of the job).

If available, applicants may submit their applications to us via an online form on our website. The data is transmitted to us using state-of-the-art encryption.
Applicants may also submit their applications to us via email. However, please note that emails are generally not sent in encrypted form, and applicants must ensure encryption themselves. We therefore cannot assume any responsibility for the transmission of the application between the sender and our server and recommend using an online form or sending the application by mail instead. In addition to applying via the online form or email, applicants still have the option of sending their application to us by mail.

The data provided by applicants may be further processed by us for the purposes of the employment relationship in the event of a successful application. Otherwise, if the application for a job opening is unsuccessful, the applicants’ data will be deleted. Applicants’ data will also be deleted if an application is withdrawn, which applicants are entitled to do at any time.

Subject to a valid revocation by the applicant, the data will be deleted after a period of six months has elapsed, so that we can answer any follow-up questions regarding the application and fulfill our record-keeping obligations under the Equal Treatment Act. Invoices for any travel expense reimbursements will be archived in accordance with tax regulations.

Contact Us

When you contact us (e.g., via the contact form, email, phone, or social media), your information is processed in accordance with Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR to handle and process your inquiry. Your information may be stored in a customer relationship management system (“CRM system”) or a comparable inquiry management system.

We delete the inquiries once they are no longer necessary. We review their necessity every two years; furthermore, statutory archiving requirements apply.

Newsletter

The following information explains the content of our newsletter, as well as the procedures for subscription, distribution, and statistical analysis, and your rights to object. By subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to receive it and to the procedures described herein.

Newsletter Content: We send newsletters, emails, and other electronic notifications containing promotional information (hereinafter “newsletters”) only with the recipients’ consent or when permitted by law. If the newsletter’s content is specifically described during the subscription process, that description is decisive for the user’s consent. In addition, our newsletters contain information about our products and related details (e.g., safety instructions), offers, promotions, and our company.

Double opt-in and logging: Subscription to our newsletter is carried out via a so-called double opt-in process. This means that after subscribing, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription. This confirmation is necessary to ensure that no one can subscribe using someone else’s email address. Newsletter subscriptions are logged to provide proof of the subscription process in accordance with legal requirements. This includes storing the time of subscription and confirmation, as well as the IP address. Changes to your data stored with the email service provider are also logged.

Subscription Information: To subscribe to the newsletter, simply provide your email address. Optionally, we ask you to provide a name so that we can address you personally in the newsletter.

The distribution of the newsletter and the associated performance measurement are based on the recipients’ consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a), Art. 7 of the GDPR in conjunction with § 107(2) of the German Telecommunications Act (TKG), or, if consent is not required, on the basis of our legitimate interests in direct marketing pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) of the GDPR in conjunction with § 107(2) and (3) of the TKG.

The logging of the registration process is based on our legitimate interests pursuant to Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. Our interest is focused on using a user-friendly and secure newsletter system that serves both our business interests and meets users’ expectations, while also allowing us to provide proof of consent.

Cancellation/Withdrawal — You may cancel your subscription to our newsletter at any time, i.e., withdraw your consent. A link to cancel the newsletter is provided at the end of each newsletter. We may store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years based on our legitimate interests before deleting them, in order to be able to provide evidence of consent that was previously given. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of potentially defending against claims. An individual request for deletion is possible at any time, provided that the prior existence of consent is confirmed at the same time.

Newsletter - Shipping Service Provider

The newsletter is sent via the mailing service provider mailingwork GmbH, Birkenweg 7, 09569 Oederan. You can view the mailing service provider’s privacy policy here: https://mailingwork.de/datenschutzerklaerung. The mailing service provider is engaged on the basis of our legitimate interests pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) of the GDPR and a data processing agreement pursuant to Art. 28(3), sentence 1 of the GDPR.

The email service provider may use the recipients’ data in pseudonymized form—i.e., without linking it to a specific user—to optimize or improve its own services, e.g., for the technical optimization of email delivery and newsletter layout, or for statistical purposes. However, the email service provider does not use the data of our newsletter recipients to contact them directly or to disclose the data to third parties.

