Privacy Policy.

We are delighted by your interest in our company. Data protection is of paramount importance to the management of JDS Sommer GmbH. Use of the JDS Sommer GmbH website is generally possible without providing any personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use special services offered by our company via our website, processing of personal data may become necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the data subject's consent.

The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, email address, or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in compliance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to JDS Sommer GmbH. This privacy policy aims to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, this privacy policy informs data subjects about their rights.

JDS Sommer GmbH, as the data controller, has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete possible protection of personal data processed via this website. However, internet-based data transmissions can fundamentally have security vulnerabilities, meaning absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us via alternative means, such as by telephone.

1. Definitions

The privacy policy of JDS Sommer GmbH is based on the terms used by the European legislator when enacting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy is intended to be easily readable and understandable for both the general public and our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminology used beforehand.

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

a) Personal data

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

b) Data subject

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

c) Processing

Processing means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, 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 its future processing.

e) Profiling

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

f) 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) The controller

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

h) A processor

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

i) A recipient

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

j) A third party

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

k) Consent

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

2. Name and address of the data controller

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

3. Cookies

The JDS Sommer GmbH website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are placed and stored on a computer system via an internet browser. Cookies are used to personalize advertisements.

Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier for the cookie. It consists of a string of characters that allows websites and servers to associate the cookie with the specific web browser in which it was stored. This enables the visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other web browsers that contain different cookies. A specific web browser can be recognized and identified via the unique cookie ID.

By using cookies, JDS Sommer GmbH can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without setting cookies.

Cookies allow us to optimize the information and offers on our website for the user. As mentioned, cookies enable us to recognize returning users. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to navigate our website. For example, a user of a website that uses cookies does not have to re-enter their login details every time they visit the site, because this is handled by the website and the cookie stored on the user's computer system. Another example is the shopping cart cookie in an online store. The online store uses a cookie to remember the items a customer has placed in their virtual shopping cart.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by adjusting the corresponding setting in their internet browser and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time via an internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in their internet browser, some functions of our website may not be fully usable.

4. Collection of general data and information

The JDS Sommer GmbH website collects a range of general data and information each time a data subject or an automated system accesses the website. This general data and information is stored in the server's log files. The following may be collected: (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reached our website (known as the referrer), (4) the sub-pages accessed on our website by an accessing system, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serves to prevent attacks on our IT systems.

When using this general data and information, JDS Sommer GmbH does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is needed to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) optimize the content of our website and its advertising, (3) ensure the long-term functionality of our IT systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyberattack. JDS Sommer GmbH therefore uses this anonymously collected data and information for statistical analysis and also with the aim of increasing data protection and data security within our company, ultimately to ensure the highest level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data in the server log files is stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

5. Registration on our website

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

By registering on the website of the data controller, the IP address assigned by the data subject's internet service provider (ISP), as well as the date and time of registration, are also stored. This data is stored to prevent misuse of our services and to enable the investigation of criminal offenses if necessary. Therefore, storing this data is necessary to protect the data controller. This data is generally not disclosed to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to do so or disclosure is necessary for law enforcement purposes.

The registration of the data subject, through the voluntary provision of personal data, enables the data controller to offer the data subject content or services that, by their very nature, can only be offered to registered users. Registered individuals have the option to modify the personal data provided during registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the data controller's database.

The data controller will provide any data subject, upon request, with information about what personal data concerning them is stored. Furthermore, the data controller will rectify or erase personal data at the request or instruction of the data subject, provided that no statutory retention obligations prevent this. All employees of the data controller are available to the data subject as points of contact in this regard.

6. Contact options via the website

Due to legal requirements, the JDS Sommer GmbH website contains information that enables quick electronic contact with our company and direct communication with us, including a general email address. If a data subject contacts the data controller via email or a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject will be stored automatically. Such personal data transmitted voluntarily by a data subject to the data controller will be stored for the purpose of processing the inquiry or contacting the data subject. This personal data will not be disclosed to third parties.

7. Routine deletion and blocking of personal data

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

If the purpose for which the data was stored ceases to exist, or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with legal requirements.

