Privacy policy

Privacy Policy

Preamble

With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to as "data") we process, for what purposes and to what extent. The privacy policy applies to all processing of personal data carried out by us, both in the context of providing our services and, in particular, on our websites, in mobile applications, and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "online offer").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

As of: May 31, 2026

Table of Contents

Preamble
Controller
Overview of Processing Operations
Relevant Legal Bases
Security Measures
Transmission of Personal Data
International Data Transfers
General Information on Data Storage and Erasure
Rights of Data Subjects
Business Services
Provision of the Online Offer and Web Hosting
Use of Cookies
Blogs and Publication Media
Contact and Inquiry Management
Newsletters and Electronic Notifications
Web Analysis, Monitoring, and Optimization
Online Marketing
Affiliate Programs and Affiliate Links
Presence in Social Networks (Social Media)
Plug-ins and Embedded Functions and Content
Changes and Updates
Definitions of Terms

Controller

The party responsible for data processing on this website is:

baseline creative BL/C UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Im Mediapark 5
50670 Köln
Germany

Email: hello[at]studiobaseline.de

Authorized Representative Persons: Melanie Laudin

Imprint/Legal Notice: https://studiobaseline.de/legal-notice

Overview of Processing Operations

The following overview summarizes the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing and refers to the data subjects.

Types of Data Processed

Inventory data.
Employee data.
Payment data.
Contact data.
Content data.
Contract data.
Usage data.
Meta, communication, and procedural data.
Log data.

Categories of Data Subjects

Service recipients and clients.
Employees.
Interested parties.
Communication partners.
Users.
Business and contractual partners.
Third parties.
Whistleblowers.

Purposes of Processing

Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
Communication.
Security measures.
Direct marketing.
Reach measurement.
Tracking.
Office and organizational procedures.
Target group formation.
Affiliate tracking.
Organizational and administrative procedures.
Feedback.
Marketing.
Profiles with user-related information.
Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness.
Information technology infrastructure.
Whistleblower protection.
Public relations.
Business processes and economic procedures.

Relevant Legal Bases

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

Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR) - The data subject has given his or her consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes.
Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller 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.

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

Security Measures

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures in accordance with legal requirements, taking into account the state of the art, the costs of implementation and the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing as well as the risk of varying likelihood and severity for the rights and freedoms of natural persons, to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk.

The measures include, in particular, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data as well as access, entry, disclosure, safeguarding of availability, and separation relating to it. Furthermore, we have established procedures to ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the erasure of data, and responses to data hazards. Furthermore, we consider the protection of personal data as early as the development or selection of hardware, software, and procedures in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and by default.

Securing online connections through TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): In order to protect user data transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we utilize TLS/SSL encryption technology. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are the cornerstones of secure data transmission on the Internet. These technologies encrypt the information transmitted between the website or app and the user's browser (or between two servers), thereby protecting the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the further developed and more secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions comply with the highest security standards. When a website is secured by an SSL/TLS certificate, this is signaled by the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator for users that their data is being transmitted securely and encrypted.

Transmission of Personal Data

In the context of our processing of personal data, it happens that these are transmitted to other offices, companies, legally independent organizational units, or persons or disclosed to them. Recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers commissioned with IT tasks or providers of services and content embedded in a website. In such cases, we comply with legal requirements and, in particular, conclude corresponding contracts or agreements that serve to protect your data with the recipients of your data.

International Data Transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we transmit data to a third country (i.e., outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)) or if this occurs in the context of using third-party services or the disclosure or transmission of data to other persons, offices, or companies (which becomes apparent from the postal address of the respective provider or if the data transfer to third countries is explicitly pointed out in the privacy policy), this is always done in accordance with legal requirements.

For data transfers to the USA, we primarily rely on the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), which was recognized as a secure legal framework by an adequacy decision of the EU Commission dated July 10, 2023. In addition, we have concluded standard contractual clauses with the respective providers that comply with the specifications of the EU Commission and establish contractual obligations to protect your data.

This two-fold protection ensures comprehensive safeguarding of your data: The DPF forms the primary layer of protection, while the standard contractual clauses serve as additional security. Should changes occur within the framework of the DPF, the standard contractual clauses kick in as a reliable fallback option. In this way, we ensure that your data remains adequately protected at all times, even in the event of political or legal changes.

