Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

We are very delighted that you have shown interest in our business. Data protection is of a particularly high priority for the HeiDoc V.O.F. management. The use of the HeiDoc V.O.F. web pages is possible without providing any personal data; however, if a data subject wants to use special business services via our website, processing of personal data could become necessary. 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 name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number of a data subject shall always be in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to HeiDoc V.O.F. By means of this data protection declaration, our business would like to inform the general public of the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed of the rights to which they are entitled through this data protection declaration.

As the controller, HeiDoc V.O.F. has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection of personal data processed through this website. However, web-based data transmissions may in principle have security gaps, so absolute protection may not be guaranteed. Therefore, every data subject is free to transfer personal data to us via alternative means, e.g. by telephone.

1. Definitions

The data protection declaration of HeiDoc V.O.F. is based on the terms used by the European legislator for the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our data protection declaration should be legible and understandable for the general public, as well as our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to first explain the terminology used.

In this data protection declaration, 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 is any identified or identifiable natural person, whose personal data is processed by the controller responsible for the processing.

  • c) Processing

    Processing is 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, organisation, 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 is 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 analyse or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behaviour, location or movements.

  • f) Pseudonymisation

    Pseudonymisation is 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 organisational 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 is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; if 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 is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

  • i) Recipient

    Recipient is 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; the processing of those data by those public authorities shall be in compliance with the applicable data protection rules according to the purposes of the processing.

  • j) Third party

    Third party is 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 authorised to process personal data.

  • k) Consent

    Consent of the data subject is 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, signifiy agreement to the processing of personal data relating to them.

2. Name and Address of the controller

Controller for the purposes of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), other data protection laws applicable in Member states of the European Union and other provisions related to data protection is:

HeiDoc V.O.F.
Ir Em Mélottestraat 33
6291 HD Vaals
The Netherlands

3. Cookies

The HeiDoc V.O.F. web pages use cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in a computer system via a web browser.

Many web sites 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 web pages and servers can be associated with the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This allows visited web sites and servers to differentiate the individual browser of the data subject from other web browsers that contain other cookies. A specific web browser can be recognized and identified using the unique cookie ID.

Through the use of cookies, HeiDoc V.O.F. can provide the users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the cookie setting.

By means of a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimized for the specific 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. E.g. the website user does not have to enter access data each time the website is accessed, because this is done by the cookie that is stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the cookie that stores the content of a shopping cart in an online shop. The online store remembers the articles that a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart via a cookie.

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

4. Collection of general data and information

The HeiDoc V.O.F. websites collect a set of general data and information whenever a data subject or automated system opens the website. This general data and information are stored in the server log files. Collected may be (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, (5) the date and time of access to the Internet site, (6) an internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) any other similar data and information that may be used to prevent attacks on our information technology systems.

HeiDoc V.O.F. does not use these general data and information to identify the data subject. Rather, this information is needed to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) optimize the content and advertisements on our website, (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 cyber-attack. HeiDoc V.O.F. analyzes these anonymously collected data and information statistically, with the aim of increasing the data protection and data security of our business, and to ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The data in the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

Log files are stored on our server logs for no longer than two months before they are deleted. Aggregated and anonymised data are stored long term in our server statistics. The server operator has full access to both the server log files and server statistics.

The operating company of our server is: Hostwinds LLC, 12101 Tukwila International Blvd, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Seattle, WA 98168, United States.

5. Registration on our website

The data subject has the option to register on the website of the controller providing their personal data. Which personal data are transmitted to the controller is determined by the respective input mask used during registration. The personal data entered by the data subject are collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the controller, and for his own purposes. The controller may request transfer to one or more processors (e.g. a parcel service) that also use personal data for an internal purpose which is attributable to the controller.

By registering on the website of the controller, the IP address–assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) and used by the data subject–date, and time of registration are also recorded. Storage of this data takes place as that this is the only way to prevent the misuse of our services, and, if necessary, to make it possible to investigate abuse. Therefore, the storage of this data is necessary for legal protection of the controller. This data is not passed on to third parties unless there is a statutory obligation to pass on the data, or if the transfer serves the aim of criminal prosecution.

The registration of the data subject, with the voluntary submission of personal data, is intended to enable the controller to provide the data subject with contents or services that may only be offered to registered users due to the nature of the content. Registered persons are free to change the personal data specified during registration at any time, or to have them completely deleted from the controller’s data storage.

The data controller shall, at any time, upon request provide information to each data subject as to which personal data are stored about the data subject. In addition, the data controller shall correct or erase personal data at the request or indication of the data subject, insofar as there are no statutory storage obligations. The entirety of the controller’s employees are available to the data subject in this respect as contact persons.