8. Rights of the data subject

a) Right to confirmation

Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller 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, he or she may, at any time, contact an employee of the controller.

b) Right of access

Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller, free of charge, information about the personal data stored about him or her and a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject access to the following information:

• the processing purposes
• the categories of personal data that are 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
• if possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored, or, if this is not possible, the criteria used to determine that duration
• the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning them or to restriction of processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing
• the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
• if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: all available information about the source of the data
• the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and – at least in those cases – meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject

Furthermore, the data subject has the right to obtain information as to whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject also 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 can contact an employee of the data controller at any time.

c) Right to rectification

Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Furthermore, the data subject has the right, taking into account the purposes of the processing, 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, he or she may, at any time, contact an employee of the controller.

d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)

Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to request from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies and where the processing is not necessary:

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

If one of the aforementioned grounds applies and a data subject wishes to have their personal data stored by JDS Sommer GmbH erased, they may contact an employee of the data controller at any time. The employee of JDS Sommer GmbH will ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately.

If personal data has been made public by JDS Sommer GmbH and our company, as the controller pursuant to Article 17(1) GDPR, is obligated to erase the personal data, JDS Sommer GmbH, taking into account available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the published personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by those other controllers of any links to, or copies or replications of, that personal data, insofar as processing is not necessary. The employee of JDS Sommer GmbH will take the necessary steps in each individual case.

e) Right to restriction of processing

Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European legislator to request from the controller the 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, the data subject refuses to have their personal data erased and requests instead the restriction of its use.
• The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but the data subject needs it for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.
• The data subject has objected to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR and it is not yet clear whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

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

f) Right to data portability

Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which he or she has provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. She also has the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data was provided, provided that the processing is based on consent pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller. Furthermore, when exercising her right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) GDPR, the data subject has the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and provided that this does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

To assert the right to data portability, the data subject can contact an employee of JDS Sommer GmbH at any time.

g) Right to object

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

JDS Sommer GmbH will no longer process personal data in the event of an objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing serves the purpose of establishing, exercising or defending legal claims.

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

Furthermore, the data subject has the right to object, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning him or her which is carried out by JDS Sommer GmbH for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.

To exercise their right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of JDS Sommer GmbH or any other employee directly. Furthermore, the data subject is free, in connection with the use of information society services and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise their right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

h) Automated individual decision-making, including profiling

Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning him or her or similarly significantly affects him or her, unless the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or performing, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is based on the data subject's explicit consent. Where the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or performing, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) is based on the data subject's explicit consent, JDS Sommer GmbH shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller. The right to present one's own point of view and to challenge the decision was granted.

If the data subject wishes to assert rights relating to automated decision-making, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time.

i) Right to withdraw consent under data protection law

Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to withdraw their consent to the processing of their personal data at any time. If a data subject wishes to exercise their right to withdraw consent, they may contact an employee of the data controller at any time.

9. Data protection provisions regarding the use of Facebook

The data controller has integrated components of the company Facebook on this website. Facebook is a social network.

A social network is an online social meeting place, a community that typically allows users to communicate and interact with each other in a virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for exchanging opinions and experiences or enable the online community to share personal or business-related information. Facebook, for example, allows its users to create private profiles, upload photos, and connect with others through friend requests.

The operator of Facebook is Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. If a data subject lives outside the USA or Canada, the data controller responsible for processing personal data is Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Each time a user accesses one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a Facebook component (Facebook plug-in) has been integrated, the Facebook component automatically prompts the web browser on the user's information technology system to download a representation of the corresponding Facebook component from Facebook. A complete overview of all Facebook plug-ins can be found at https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/?locale=de_DE. As part of this technical process, Facebook receives information about which specific subpage of our website the user is visiting.

If the data subject is logged into Facebook at the same time, Facebook recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject visits each time they access our website and for the entire duration of their visit. This information is collected by the Facebook component and assigned by Facebook to the respective Facebook account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks one of the Facebook buttons integrated into our website, such as the "Like" button, or submits a comment, Facebook assigns this information to the data subject's personal Facebook user account and stores this personal data.

Facebook receives information via the Facebook component whenever a data subject visits our website, provided the data subject is logged into Facebook at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Facebook component or not. If a data subject does not wish for this information to be transmitted to Facebook, they can prevent this by logging out of their Facebook account before accessing our website.

Facebook's data policy, available at https://de-de.facebook.com/about/privacy/, provides information about the collection, processing, and use of personal data by Facebook. It also explains the privacy settings Facebook offers to protect the privacy of the data subject. Furthermore, various applications are available that allow users to prevent data from being transmitted to Facebook. Data subjects can use such applications to suppress data transmission to Facebook.

10. Data protection provisions regarding the use of Google Analytics (with anonymization function)

The data controller has integrated the Google Analytics component (with anonymization function) on this website. Google Analytics is a web analytics service. Web analytics involves the collection, gathering, and analysis of data about the behavior of website visitors. A web analytics service records, among other things, data about which website a data subject came from (known as the referrer), which subpages of the website were accessed, and how often and for how long a subpage was viewed. Web analytics is primarily used to optimize a website and to perform cost-benefit analyses of online advertising.