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

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

General Information on Data Storage and Erasure

We erase personal data that we process in accordance with statutory provisions as soon as the underlying consents are withdrawn or no further legal bases for processing exist. This applies to cases where the original purpose of processing no longer applies or the data is no longer required. Exceptions to this regulation exist if statutory obligations or special interests require a longer retention or archiving of the data.

In particular, data that must be retained for commercial or tax reasons, or whose storage is necessary for legal prosecution or to protect the rights of other natural or legal persons, must be archived accordingly.

Our privacy policy notes contain additional information on the retention and erasure of data that apply specifically to certain processing operations.

If several details are provided regarding the retention period or erasure deadlines of a datum, the longest period is always decisive. Data that is no longer stored for the originally intended purpose, but due to statutory requirements or other reasons, is processed by us exclusively for the reasons that justify its retention.

Retention and erasure of data: The following general periods apply to retention and archiving under German law:

10 years - Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, as well as the working instructions and other organizational documents required for their understanding (§ 147 para. 1 No. 1 in conjunction with para. 3 AO, § 14b para. 1 UStG, § 257 para. 1 No. 1 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
8 years - Accounting vouchers, such as invoices and expense receipts (§ 147 para. 1 No. 4 and 4a in conjunction with para. 3 sentence 1 AO and § 257 para. 1 No. 4 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
6 years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents, provided they are of importance for taxation, e.g., hourly wage slips, internal accounting sheets, calculation documents, price tags, but also payroll documents, provided they are not already accounting vouchers, and cash register tapes (§ 147 para. 1 No. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with para. 3 AO, § 257 para. 1 No. 2 and 3 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
3 years - Data required to consider potential warranty and damage claims or similar contractual claims and rights as well as to process associated inquiries, based on past business experience and standard industry practices, are stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

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

Rights of Data Subjects

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject under the GDPR, you are entitled to various rights, which arise in particular from Art. 15 to 21 GDPR:

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

Business Services

We process personal data of our contractual and business partners, such as customers, clients, interested parties, suppliers, and other cooperation partners (collectively "contractual partners"), for the initiation, implementation, and settlement of contractual relationships as well as comparable legal relationships. This also includes pre-contractual measures taken at request, as well as communication in connection with the respective contractual relationship.

The processing serves in particular to fulfill our primary and secondary contractual obligations. These include the provision of the agreed services, any update and information obligations, the processing of warranty and other service disruptions, the handling of withdrawals, terminations of long-term obligations, reversals, refunds, as well as the processing of other contract-related declarations and inquiries. Both one-time contracts and ongoing contractual relationships are covered.

In particular, master data such as name, address, and company if applicable, contact data such as e-mail address and telephone number, contract and service data such as contract subject matter, contract duration, order or transaction number, usage and service data, payment and billing data, as well as communication content and histories are processed. To the extent necessary, we also process data disclosed or transmitted to us in the context of executing an order.

In addition, we process the data to protect our rights and to fulfill legal obligations. This includes, in particular, commercial and tax law retention obligations, documentation obligations, and, if applicable, proof and accountability obligations. Furthermore, processing is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests in proper business management, internal administration, risk management, and IT security, as well as in protecting our business operations and our contractual partners from misuse, hazards to data, secrets, and other legal assets. This may also include the involvement of external service providers such as IT and telecommunications providers, transport and logistics companies, payment service providers, banks, tax and legal advisors, or other vicarious agents, insofar as this is necessary for contract performance or to fulfill legal obligations.

A transfer of personal data to third parties takes place exclusively insofar as this is necessary for contract performance, to implement pre-contractual measures, to safeguard legitimate interests, or to fulfill legal obligations. We will inform you separately about any processing going beyond this, in particular for marketing purposes, within the framework of this privacy policy.

We inform the contractual partners which data is required in individual cases in the context of data collection, for example in online forms through corresponding marking or in personal contact.

The data is erased as soon as it is no longer required for the aforementioned purposes and no statutory retention obligations stand in the way. Statutory retention periods, in particular under commercial and tax law, may require longer storage. Data transmitted in the context of a specific order will be erased by us after completion of the order and expiry of any retention periods, unless there are other statutory or contractual obligations to store it.

The legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR for the implementation of pre-contractual measures and for the fulfillment of the respective contractual relationship, as well as Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c) GDPR for the fulfillment of legal obligations. Insofar as the processing is based on legitimate interests, it takes place on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f) GDPR. Insofar as processing is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f) GDPR, it is carried out to safeguard our legitimate interests in a proper and efficient business organization, the internal administration and documentation of business transactions, the enforcement and defense of legal claims, ensuring IT and data security, preventing misuse and fraud, as well as the economic management and further development of our business operations. These interests consist in particular in ensuring safe and legally secure business operations as well as in maintaining our entrepreneurial capability to act.

Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); Contact data (e.g., postal and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers); Contract data (e.g., contract subject matter, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; Interested parties. Business and contractual partners.
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; Security measures; Communication; Office and organizational procedures; Organizational and administrative procedures. Business processes and economic procedures.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure".
Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Online shop, order forms, e-commerce, and performance fulfillment: We process the data of our customers to enable them to select, acquire, or order the selected products, goods, and associated services, as well as their payment and provision, delivery, or execution. Insofar as necessary for the execution of an order, we utilize service providers, in particular postal, forwarding, and shipping companies, to carry out the delivery or execution vis-à-vis our customers. For the processing of payment transactions, we utilize the services of banks and payment service providers. The required specifications are marked as such in the context of the order or comparable acquisition process and include the details needed for delivery, provision, and billing, as well as contact information to be able to consult if necessary; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).
Project and development services: We process the data of our customers and clients (hereinafter uniformly referred to as "customers") to enable them to select, acquire, or commission the chosen services or works and associated activities, as well as their payment and provision, execution, or rendering. The required specifications are marked as such in the context of the commission, order, or comparable conclusion of contract and include the details needed for service provision and billing, as well as contact information to be able to consult if necessary. Insofar as we gain access to information of end customers, employees, or other persons, we process this in accordance with legal and contractual requirements; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).
Gumroad: Digital marketplace platform for the sale of digital products and services such as books, memberships, or courses; Service provider: Gumroad, Inc., 548 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://gumroad.com/; Privacy Policy: https://gumroad.com/privacy.

Provision of the Online Offer and Web Hosting

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

Processed data types: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons). Log data (e.g., log files regarding logins or the retrieval of data or access times).
Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness; Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)). Security measures.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure".
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Provision of online offer on rented storage space: For the provision of our online offer, we utilize storage space, computing capacity, and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also called "web hoster"); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offer is logged in the form of so-called "server log files". The server log files may include the address and name of the retrieved websites and files, date and time of retrieval, transmitted data volumes, notification of successful retrieval, browser type and version, the user's operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and usually IP addresses and the requesting provider. The server log files can be used, on the one hand, for security purposes, e.g., to avoid overloading the servers (in particular in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and, on the other hand, to ensure server utilization and stability; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Erasure of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum duration of 30 days and then erased or anonymized. Data whose further retention is required for evidentiary purposes are excluded from erasure until final clarification of the respective incident.
STRATO: Services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and associated services (e.g., storage space and/or computing capacities); Service provider: STRATO AG, Pascalstraße 10, 10587 Berlin, Germany; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.strato.de; Privacy Policy: https://www.strato.de/datenschutz/. Data processing agreement: Provided by the service provider.

Use of Cookies

The term "cookies" refers to functions that store information on users' end devices and read information from them. Cookies can also be used for different purposes, such as the functionality, security, and convenience of online offers, as well as the creation of analyses of visitor flows. We use cookies in accordance with statutory provisions. For this purpose, we obtain the prior consent of the users if required. If consent is not necessary, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies if storing and reading information is essential to provide explicitly requested content and functions. These include, for example, the storage of settings as well as ensuring the functionality and security of our online offer. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. We inform clearly about its scope and which cookies are used.

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

Storage duration: With regard to storage duration, a distinction is made between the following types of cookies:

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

General notes on withdrawal and objection (Opt-Out): Users can withdraw the consents they have given at any time and, furthermore, declare an objection to the processing in accordance with legal requirements, including by means of the privacy settings of their browser.