6. Subscription to our newsletters

On the HeiDoc V.O.F. websites, users can to subscribe to our newsletters. The input mask used for this purpose determines which personal data are transmitted to the controller.

HeiDoc V.O.F. informs their customers and business partners regularly by means of a newsletter. The business’s newsletter may only be received by the data subject if (1) the data subject has a valid e-mail address and (2) the data subject registers for the newsletter. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address registered by a data subject for the first time for newsletter delivery, for legal reasons, in the double opt-in procedure. This confirmation e-mail is used to prove whether the owner of the e-mail address as the data subject is authorized to receive the newsletter.

During registration for the newsletter, we also store the IP address of the computer system assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) and used by the data subject at the time of registration, as well as the date and time of registration. This data collection is necessary to understand the (possible) misuse of the e-mail address of a data subject at a later date, and it therefore serves as legal protection of the controller.

The personal data collected as part of the newsletter registration will only be used to send our newsletter. In addition, newsletter subscribers may be informed by e-mail, if this becomes necessary for the operation of newsletter delivery or registration process, for example in case of modifications to the newsletter service, changes in the technical operstaions. There will be no transfer of personal data collected by the newsletter service to third parties. The newsletter subscription may be terminated by the data subject at any time. The consent to the storage of personal data, which the data subject has given for newsletter delivery, may be revoked at any time. For the purpose of revocation of consent, a corresponding link is found in each newsletter. It is also possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time directly on the website of the controller, or to communicate this to the controller in a different way.

7. Contact option via the website

The HeiDoc V.O.F. website contains information that enables a quick electronic contact to our business, as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general address of the 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 are automatically stored. Such personal data transmitted on a voluntary basis by a data subject to the data controller are stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the data subject. There is no transfer of this personal data to third parties.

8. Comments function in the blog on the website

HeiDoc V.O.F. offers users the option to leave individual comments on individual blog contributions on the controller’s website. A blog is a web-based, publicly-accessible portal, through which one or more people called bloggers or web-bloggers may post articles or contribute thoughts in so-called blogposts. Blogposts may usually be commented by third parties.

If a data subject leaves a comment on the blog published on this website, the comments made by the data subject are also published and stored, including the date of the comment and on the user name chosen by the data subject. In addition, the IP address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) to the data subject is also logged. Storing the IP address is done for security reasons, in case the data subject violates the rights of third parties, or posts illegal content within a comment. The storage of these personal data is, therefore, in the own interest of the data controller, so that he can exculpate in the event of an infringement. This collected personal data will not be passed to third parties, unless such a transfer is required by law or serves the aim of the defense of the data controller.

9. Subscription to comments on the blog on the website

A data subject can subscribe to the comments made on the blog on the HeiDoc V.O.F. website. In particular, there is the option for a commenter to subscribes to the comments following his own comments on a particular blog post.

If a data subject decides to subscribe to the option, the controller will send an automatic confirmation e-mail to check via the double opt-in procedure whether the thubscription is authorized by the owner of the e-mail address. The comments subscription may be terminated at any time.

10. Routine erasure and blocking of personal data

The data 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 far as this is granted by the European legislator or other legislators in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject to.

If the storage purpose is not applicable, or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data are routinely blocked or erased in accordance with legal requirements.

11. Rights of the data subject

  • a) Right of confirmation

    Each data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her are 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

    Each data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller information about his or her personal data stored at any time and a copy of this information free of charge. Furthermore, the European directives and regulations grant the data subject access to the following information:

    • the purposes of the processing;
    • the categories of personal data being processed;
    • the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations;
    • where possible, the expected period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period;
    • information about the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data, or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject, or to object to such processing;
    • information about the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
    • in case the personal data have not been collected directly from the data subject, any available information as to their source;
    • information about automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, if applicable, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and expected consequences of such processing for the data subject.

    Furthermore, the data subject has the right to obtain information as to whether personal data are transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. If this is the case, the data subject has the right to be informed of 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

    Each data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller without undue delay the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. If relevant for the purposes of the processing, the data subject has the right to have incomplete personal data completed, 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)

    Each data subject 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 has the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay if any one of the following grounds apply, and further processing of the data is not necessary:

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

    If any one of the aforementioned reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by HeiDoc V.O.F., he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. An employee of HeiDoc V.O.F. shall promptly ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately.

    If the controller has made personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data, as far as processing is not required. An employees of HeiDoc V.O.F. will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.