Newsletter - Measuring Success

The newsletters contain a so-called “web beacon,” i.e., a pixel-sized file that is retrieved from our server—or, if we use a mailing service provider, from that provider’s server—when the newsletter is opened. As part of this retrieval, technical information—such as details about your browser and system—as well as your IP address and the time of retrieval are initially collected.

This information is used to improve our services technically based on the technical data, or to analyze target groups and their reading behavior based on their access locations (which can be determined using the IP address) or access times. Statistical analyses also include determining whether the newsletters are opened, when they are opened, and which links are clicked. For technical reasons, this information can be attributed to individual newsletter recipients. However, it is neither our intention nor—if used—that of the mailing service provider to monitor individual users. Rather, the analyses help us identify our users’ reading habits and tailor our content accordingly, or send different content based on our users’ interests.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to opt out of performance tracking separately; in this case, the entire newsletter subscription must be canceled.

Hosting and Email Delivery

The hosting services we use are intended to provide the following: infrastructure and platform services, computing capacity, storage space and database services, email delivery, security services, and technical maintenance services, which we utilize for the purpose of operating this online offering.

In this context, we—or our hosting provider—process inventory data, contact data, content data, contractual data, usage data, metadata, and communication data from customers, prospective customers, and visitors to this online service based on our legitimate interests in providing this online service efficiently and securely, in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR in conjunction with Article 28 of the GDPR (conclusion of a data processing agreement).

Collection of Access Data and Log Files

We, or rather our hosting provider, collect data regarding every access to the server on which this service is located (so-called server log files) based on our legitimate interests within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. The access data includes the name of the webpage accessed, the file, the date and time of access, the amount of data transferred, a notification of successful access, the browser type and version, the user’s operating system, the referrer URL (the previously visited page), the IP address, and the requesting provider.

For security reasons (e.g., to investigate cases of misuse or fraud), log file information is stored for a maximum of 7 days and then deleted. Data that must be retained for evidentiary purposes is exempt from deletion until the respective incident has been fully resolved.

Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager is a solution that allows us to manage so-called website tags via a user interface (and thus, for example, integrate Google Analytics and other Google marketing services into our online offering). Tag Manager itself (which implements the tags) does not process any of the users’ personal data. With regard to the processing of users’ personal data, please refer to the following information about Google’s services. Terms of Service: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/tag-manager/use-policy/.

Google Analytics

Based on our legitimate interests (i.e., our interest in analyzing, optimizing, and ensuring the economic operation of our online service within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR), we use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC (“Google”). Google uses cookies. The information generated by the cookie regarding users’ use of the online service is generally transmitted to a Google server in the United States and stored there.

Google is certified under the Privacy Shield Framework and thereby guarantees compliance with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/participant?id=a2zt000000001L5AAI).

Google will use this information on our behalf to evaluate how users use our online service, to compile reports on activity within this online service, and to provide us with other services related to the use of this online service and Internet usage. In doing so, pseudonymous user profiles may be created from the processed data.

We use Google Analytics only with IP anonymization enabled. This means that users’ IP addresses are truncated by Google within member states of the European Union or in other signatory states to the Agreement on the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases is the full IP address transmitted to a Google server in the United States and truncated there.

The IP address transmitted by the user’s browser is not combined with other data held by Google. Users can prevent the storage of cookies by adjusting their browser settings accordingly; users can also prevent Google from collecting the data generated by the cookie and related to their use of the online service, as well as prevent Google from processing this data, by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link:https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

As an alternative to the browser add-on or within browsers on mobile devices, please click this link to prevent Google Analytics from collecting data on this website in the future: Analytics Opt-Out. This will place an opt-out cookie on your device. If you delete your cookies, you will need to click this link again.

For more information about Google’s use of data, as well as options for settings and opting out, please refer to Google’s Privacy Policy (https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads) and the settings for Google’s ad display (https://myadcenter.google.com/home).

Users’ personal data is deleted or anonymized after 14 months.