Processed data types: Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Processing of cookie data on the basis of consent: We use a consent management solution in which the user's consent to the use of cookies or to the procedures and providers mentioned in the framework of the consent management solution is obtained. This procedure serves to obtain, log, manage, and withdraw consents, in particular regarding the use of cookies and comparable technologies used to store, read, and process information on users' end devices. In the context of this procedure, user consents for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing and providers mentioned in the consent management procedure, are obtained. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consents. The declarations of consent are stored to avoid repeated queries and to be able to provide proof of consent in accordance with legal requirements. Storage takes place on the server side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies to be able to assign the consent to a specific user or his device. Unless specific details are available regarding the providers of consent management services, the following general notes apply: The duration of the storage of consent is up to two years. In this process, a pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored together with the time of consent, details on the scope of consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers) as well as information about the browser, system, and end device used; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Blogs and Publication Media

We use blogs or comparable means of online communication and publication (hereinafter "publication medium"). The data of the readers are processed for the purposes of the publication medium only to the extent necessary for its presentation and communication between authors and readers or for reasons of security. For the rest, we refer to the information on the processing of visitors to our publication medium within the framework of these data protection notes.

Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or image messages and contributions as well as information relating to them, such as details on authorship or time of creation); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form); Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness; Security measures. Organizational and administrative procedures.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure".
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Comments and contributions: When users leave comments or other contributions, their IP addresses can be stored on the basis of our legitimate interests. This is done for our security in case someone leaves unlawful content in comments and contributions (insults, prohibited political propaganda, etc.). In this case, we ourselves could be prosecuted for the comment or contribution and are therefore interested in the identity of the author. Furthermore, we reserve the right to process user details for the purpose of spam detection on the basis of our legitimate interests. On the same legal basis, we reserve the right, in the case of surveys, to store users' IP addresses for their duration and to use cookies to avoid multiple voting. The personal information provided in the context of comments and contributions, any contact and website information, as well as the content specifications will be stored permanently by us until the user objects; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).
Substack: Online platform for publishing newsletter subscriptions, podcasts, and digital content monetization; Service provider: Substack, Inc., 111 Sutter St, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) and fulfillment of a contract (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, if users subscribe to a paid newsletter); Website: https://substack.com/; Privacy Policy: https://substack.com/privacy.

Contact and Inquiry Management

When contacting us (e.g., by post, contact form, e-mail, telephone, or via social media) as well as within the framework of existing user and business relationships, the details of the inquiring persons are processed insofar as this is necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

Processed data types: Contact data (e.g., postal and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or image messages and contributions as well as information relating to them, such as details on authorship or time of creation). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Communication partners.
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; Organizational and administrative procedures; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure".
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Contact form: When contacting us via our contact form, by e-mail, or other communication channels, we process the personal data transmitted to us to answer and handle the respective request. This usually includes details such as name, contact information, and if applicable, further information communicated to us and required for appropriate handling. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Newsletters and Electronic Notifications

We send newsletters, e-mails, and other electronic notifications (hereinafter "newsletter") exclusively with the consent of the recipients or on a statutory basis. Insofar as the contents of the newsletter are specified in the context of a registration, these contents are decisive for the user's consent. For registration to our newsletter, providing your e-mail address is normally sufficient. However, to be able to offer you a personalized service, we may ask you to provide your name for a personal address in the newsletter or for further information if this is necessary for the purpose of the newsletter.

Erasure and restriction of processing: We can store unsubscribed e-mail addresses for up to three years on the basis of our legitimate interests before we erase them to be able to prove consent formerly given. The processing of this data is restricted to the purpose of a potential defense against claims. An individual erasure request is possible at any time, provided that the former existence of consent is confirmed at the same time. In the case of obligations to permanently observe objections, we reserve the right to store the e-mail address solely for this purpose in a blocklist.

The logging of the registration process is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests for the purpose of proving its proper course. Insofar as we commission a service provider to send e-mails, this is done on the basis of our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure sending system.

Contents: Information about us, our services, promotions, and offers.

Processed data types: Inventory data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers); Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons). Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
Data subjects: Communication partners.
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Direct marketing (e.g., by e-mail or post).
Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Possibility of objection (Opt-Out): You can cancel the receipt of our newsletter at any time, i.e., withdraw your consents or object to further receipt. A link to cancel the newsletter can be found either at the end of each newsletter or you can otherwise use one of the contact options given above, preferably e-mail, for this purpose.