The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland.

The data controller uses the extension "_gat._anonymizeIp" for web analytics via Google Analytics. This extension shortens and anonymizes the IP address of the data subject's internet connection when our website is accessed from a member state of the European Union or from another contracting state of the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

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

Google Analytics places a cookie on the data subject's information technology system. Cookies were explained above. By placing this cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. Each time a user accesses one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a Google Analytics component has been integrated, the respective Google Analytics component automatically prompts the web browser on the data subject's information technology system to transmit data to Google for the purpose of online analysis. As part of this technical process, Google receives personal data, such as the data subject's IP address, which Google uses, among other things, to track the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently to enable commission payments.

The cookie stores personal information, such as the access time, the location from which access originated, and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject. With each visit to our website, this personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States. Google may share this personal data, collected via this technical process, with third parties.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time, as described above, by adjusting the settings of their internet browser accordingly, and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a browser setting would also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the data subject's information technology system. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option to object to and prevent the collection and processing of data generated by Google Analytics relating to their use of this website. To do so, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on from the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This browser add-on uses JavaScript to inform Google Analytics that no data or information about website visits may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google interprets the installation of this browser add-on as an objection. If the data subject's computer system is subsequently deleted, formatted, or reinstalled, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or another person within their sphere of influence, it can be reinstalled or reactivated.

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

11. Data protection provisions regarding the use of Google Ads

The data controller has integrated Google Ads into this website. Google Ads is an online advertising service that allows advertisers to place ads both in Google search results and on the Google Display Network. Google Ads enables advertisers to predefine specific keywords, ensuring that an ad is displayed in Google search results only when a user enters a keyword-relevant search term. On the Google Display Network, ads are distributed across thematically relevant websites using an automated algorithm that takes the predefined keywords into account.

The operator of the Google Ads services is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland.

The purpose of Google Ads is to promote our website by displaying interest-based advertising on the websites of third-party companies and in the search engine results of the Google search engine, and to display third-party advertising on our website.

If a data subject accesses our website via a Google ad, Google places a so-called conversion cookie on the data subject's information technology system. Cookies were explained above. A conversion cookie expires after thirty days and is not used to identify the data subject. Provided the cookie has not yet expired, it tracks whether certain subpages, such as the shopping cart of an online store, have been accessed on our website. The conversion cookie allows both us and Google to track whether a data subject who accessed our website via a Google Ads ad generated a sale, i.e., completed or abandoned a purchase.

The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie are used by Google to create visitor statistics for our website. We, in turn, use these visitor statistics to determine the total number of users who were referred to us via Google Ads, thus enabling us to assess the success or failure of each Google Ads campaign and to optimize our Google Ads for the future. Neither our company nor other Google Ads advertisers receive any information from Google that could be used to identify the data subject.

The conversion cookie stores personal information, such as the websites visited by the data subject. Therefore, each time our website is visited, personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States. Google may share this personal data, collected via this technical process, with third parties.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time, as described above, by adjusting the settings of their internet browser accordingly, and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a browser setting would also prevent Google from placing a conversion cookie on the data subject's information technology system. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google Ads can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option to object to interest-based advertising by Google. To do so, the data subject must access the link www.google.de/settings/ads from each of the internet browsers they use and adjust the desired settings there.

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

12. Data protection provisions regarding the use of Twitter

The data controller has integrated components from Twitter into this website. Twitter is a multilingual, publicly accessible microblogging service where users can publish and distribute short messages called tweets, which are limited to 280 characters. These short messages are accessible to everyone, including people who are not registered with Twitter. The tweets are also displayed to the respective user's followers. Followers are other Twitter users who follow a user's tweets. Furthermore, Twitter enables users to reach a broad audience through hashtags, links, and retweets.

Twitter International Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street Dublin 2, D02 AX07, Ireland.

Each time a user accesses one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a Twitter component (Twitter button) has been integrated, the Twitter component automatically prompts the internet browser on the user's information technology system to download a representation of the corresponding Twitter component from Twitter. Further information about Twitter buttons is available at https://about.twitter.com/de/resources/buttons. As part of this technical process, Twitter receives information about which specific subpage of our website the user is visiting. The purpose of integrating the Twitter component is to enable our users to share the content of this website, to increase the visibility of this website in the digital world, and to boost our visitor numbers.