Google Universal Analytics

We use Google Analytics in its“Universal Analytics”configuration. “Universal Analytics” refers to a Google Analytics method in which user analysis is based on a pseudonymous user ID, thereby creating a pseudonymous user profile that combines information from the user’s activity across various devices (known as “cross-device tracking”).

Creating Audiences with Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to display ads—which are served through Google’s advertising services and those of its partners—only to users who have shown an interest in our online offerings or who exhibit certain characteristics (e.g., interests in specific topics or products, as determined by the websites they have visited) that we transmit to Google (so-called “remarketing” or “Google Analytics Audiences”). We also use Remarketing Audiences to ensure that our ads align with users’ potential interests.

Google AdWords and Conversion Tracking

Based on our legitimate interests (i.e., our interest in analyzing, optimizing, and ensuring the economic operation of our online offering within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR), we use the services of Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA (“Google”).

Google is certified under the Privacy Shield Framework and thereby guarantees compliance with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/participant?id=a2zt000000001L5AAI).

We use Google’s “AdWords” online marketing service to place ads on the Google Display Network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.) so that they are shown to users who are likely to be interested in the ads. This allows us to display ads for and within our online offering in a more targeted manner, so that users are shown only ads that potentially match their interests. For example, if a user is shown ads for products they have previously shown interest in on other websites, this is referred to as “remarketing.” For these purposes, when our website or other websites where the Google Display Network is active are accessed, a Google code is executed directly by Google, and so-called (re)marketing tags (invisible graphics or code, also known as “web beacons”) are embedded in the website. With their help, an individual cookie—that is, a small file—is stored on the user’s device (comparable technologies may also be used instead of cookies). This file records which websites the user has visited, what content they are interested in, and which offers the user has clicked on, as well as technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, time of visit, and other details regarding the use of the online service.

We also receive an individual “conversion cookie.” Google uses the information collected via this cookie to generate conversion statistics for us. However, we only receive the anonymous total number of users who clicked on our ad and were redirected to a page tagged with a conversion tracking tag. However, we do not receive any information that can be used to personally identify users.

User data is processed pseudonymously within the Google Advertising Network. This means that Google does not, for example, store or process users’ names or email addresses, but rather processes the relevant data on a cookie-by-cookie basis within pseudonymous user profiles. This means that, from Google’s perspective, the ads are not managed and displayed for a specifically identified individual, but rather for the cookie holder, regardless of who that cookie holder is. This does not apply if a user has expressly permitted Google to process the data without this pseudonymization. The information collected about users is transmitted to Google and stored on Google’s servers in the United States.

For more information on Google’s use of data, as well as options for settings and opting out, please refer to Google’s Privacy Policy (https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads) and the settings for Google’s ad display (https://myadcenter.google.com/home).

Facebook Pixel, Custom Audiences, and Facebook Conversion

Within our online platform, based on our legitimate interests in analyzing, optimizing, and ensuring the efficient operation of our online platform, and for these purposes, we use the so-called “Facebook Pixel” from the social network Facebook, which is operated by Facebook Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA, or, if you are located in the EU, Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland (“Facebook”).

Facebook is certified under the Privacy Shield Framework and thereby guarantees compliance with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/participant?id=a2zt0000000GnywAAC).

With the help of the Facebook Pixel, Facebook is able, on the one hand, to identify visitors to our website as a target audience for displaying ads (so-called “Facebook Ads”). Accordingly, we use the Facebook Pixel to display the Facebook Ads we place only to those Facebook users who have shown an interest in our online offering or who exhibit certain characteristics (e.g., interests in specific topics or products, determined based on the websites they have visited), which we transmit to Facebook (so-called “Custom Audiences”). We also use the Facebook Pixel to ensure that our Facebook ads align with users’ potential interests and do not come across as intrusive. Furthermore, using the Facebook Pixel, we can track the effectiveness of Facebook ads for statistical and market research purposes by seeing whether users were redirected to our website after clicking on a Facebook ad (so-called “conversion”).