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Measurement of opening and click rates: The newsletters contain a so-called "web beacon", i.e., a pixel-sized file retrieved from our server or its server when the newsletter is opened, provided we use a shipping service provider. In the context of this retrieval, technical information, such as details about the browser and your system, as well as your IP address and the time of retrieval, are initially collected. This information is used for the technical improvement of our newsletter based on the technical data or the target groups and their reading behavior based on their retrieval locations
Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Web Analysis, Monitoring, and Optimization

Web analysis (also referred to as "reach measurement") serves to evaluate visitor flows to our online offer and can include behavior, interests, or demographic information about visitors, such as age or gender, as pseudonymous values. With the help of reach analysis, we can, for example, recognize at what time our online offer or its functions or content are used most frequently, or invite users for reuse. Likewise, it is possible for us to understand which areas require optimization.

In addition to web analysis, we can also use testing procedures, for example, to test and optimize different versions of our online offer or its components.

Unless stated otherwise below, profiles, i.e., data summarized for a usage process, can be created for these purposes and information stored in a browser or in an end device and then read out. The information collected includes, in particular, websites visited and elements used there, as well as technical disclosures, such as the browser used, the computer system used, and details on usage times. Insofar as users have agreed to the collection of their location data vis-à-vis us or vis-à-vis the providers of the services we use, the processing of location data is also possible.

In addition, the IP addresses of users are stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear data of users (such as e-mail addresses or names) are stored in the context of web analysis, A/B testing, and optimization, but pseudonyms. This means that we, as well as the providers of the software used, do not know the actual identity of the users, but only the specifications stored in their profiles for the purpose of the respective procedures.

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

Processed data types: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles). Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless stated otherwise, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.).
Security measures: IP Masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to measure and analyze the use of our online offer on the basis of a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain any clear data, such as names or e-mail addresses. It serves to assign analysis information to an end device in order to recognize which content users have accessed within one or different usage processes, which search terms they have used, have accessed again, or have interacted with our online offer. Likewise, the time of use and its duration are stored, as well as the sources of users referring to our online offer and technical aspects of their end devices and browsers. Pseudonymous profiles of users are created with information from the use of different devices, whereby cookies can be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses for EU users. However, Analytics provides coarse geographic location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: City (and the derived latitude and longitude of the city), continent, country, region, subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). For EU data traffic, the IP address data is used exclusively for this derivation of geolocation data before it is immediately erased. It is not logged, is not accessible, and is not used for further purposes. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are performed on EU-based servers before traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/; Security measures: IP Masking (pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy Policy: https://business.safety.google/privacy/; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms); Possibility of objection (Opt-Out): Opt-Out Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, Settings for the presentation of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff. Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (types of processing as well as processed data).

Online Marketing

We process personal data for the purpose of online marketing, which may include, in particular, the marketing of advertising space or the presentation of promotional and other content (collectively referred to as "content") based on potential user interests as well as measuring their effectiveness.

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

In addition, the IP addresses of users are stored. However, we use available IP masking procedures (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) for user protection. In general, no clear data of users (such as e-mail addresses or names) are stored within the framework of the online marketing procedure, but pseudonyms. This means that we, as well as the providers of the online marketing procedures, do not know the actual user identity, but only the specifications stored in their profiles.

The statements in the profiles are usually stored in cookies or by means of similar procedures. These cookies can later generally also be read out on other websites that use the same online marketing procedure and analyzed for the purpose of presenting content, as well as supplemented with further data and stored on the server of the online marketing procedure provider.

Exceptionally, it is possible to assign clear data to the profiles, primarily if the users are, for example, members of a social network whose online marketing procedure we use and the network connects the user profiles with the aforementioned specifications. We ask you to note that users can make additional agreements with the providers, for example by giving consent in the context of registration.

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

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

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

Notes on withdrawal and objection: We refer to the privacy policy notes of the respective providers and the objection options (so-called "Opt-Out") specified for the providers. If no explicit opt-out option was specified, there is, on the one hand, the possibility that you turn off cookies in the settings of your browser. However, this may restrict functions of our online offer. We therefore additionally recommend the following opt-out options, which are offered collectively directed at respective regions:

a) Europe: https://youronlinechoices.eu/.
b) Canada: https://youradchoices.ca/.
c) USA: https://optout.aboutads.info/.
d) Cross-regional: https://optout.aboutads.info.
Processed data types: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Tracking (e.g., interest-/behavior-related profiling, use of cookies); Target group formation; Marketing. Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles).
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless stated otherwise, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.).
Security measures: IP Masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).