If the data subject is logged into Twitter at the same time, Twitter recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject visits each time they access our website and for the entire duration of their visit. This information is collected by the Twitter component and assigned by Twitter to the respective Twitter account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks one of the Twitter buttons integrated into our website, the data and information transmitted in this way are assigned to the data subject's personal Twitter user account and stored and processed by Twitter.

Twitter receives information via the Twitter component whenever a data subject visits our website, provided the data subject is logged into Twitter at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Twitter component or not. If a data subject does not wish for this information to be transmitted to Twitter, they can prevent this by logging out of their Twitter account before accessing our website.

Twitter's current privacy policy can be found at https://twitter.com/privacy?lang=de.

13. Legal basis for processing

Article 6(1)(a) GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company's processing operations where we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations necessary for the delivery of goods or the provision of other services or consideration, then the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations that are necessary for carrying out pre-contractual measures, such as in cases of inquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation that requires the processing of personal data, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, then the processing is based on Article 6(1)(c) GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured on our premises and their name, age, health insurance details, or other vital information had to be shared with a doctor, hospital, or other third party. In that case, the processing would be based on Article 6(1)(d) GDPR.

Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. This legal basis applies to processing operations not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases, if the processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our company or a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject. We are permitted to carry out such processing operations in particular because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. The legislator took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed where the data subject is a client of the controller (Recital 47, second sentence, GDPR).

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

If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6 I lit. f GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business activities for the benefit of all our employees and our shareholders.

15. Duration for which the personal data will be stored

The criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After this period expires, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, unless it is still required for the performance of a contract or for initiating a contract.

16. Legal or contractual requirements for providing personal data; necessity for entering into a contract; obligation of the data subject to provide the personal data; possible consequences of not providing the data

We would like to inform you that the provision of personal data is sometimes required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or may also arise from contractual provisions (e.g., information about the contracting party).

In some cases, it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data that we subsequently need to process in order to conclude a contract. For example, the data subject is obligated to provide us with personal data if our company enters into a contract with them. Failure to provide personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded.

Before providing personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will explain to the data subject, on a case-by-case basis, whether the provision of personal data is required by law or contract, or necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and what the consequences of not providing the personal data would be.

17. Existence of automated decision-making

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

18. Usercentrics

We use the consent management service Usercentrics, provided by Usercentrics GmbH, Sendlinger Str. 7, 80331 Munich, Germany (Usercentrics). This allows us to obtain and manage the consent of website users for data processing. The processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c GDPR). The following data is processed for this purpose:

Date and time of access, browser information, device information, geographical location, cookie preferences, URL of the visited page

The functionality of the website cannot be guaranteed without this processing.

Usercentrics is the recipient of your personal data and acts as a data processor for us.

The data is processed within the European Union. Further information regarding your rights to object to and request the deletion of your data by Usercentrics can be found at: https://usercentrics.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung/

The data will be deleted after 3 years.

Please refer to our general information on deleting and disabling cookies above.

19. Cookiebot

We use the consent management service Cookiebot, provided by Usercentrics A/S, Havnegade 39, 1058 Copenhagen, Denmark (Usercentrics). This allows us to obtain and manage the consent of website users for data processing. The processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c GDPR). The following data is processed using cookies for this purpose:

Your IP address (the last three digits are set to '0'). Date and time of consent. Browser information. URL from which the consent was sent. An anonymous, random, and encrypted key. Your end-user consent status, as proof of consent.

The key and consent status are stored in the browser for 12 months using the "CookieConsent" cookie. This ensures your cookie preference is retained for subsequent page requests. The key allows your consent to be verified and tracked.

If you activate the "Bulk Consent" service feature to grant consent for multiple websites with a single end-user consent, the service will also store a separate, random, unique ID associated with your consent. If all of the following criteria are met, this key will be stored in encrypted form in the third-party cookie "CookieConsentBulkTicket" in your browser: You activate the bulk consent feature in the service configuration. You allow third-party cookies via your browser settings. You have disabled "Do Not Track" via your browser settings. You accept all or at least certain types of cookies when you grant consent.

The functionality of the website cannot be guaranteed without this processing.

Usercentrics is the recipient of your personal data and acts as a data processor for us.

The data is processed within the European Union. Further information on your rights to object to and request the deletion of your data by Usercentrics can be found at: https://www.cookiebot.com/de/privacy-policy/

Your personal data will be deleted continuously after 12 months or immediately after termination of the contract between us and Usercentrics.

Please refer to our general information on deleting and disabling cookies above.