Facebook processes this data in accordance with its Data Use Policy. Accordingly, general information on the display of Facebook ads can be found in Facebook’s Data Use Policy:https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Specific information and details about the Facebook Pixel and how it works are available in Facebook’s Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/business/help/.

You can object to data collection via the Facebook Pixel and the use of your data for the display of Facebook ads. To control the types of ads shown to you on Facebook, you can visit the page set up by Facebook and follow the instructions there regarding usage-based advertising settings:https://www.facebook.com/settings. These settings apply across all platforms, meaning they are applied to all devices, such as desktop computers or mobile devices.

You can also opt out of the use of cookies for audience measurement and advertising purposes via the Network Advertising Initiative’s opt-out page (https://thenai.org/how-to-opt-out/) and the U.S. website (https://optout.aboutads.info/) or the European website (https://www.youronlinechoices.com/uk/your-ad-choices).

Bing Ads

Within our online offering, we use the conversion and tracking tool “Bing Ads” from Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA, based on our legitimate interests (i.e., our interest in analyzing, optimizing, and ensuring the economic operation of our online offering within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR). In doing so, Microsoft stores cookies on users’ devices to enable an analysis of how users interact with our online service, provided that users have accessed our online service via a Microsoft Bing ad (so-called “conversion tracking”). In this way, Microsoft and we can determine that someone clicked on an ad, was redirected to our online service, and reached a predetermined landing page (so-called “conversion page”). We only receive the total number of users who clicked on a Bing ad and were then redirected to the conversion page. No IP addresses are stored. No personal information regarding the identity of users is disclosed.

Microsoft is certified under the Privacy Shield Framework and thereby guarantees compliance with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/participant?id=a2zt0000000KzNaAAK).

If users do not wish to participate in the Bing Ads tracking process, they can disable the cookie required for this purpose via their browser settings or use Microsoft’s opt-out page: https://account.microsoft.com/privacy/ad-settings/signedout.

Users can find more information about data protection and the cookies used by Microsoft Bing Ads in Microsoft’s Privacy Statement: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/privacy/privacystatement.

Social Media Presence

We maintain online presences on social networks and platforms to communicate with customers, prospective customers, and users who are active there and to inform them about our services. When accessing the respective networks and platforms, the terms and conditions and data processing policies of their respective operators apply.

Unless otherwise specified in our Privacy Policy, we process users’ data when they communicate with us on social networks and platforms, e.g., by posting on our online presences or sending us messages.

Integration of Third-Party Services and Content

Within our online offering, we rely on our legitimate interests (i.e., our interest in the analysis, optimization, and economic operation of our online offering within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR) to integrate content or services from third-party providers, such as videos or fonts (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Content”).

This always requires that the third-party providers of this Content collect the users’ IP addresses, as they would be unable to send the Content to the users’ browsers without the IP address. The IP address is therefore necessary for the display of this Content. We make every effort to use only such content whose respective providers use the IP address solely for the purpose of delivering the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as “web beacons”) for statistical or marketing purposes. These “pixel tags” allow information—such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website—to be analyzed. This pseudonymous information may also be stored in cookies on the user’s device and may include, among other things, technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, time of visit, and other details regarding the use of our online service; it may also be linked to such information from other sources.

Vimeo

We may embed videos from the “Vimeo” platform provided by Vimeo Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 555 West 18th Street, New York, New York 10011, USA. Privacy Policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy. Please note that Vimeo may use Google Analytics; for more information, please refer to the privacy policy (https://policies.google.com/privacy) as well as the opt-out options for Google Analytics (https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout) or Google’s settings for data use for marketing purposes (https://myadcenter.google.com/home).

YouTube

We embed videos from the “YouTube” platform provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy, Opt-Out: https://myadcenter.google.com/home.

Google Fonts

We use fonts ("Google Fonts") provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy, Opt-out: https://myadcenter.google.com/home.

Google reCAPTCHA

We integrate the bot detection feature, e.g., for entries in online forms ("reCAPTCHA"), provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy, Opt-Out: https://myadcenter.google.com/home.