Affiliate Programs and Affiliate Links

In our online offer, we embed so-called affiliate links or other references (which can include, for example, search masks, widgets, or discount codes) to the offers and services of third-party providers (collectively referred to as "affiliate links"). If users follow the affiliate links or subsequently perceive the offers, we may receive a commission or other benefits from these third-party providers (collectively referred to as "commission").

In order to be able to track whether users have perceived the offers of an affiliate link used by us, it is necessary for the respective third-party providers to learn that users followed an affiliate link used within our online offer. The assignment of affiliate links to the respective business deals or other actions (e.g., purchases) serves solely the purpose of commission accounting and is cancelled as soon as it is no longer required for the purpose.

For the purposes of the aforementioned assignment of affiliate links, the affiliate links can be supplemented by certain values that are a component of the link or can be stored otherwise, e.g., in a cookie. The values may include, in particular, the original website (referrer), the time, an online identifier of the operator of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identifier of the respective offer, the type of link used, the type of offer, and an online identifier of the user.

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

Processed data types: Contract data (e.g., contract subject matter, duration, customer category); Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Interested parties. Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Affiliate tracking.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure".
Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Presence in Social Networks (Social Media)

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

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

Furthermore, user data within social networks is usually processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created based on usage behavior and resulting user interests. The latter may in turn be used, for example, to place advertisements inside and outside the networks that presumably correspond to user interests. For this purpose, cookies are usually stored on users' computers, in which the usage behavior and interests of users are stored. In addition, data independent of the devices used by users can also be stored in the usage profiles (in particular if they are members of the respective platforms and logged in there).

For a detailed presentation of the respective forms of processing and the possibilities of objection (Opt-Out), we refer to the privacy policies and details of the operators of the respective networks.

Also in the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we point out that these can be asserted most effectively with the providers. Only the latter have access to the user data in each case and can directly take appropriate measures and provide information. Should you nevertheless require assistance, you can contact us.

Processed data types: Contact data (e.g., postal and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers); Content data (e.g., text or image messages and contributions as well as information relating to them, such as details on authorship or time of creation). Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Public relations.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure".
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Instagram: Social network, enables the sharing of photos and videos, commenting and favoriting contributions, sending messages, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
LinkedIn: Social network - Together with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, we are responsible for the collection (but not the further processing) of data of visitors used to create the "Page Insights" (statistics) of our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. In addition, details about the devices used are recorded, such as IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, and cookie data, as well as details from user profiles, such as job function, country, industry, hierarchy level, company size, and employment status. Data protection information on the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy. We have concluded a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum", https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which regulates in particular which security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of data subjects (i.e., users can, for example, direct access or erasure requests directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (in particular the right of access, erasure, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. The joint responsibility is limited to the collection and transmission of data to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. The further processing of data is the exclusive responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, in particular as regards the transmission of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy). Possibility of objection (Opt-Out): https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
Pinterest: Social network, enables the sharing of photos, commenting, favoriting, and curating contributions, sending messages, subscribing to profiles; Service provider: Pinterest Europe Limited, 2nd Floor, Palmerston House, Fenian Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.pinterest.com. Privacy Policy: https://policy.pinterest.com/de/privacy-policy.
X: Social network; Service provider: X Internet Unlimited Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://x.com. Privacy Policy: https://x.com/de/privacy.

Plug-ins and Embedded Functions and Content

We embed functional and content elements into our online offer that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as "third-party providers"). This may include, for example, graphics, videos, or city maps (hereinafter uniformly referred to as "content").

The integration always presupposes that the third-party providers of this content process the IP address of users, since without the IP address they could not send the content to their browser. The IP address is therefore required for the presentation of this content or functions. We endeavor to use only such content whose respective providers use the IP address merely to deliver the content. Third-party providers may furthermore use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also referred to as "web beacons") for statistical or marketing purposes. Through the "pixel tags", information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website can be evaluated. The pseudonymous information can furthermore be stored in cookies on the user's device and contain, among other things, technical details on the browser and operating system, referring websites, visiting time, and other details on the use of our online offer, but also be connected with such information from other sources.