  • e) Right of restriction of processing

    Each data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller 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 instead.
    • The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
    • The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

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

  • f) Right to data portability

    Each data subject has the right granted by the European legislator, to receive the personal data concerning them, which they provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. They have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, as long as the processing is based on consent pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR, or on a contract pursuant Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, as long as 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) of the GDPR, the data subject has the right to have personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and when doing so does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

    In order to assert the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact any employee of the HeiDoc V.O.F.

  • g) Right to object

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

    HeiDoc V.O.F. shall no longer process the personal data in the event of the objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

    If HeiDoc V.O.F. processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject has the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning them for such marketing. This applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to HeiDoc V.O.F. processing for direct marketing purposes, HeiDoc V.O.F. 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 by HeiDoc V.O.F. for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.

    In order to exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of HeiDoc V.O.F. In addition, the data subject is free in the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to use their right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

  • h) Automated individual decision-making, including profiling

    Each data subject has the right granted by the European legislator not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which has legal implications for them, or similarly significantly affects them, as long as the decision (1) is not is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) is not authorised 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 not 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 a data controller, or (2) it is based on the data subject’s explicit consent, HeiDoc V.O.F. 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 his or her point of view and contest the decision.

    If the data subject wishes to exercise the rights concerning automated individual decision-making, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of HeiDoc V.O.F.

  • i) Right to withdraw data protection consent

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

    If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw the consent, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of HeiDoc V.O.F.

12. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Facebook

On this website, the controller has integrated components of the enterprise Facebook. Facebook is a social network.

A social network is a place for social meetings on the internet, an online community, which 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 enable the internet community to provide personal or business-related information. Facebook allows social network users to include the creation of private profiles, upload photos, and network through friend requests.

The operating company of Facebook is Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States. If a person lives outside of the United States or Canada, the controller is Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland.

With opening one of the individual pages of the controller’s website, into which a Facebook component (Facebook plug-ins) was integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s device automatically downloads the corresponding Facebook component from Facebook. An overview of all the Facebook Plug-ins may be accessed under https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/. During this process, Facebook is made aware of the specific sub-site of our website that was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is at the same time logged in on Facebook, Facebook detects with every opening of our website by the data subject–and for the entire duration of their stay on our website–which specific pages of our web page are visited by the data subject. This information is collected through the Facebook component and associated with the respective Facebook account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Facebook buttons integrated into our website, e.g. the “Like” button, or if the data subject submits a comment, then Facebook matches this information with the personal Facebook user account of the data subject and stores the personal data.

Facebook always receives information about a visit to our website by the data subject through the Facebook component, whenever the data subject is at the same time logged in on Facebook. This occurs regardless whether the data subject clicks on a Facebook component or not. If such a transmission of information to Facebook is not desirable for the data subject, then they may prevent this by logging off from their Facebook account before opening our website.

The data protection guideline published by Facebook, which is available at https://facebook.com/about/privacy/, provides information about the collection, processing and use of personal data by Facebook. In addition, it explains which settings Facebook offers to protect the privacy of the data subject. In addition, different configuration options are made available to prevent data transmission to Facebook, which may be used by the data subject to eliminate data transmission to Facebook.

13. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Google AdSense

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

The operating company of Google’s AdSense component is Alphabet Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, United States.

The purpose of Google’s AdSense component is the integration of advertisements on our website. Google AdSense places a cookie on the data subject’s device. The definition of cookies is explained above. With the setting of the cookie, Alphabet Inc. is enabled to analyze the data subject’s use of our website. With each opening of an individual page of the controller’s website, into which a Google AdSense component is integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s device will automatically submit data through the Google AdSense component for the purpose of online advertising and the settlement of commissions to Alphabet Inc. During the course of this process, the enterprise Alphabet Inc. gains knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Alphabet Inc., among other reasons, to understand the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently create commission settlements.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time through their web browser settings and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the web browser used would also prevent Alphabet Inc. from setting a cookie on the data subject’s device. Additionally, cookies already in use by Alphabet Inc. may be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, Google AdSense also uses so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a miniature graphic that is embedded in web pages to enable a log file recording and a log file analysis through which a statistical analysis may be performed. Based on the embedded tracking pixels, Alphabet Inc. is able to determine if and when a website was opened by a data subject, and which links were clicked by the data subject. Tracking pixels serve, among other reasons, to analyze the flow of visitors on a website.

Through Google AdSense, personal data and information which is necessary for the collection and accounting of the displayed advertisements is transmitted to Alphabet Inc., which also includes the IP address. These personal data will be stored and processed in the United States of America. Alphabet Inc. may disclose the collected personal data to third parties.