Google Maps

We integrate maps from the “Google Maps” service provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. The data processed may include, in particular, users’ IP addresses and location data; however, this data is not collected without their consent (which is typically provided through the settings on their mobile devices). The data may be processed in the United States. Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy, Opt-Out: https://myadcenter.google.com/home.

Use of Facebook Social Plugins

Based on our legitimate interests (i.e., our interest in analyzing, optimizing, and ensuring the economic operation of our online offering within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR), we use social plugins (“plugins”) from the social network facebook.com, which is operated by Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland (“Facebook”). The plugins may display interactive elements or content (e.g., videos, graphics, or text posts) and can be recognized by one of the Facebook logos (a white “f” on a blue tile, the terms “Like,” “Gefällt mir,” or a “thumbs-up” icon) or are labeled with the phrase “Facebook Social Plugin.” The list and appearance of the Facebook Social Plugins can be viewed here:https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/.

Facebook is certified under the Privacy Shield Framework and thereby guarantees compliance with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/participant?id=a2zt0000000GnywAAC).

When a user accesses a feature of this website that contains such a plugin, their device establishes a direct connection to Facebook’s servers. The content of the plugin is transmitted directly from Facebook to the user’s device and integrated into the website. In the process, user profiles may be created based on the processed data. We therefore have no influence over the scope of the data that Facebook collects using this plugin and are informing users accordingly based on the information available to us.

By integrating the plugins, Facebook receives the information that a user has accessed the corresponding page of the online service. If the user is logged into Facebook, Facebook can associate the visit with their Facebook account. When users interact with the plugins—for example, by clicking the “Like” button or posting a comment—the corresponding information is transmitted directly from their device to Facebook and stored there. Even if a user is not a Facebook member, there is still a possibility that Facebook may obtain and store their IP address. According to Facebook, only an anonymized IP address is stored in Germany.

The purpose and scope of data collection, as well as the further processing and use of the data by Facebook, and the related rights and settings options for protecting users’ privacy, can be found in Facebook’s Privacy Policy:https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/.

If a user is a Facebook member and does not want Facebook to collect data about them via this online service and link it to their member data stored on Facebook, they must log out of Facebook and delete their cookies before using our online service. Additional settings and the ability to opt out of the use of data for advertising purposes are available within Facebook’s profile settings:https://www.facebook.com/settings or via the U.S. sitehttps://optout.aboutads.info/ or the EU sitehttps://www.youronlinechoices.com/. These settings apply across all platforms, meaning they are applied to all devices, such as desktop computers or mobile devices.

Twitter

Our online service may incorporate features and content from Twitter, a service provided by Twitter Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. This may include, for example, content such as images, videos, or text, as well as buttons that allow users to share content from this online service on Twitter.
If users are members of the Twitter platform, Twitter may associate their access to the aforementioned content and features with their Twitter profiles. Twitter is certified under the Privacy Shield Framework and thereby guarantees compliance with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/participant?id=a2zt0000000TORzAAO). Privacy Policy: https://x.com/de/privacy, Opt-Out: https://x.com/settings/account/personalization.

Instagram

Our online service may incorporate features and content from Instagram, a service provided by Instagram Inc., 1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. This may include, for example, content such as images, videos, or text, as well as buttons that allow users to share content from this online service on Instagram. If users are members of the Instagram platform, Instagram may associate their access to the aforementioned content and features with their Instagram profiles. Instagram’s Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.

Pinterest

Our website may incorporate features and content from the Pinterest service, provided by Pinterest Inc., 635 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA. This may include, for example, content such as images, videos, or text, as well as buttons that allow users to share content from this website on Pinterest. If users are members of the Pinterest platform, Pinterest may associate their access to the aforementioned content and features with their profiles on that platform. Pinterest’s Privacy Policy: https://policy.pinterest.com/de/privacy-policy.

Google+

Our online service may incorporate features and content from the Google+ platform, provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA (“Google”). This may include, for example, content such as images, videos, or text, as well as buttons that allow users to share content from this online service on Twitter. If users are members of the Google+ platform, Google may associate their access to the aforementioned content and features with their profiles on that platform.