Processed data types: Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time specifications, identification numbers, involved persons).
Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online offer and user-friendliness.
Storage and erasure: Erasure according to the details in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Erasure". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless stated otherwise, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on users' devices for a period of two years.).
Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further notes on processing operations, procedures, and services:

Google Fonts (acquisition from Google server): Acquisition of fonts (and symbols) for the purpose of a technically secure, maintenance-free, and efficient use of fonts and symbols with regard to up-to-dateness and loading times, their uniform presentation, and consideration of potential licensing restrictions. The provider of the fonts is informed of the user's IP address so that the fonts can be made available in the user's browser. In addition, technical data (language settings, screen resolution, operating system, hardware used) required for providing the fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment are transmitted. This data can be processed on a server of the font provider in the USA - When visiting our online offer, users' browsers send their browser HTTP requests to the Google Fonts Web API (i.e., a software interface for retrieving the fonts). The Google Fonts Web API provides users with the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) of Google Fonts and then the fonts specified in the CSS. These HTTP requests include (1) the IP address used by the respective user to access the Internet, (2) the requested URL on the Google server, and (3) the HTTP headers, including the user agent describing the browser and operating system versions of the website visitors, as well as the referrer URL (i.e., the web page on which the Google font is to be displayed). IP addresses are neither logged nor stored on Google servers and they are not analyzed. The Google Fonts Web API logs details of the HTTP requests (requested URL, user agent, and referrer URL). Access to this data is restricted and strictly controlled. The requested URL identifies the font families for which the user wants to load fonts. This data is logged so that Google can determine how often a particular font family is requested. With the Google Fonts Web API, the user agent must adapt the font generated for the respective browser type. The user agent is logged primarily for debugging and used to generate aggregated usage statistics measuring the popularity of font families. These summarized usage statistics are published on the Google Fonts "Analytics" page. Finally, the referrer URL is logged so that the data can be used for production maintenance and an aggregated report on the top integrations based on the number of font requests can be generated. According to its own disclosures, Google does not use any of the information collected by Google Fonts to create profiles of end users or to place targeted advertisements; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy Policy: https://business.safety.google/privacy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy?hl=de.

Changes and Updates

We ask you to inform yourself regularly about the content of our privacy policy. We adapt the privacy policy as soon as changes in the data processing operations carried out by us make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes make a cooperative action on your part (e.g., consent) or other individual notification necessary.

Insofar as we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this privacy policy, we ask you to note that the addresses may change over time and ask you to check the details before contacting us.

Definitions of Terms

In this section, you will find an overview of the terminology used in this privacy policy. Insofar as the terms are legally defined, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations, on the other hand, are intended primarily for understanding.