Google AdSense is explained in detail under the following link https://www.google.com/intl/en/adsense/start/.

14. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Google Analytics

On this website, the controller has integrated a Google Analytics component (with the anonymizer function). 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 analysis service collects, among other information, data about the website from which a person has come (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages were visited, or how often and for which duration a sub-page was viewed. Web analytics are mainly used for the optimization of a website and in order to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of web advertising.

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

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze the traffic on our website. Google uses the collected data and information, among other reasons, to evaluate the use of our website and to provide online reports, which show the activities on our websites, and to provide other services concerning the use of our web site to us.

Google Analytics places a cookie on the data subject’s device. The definition of cookies is explained above. The cookie enables Google to analyze the use of our website. With each opening of an individual page of the controller’s website, into which a Google Analytics component was integrated, the Internet browser on the data subject’s device will automatically submit data through the Google Analytics component to Google. During the course of this process, the enterprise Google gains knowledge of personal information, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Google, among other reasons, to understand the origin of visitors and clicks.

The cookie is used to store personal information, such as the access time, the location from which the access occurred, and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject. With each visit to our website, such personal data, including the IP address of the data subject, will be transmitted to Google. These personal data are stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may pass these personal data to third parties.

The data subject may, as stated above, prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time through their web browser settings and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment to the web browser would also prevent Google Analytics from setting a cookie on the data subject’s device. In addition, cookies already in use by Google Analytics may be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs.

In addition, the data subject has the option of objecting to Google Analytics collecting their data on this and other websites, as well as the processing of this data by Google. For this purpose, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on under the link https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This browser add-on uses JavaScript to prevent any data transmission to Google Analytics. Installing the browser add-ons is considered an objection by Google. If the data subject’s device is later wiped, formatted, or newly installed, then the data subject must reinstall the browser add-ons to disable Google Analytics. If the browser add-on has been uninstalled or disabled by the data subject or any other person who uses their device, or is disabled, the browser add-on can be re-installed or re-activated.

Further information and the applicable data protection provisions of Google may be retrieved under https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/ and under http://www.google.com/analytics/terms/us.html. Google Analytics is explained in detail under the following Link https://www.google.com/analytics/.

15. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Twitter

On this website, the controller has integrated components of Twitter. Twitter is a multilingual, publicly-accessible microblogging service on which users may publish and spread so-called ‘tweets,’ e.g. short messages, which are limited to 280 characters. These short messages are available to everyone, including those who are not logged on to Twitter. The tweets are also displayed to so-called followers of the respective user. Followers are other Twitter users who follow a user’s tweets. Furthermore, Twitter allows you to address a wide audience via hashtags, links or retweets.

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

With each opening of an individual page of the controller’s website, on which a Twitter component (Twitter button) was integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s device automatically downloads 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 process, Twitter gains knowledge of the specific sub-page of our website that was visited by the data subject. The purpose of the integration of the Twitter component is a retransmission of the contents of this website to allow our users to introduce this web page to the digital world and increase our visitor numbers.

If the data subject is at the same time logged in on Twitter, Twitter detects with every opening of our website by the data subject and for the entire duration of their stay, which specific sub-pages of our web page were visited by the data subject. This information is collected through the Twitter component, and associated with the data subject’s respective Twitter account. If the data subject clicks on one of the Twitter buttons integrated on our website, then Twitter associates this information with the data subject’s personal Twitter user account.

Twitter receives information via the Twitter component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in on Twitter at the time of opening our website. This occurs regardless of whether the person clicks on the Twitter component or not. If such a transmission of information to Twitter is not desirable for the data subject, then they may prevent this by logging off from their Twitter account before visiting our website.

The applicable data protection provisions of Twitter may be accessed under https://twitter.com/privacy?lang=en.

16. Data protection provisions about other applications, components and plug-ins

On this website, the controller has integrated components of Skimbit Ltd., 52 Bevenden Street, London N1 6BL, United Kingdom. Reason for that is conversion of text links into affiliate links. When opening pages that contain components by Skimbit Ltd on the data subject’s device, personal data such as the IP address will be transmitted to Skimbit Ltd. Skimbit Ltd’s data protection provisions can be found on https://skimlinks.com/privacy-policy.

On this website, the controller has integrated components of Automattic Inc., 60 29th Street #343, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States. Reason for that is spam prevention. When submitting content on pages that contain components by Automattic Inc. on the data subject’s device, personal data such as the IP address will be transmitted to Automattic Inc. Automattic Inc.’s data protection provisions can be found on https://automattic.com/privacy/.