Google is certified under the Privacy Shield Framework and thereby guarantees compliance with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/participant?id=a2zt000000001L5AAI). For more information on Google’s use of data, as well as options for settings and opting out, please refer to Google’s Privacy Policy (https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads) and the settings for Google’s display of advertisements (https://myadcenter.google.com/home).

AddThis Sharing Features

Our website uses the "AddThis" service (1595 Spring Hill Rd, Suite 300, Vienna, VA 22182, USA) to allow users to share content from this website on social media (so-called "sharing").

This service is used based on our legitimate interests, i.e., our interest in promoting our online platform in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

AddThis uses users’ personal information to provide and execute the sharing functions. In addition, AddThis may use pseudonymous user information for marketing purposes. This data is stored on users’ computers using so-called “cookie” text files. Privacy Policy: https://www.oracle.com/, Opt-Out: https://www.oracle.com/.

Created using Datenschutz-Generator.de by attorney Dr. Thomas Schwenke (
) and adapted and customized by crosseye Marketing.

These cookies do not share data with third parties

These cookies are set only with your consent.

More info: Facebook | Google

This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses so-called “cookies,” which are text files stored on your computer that enable an analysis of your use of the website. The information generated by the cookie regarding your use of this website is generally transmitted to and stored on a Google server in the United States. However, if IP anonymization is enabled on this website, your IP address will be truncated by Google beforehand within member states of the European Union or in other signatory states to the Agreement on the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the United States and truncated there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activity, and to provide other services related to website and internet usage to the website operator. The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of Google Analytics is not combined with other data held by Google. You can prevent the storage of cookies by adjusting your browser settings accordingly; however, please note that in this case, you may not be able to use all features of this website to their full extent. You can also prevent Google from collecting the data generated by the cookie and related to your use of the website (including your IP address), as well as from processing this data, by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link (https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de). You can prevent data collection by Google Analytics by clicking the following link. An opt-out cookie will be set to prevent the future collection of your data when you visit this website: . For more information on terms of use and privacy, please visithttps://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics/terms/de/.

Please note that Google Analytics on this website has been enhanced with the "anonymizeIp" code to ensure that IP addresses are collected anonymously (a process known as IP masking).

Cookies

On this website, we use some cookies, which are small text files stored on the user’s computer. Most of the cookies used by this website are so-called “session cookies.” They are automatically deleted once the user leaves this website. Of course, you can still view this website’s content without cookies. To prevent cookies from being stored, select “Do not accept cookies” in your browser settings. If your browser does not accept cookies, the functionality of this website may be limited.

Facebook Like Button

Our website uses social plugins (“plugins”) from the social network facebook.com, which is operated by Facebook Inc., 1601 S. California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA (“Facebook”). The plugins can be identified by one of the Facebook logos (a white “f” on a blue tile or a “thumbs-up” icon) or are labeled “Facebook Social Plugin.” The list and appearance of Facebook social plugins can be viewed here: https://developers.facebook.com/search/?q=plugins.

When you visit a page on our website that contains such a plugin, your browser establishes a direct connection to Facebook’s servers. The content of the plugin is transmitted directly from Facebook to your browser and integrated into the website by your browser. We therefore have no control over the scope of the data that Facebook collects using this plugin and are providing you with this information to the best of our knowledge:

When the plugins are integrated, Facebook receives information that you have accessed the corresponding page on our website. If you are logged into Facebook, Facebook can associate your visit with your Facebook account. If you interact with the plugins—for example, by clicking the “Like” button or posting a comment—the corresponding information is transmitted directly from your browser to Facebook and stored there. Even if you are not a Facebook member, it is still possible for Facebook to obtain and store your IP address.

For information on the purpose and scope of data collection, as well as the further processing and use of the data by Facebook, and your related rights and privacy settings, please refer to Facebook’s Privacy Policy:https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/.

If you are a Facebook member and do not want Facebook to collect data about you through our website and link it to your membership data stored on Facebook, you must log out of Facebook before visiting our website.

It is also possible to block Facebook social plugins using browser add-ons.