Affiliate tracking: In the framework of affiliate tracking, links by means of which the linking websites refer users to websites with product or other offers are logged. The operators of the respective linking websites can receive a commission if users follow these so-called affiliate links and subsequently perceive the offers (e.g., buy goods or make use of services). For this purpose, it is necessary that the providers can track whether users who are interested in certain offers subsequently perceive them at the instigation of the affiliate links. Therefore, for the functionality of affiliate links, it is required that they are supplemented by certain values that become a component of the link or are stored otherwise, e.g., in a cookie. The values include, in particular, the original website (referrer), the time, an online identifier of the operator of the website on which the affiliate link was located, an online identifier of the respective offer, an online identifier of the user, as well as tracking-specific values, such as advertising material ID, partner ID, and categorizations.
Employees: Employees are persons who are in an employment relationship, whether as staff members, salaried employees, or in similar positions. An employment relationship is a legal relationship between an employer and an employee established by an employment contract or agreement. It includes the obligation of the employer to pay the employee a remuneration while the employee performs his work. The employment relationship includes various phases, including the establishment in which the employment contract is concluded, the implementation in which the employee exercises his work activity, and the termination when the employment relationship ends, whether by notice, cancellation agreement, or otherwise. Employee data are all pieces of information relating to these persons and standing in the context of their employment. This includes aspects such as personal identification data, identification numbers, salary and bank data, working hours, holiday entitlements, health data, and performance appraisals.
Inventory data: Inventory data comprises essential information necessary for the identification and management of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles, and similar assignments. This data may include, among other things, personal and demographic details such as names, contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses), dates of birth, and specific identifiers (user IDs). Inventory data forms the basis for any formal interaction between persons and services, facilities, or systems by enabling a unique assignment and communication.
Content data: Content data includes information generated in the course of creating, editing, and publishing content of all kinds. This category of data can include texts, images, videos, audio files, and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the actual content itself, but also includes metadata providing information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author information, and publication dates.
Contact data: Contact data is essential information enabling communication with persons or organizations. It includes, among other things, telephone numbers, postal addresses, and e-mail addresses, as well as communication means such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
Meta, communication, and procedural data: Meta, communication, and procedural data are categories containing information about the way data is processed, transmitted, and managed. Meta data, also known as data about data, includes information describing the context, origin, and structure of other data. It can include details on file size, creation date, the author of a document, and change histories. Communication data records the exchange of information between users via various channels, such as e-mail traffic, call logs, messages in social networks, and chat histories, including the persons involved, timestamps, and transmission paths. Procedural data describes the processes and routines within systems or organizations, including workflow documentations, logs of transactions and activities, as well as audit logs used for tracking and checking operations.
Usage data: Usage data refers to information recording how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. This data includes a wide range of information showing how users use applications, which functions they prefer, how long they stay on certain pages, and via which paths they navigate through an application. Usage data can also include the frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information, and location data. It is particularly valuable for analyzing user behavior, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content, and improving products or services. In addition, usage data plays a crucial role in recognizing trends, preferences, and potential problem areas within digital offers.
Personal data: "Personal data" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter "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 (e.g., cookie) or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
Profiles with user-related information: The processing of "profiles with user-related information", or "profiles" for short, includes any kind of automated processing of personal data consisting of using this personal data to analyze, evaluate, or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include different information regarding demographics, behavior, and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.) (e.g., interests in certain content or products, click behavior on a website, or location). Cookies and web beacons are frequently used for profiling purposes.
Log data: Log data is information about events or activities logged in a system or network. This data typically contains information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other details about the use or operation of a system. Log data is often used for analyzing system problems, security monitoring, or creating performance reports.
Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also referred to as Web Analytics) serves to evaluate visitor flows to an online offer and can include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as the content of web pages. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online offers can, for example, recognize at what time users visit their web pages and what content they are interested in. This enables them, for example, to better adapt the content of the web pages to the needs of their visitors. For reach analysis purposes, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are frequently used to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses on the use of an online offer.
Tracking: Tracking is spoken of when the behavior of users can be retraced across several online offers. As a rule, behavioral and interest information regarding the online offers used is stored in cookies or on servers of the providers of tracking technologies (so-called profiling). This information can subsequently be used, for example, to display advertisements to users that presumably correspond to their interests.
Controller: "Controller" means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.
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. The term is broad and covers practically any handling of data, whether it is collecting, evaluating, storing, transmitting, or erasing.
Contract data: Contract data is specific information relating to the formalization of an agreement between two or more parties. It documents the conditions under which services or products are provided, exchanged, or sold. This data category is essential for managing and fulfilling contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data can include start and end dates of the contract, the type of agreed services or products, price agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options, and special conditions or clauses. It serves as a legal basis for the relationship between the parties and is crucial for clarifying rights and obligations, enforcing claims, and resolving disputes.
Payment data: Payment data comprises all information needed to process payment transactions between buyers and sellers. This data is of crucial importance for electronic commerce, online banking, and any other form of financial transaction. It includes details such as credit card numbers, bank details, payment amounts, transaction dates, verification numbers, and billing information. Payment data can also contain information about the payment status, chargebacks, authorizations, and fees.
Target group formation: Target group formation (in English "Custom Audiences") is spoken of when target groups are determined for advertising purposes, e.g., displaying advertisements. Thus, for example, based on a user's interest in certain products or topics on the Internet, it can be concluded that this user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online shop in which he viewed the products. "Lookalike Audiences" (or similar target groups) are spoken of, in turn, when the content assessed as suitable is displayed to users whose profiles or interests presumably correspond to the users for whom the profiles were formed. For the purposes of forming Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences, cookies and web beacons are usually used.