On this website, the controller has integrated components of video intelligence AG, Mühlebachstrasse 70, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland. Reason for that is provision of video advertising. When opening pages that contain components by video intelligence AG on the data subject’s device, personal data such as the IP address will be transmitted to video intelligence AG. video intelligence AG’s data protection provisions can be found on https://www.vi.ai/privacy-policy/.

On this website, the controller has integrated components of IPS, Inc., PO Box 2365, Forest, VA 24551, United States. Reason for that is contractual support of the forum software. When opening pages that contain components by IPS, Inc. on the data subject’s device, personal data such as the IP address will be transmitted to IPS, Inc. IPS, Inc.’s data protection provisions can be found on https://invisioncommunity.com/legal/privacy.

On this website, the controller has integrated components of Impact Tech, Inc., 223 E. De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States. Reason for that is provisioning of advertising. When opening pages that contain components by Impact Tech, Inc. on the data subject’s device, personal data such as the IP address will be transmitted to Impact Tech, Inc. Impact Tech, Inc.’s data protection provisions can be found on https://impact.com/privacy-policy/.

17. Payment Method: Data protection provisions about the use of PayPal as a payment processor

On this website, the controller has integrated components of PayPal. PayPal is an online payment service provider. Payments are processed via PayPal accounts, which represent virtual private or business accounts. PayPal is also able to process virtual payments through credit cards without involving a user’s PayPal account. A PayPal account is associated with an e-mail address, therefore, there are no classic account numbers. PayPal offers sending payments to third parties or to receive payments. PayPal also accepts trustee functions and offers buyer protection services.

The European operating company of PayPal is PayPal (Europe) S.à.r.l. & Cie. S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal, 2449 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

If the data subject chooses “PayPal” as the payment option for any services or products, we automatically transmit the data subject’s data to PayPal. By selecting this payment option, the data subject agrees to the transfer of personal data required for payment processing.

The personal data transmitted to PayPal is usually first name, last name, address, email address, IP address, telephone number, mobile phone number, or other data necessary for payment processing. The processing of the purchase contract also includes collecting personal data, which are in required for the respective order.

The transmission of the data is aimed at payment processing and fraud prevention. The controller will transfer personal data to PayPal, particularly if there is a legitimate interest in the transmission. PayPal might transmit the personal data exchanged between PayPal and the controller for the processing of the transaction to credit bureaus. This transmission is intended for identity and credit status checks.

PayPal will, if necessary, pass on personal data to affiliates and service providers or subcontractors to the extent that is necessary to fulfill contractual obligations or for order data to be processed.

The data subject has the option to revoke consent for the handling of personal data from PayPal at any time. A revocation shall not have any effect on personal data processed, used or transmitted in accordance with (contractual) payment processing.

The applicable data protection provisions of PayPal may be retrieved under https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full.

18. Legal basis for the processing

Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR serves as the legal basis 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 services, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations which are necessary for carrying out pre-contractual measures, for example in the case of inquiries concerning our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation by which processing of personal data is required, such as for the fulfilment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Art. 6(1)(c) of the GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured in our company premises and his name, age, health insurance data or other vital information would have to be passed on to a doctor, hospital or other third party. Then the processing would be based on Art. 6(1)(d) of the GDPR. Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations which are not covered by any of the abovementioned legal grounds, 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 or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data. Such processing operations are particularly permissible because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. He considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a client of the controller (Recital 47 Sentence 2 GDPR).

19. The legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party

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

20. Period for which the personal data will be stored

The criteria used to determine the period of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiration of that period, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, as long as it is no longer necessary for the fulfilment of the contract or the initiation of a contract.

21. Provision of personal data as statutory or contractual requirement; 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 can also result from contractual provisions (e.g. information on the contractual partner). Sometimes it may be necessary to conclude a contract that the data subject provides us with personal data, which must subsequently be processed by us. The data subject is, for example, obliged to provide us with personal data when our company signs a contract with them. The non-provision of the personal data would have the consequence that the contract with the data subject could not be closed. Before personal data is provided by the data subject, the data subject must contact any representative. The representative clarifies to the data subject whether the provision of the personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for closing the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data and the consequences of non-provision of the personal data.

22. Information about automated decision-making

As a responsible business, we do not use automatic decision-making or profiling.

This Privacy Policy has been generated with the help of the Privacy Policy Generator of the German Association for Data Protection that was developed in cooperation with Privacy Lawyers from WILDE BEUGER SOLMECKE, Cologne.