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") that we process, for what purposes, and to what extent. This privacy policy applies to all processing of personal data carried out by us, both in the context of providing our services and particularly on our websites, in mobile applications, and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "online presence").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Last updated: October 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Controller

Andreas Keil Oppenheimer Str. 85 55130 Mainz, Germany

Email Address: info@keil.sh

Imprint: https://sightguesser.com/imprint

Overview of Processing Activities

The following summary outlines the types of data processed, the purposes of their processing, and refers to the data subjects.

Types of Data Processed

  • Inventory data.
  • Contact data.
  • Content data.
  • Usage data.
  • Metadata, communication data, and procedural data.
  • Event data (Facebook).
  • Log data.

Categories of Data Subjects

  • Service recipients and clients.
  • Communication partners.
  • Users.

Purposes of Processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Communication.
  • Security measures.
  • Reach measurement.
  • Tracking.
  • Remarketing.
  • Conversion measurement.
  • Audience segmentation.
  • Organizational and administrative procedures.
  • Feedback.
  • Marketing.
  • Profiles with user-related information.
  • Provision of our online presence and user-friendliness.
  • Information technology infrastructure.
  • Public relations.

Legal Basis for Processing

Legal Basis under the GDPR:Below is an overview of the legal bases of the GDPR on which we process personal data. Please note that in addition to the regulations of the GDPR, national data protection requirements in your or our country of residence may apply. If more specific legal bases are relevant in individual cases, we will inform you of them in the privacy policy.

  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) - The data subject has given 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(1)(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.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(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 Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG). The BDSG contains special provisions 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 for transmission and automated individual decision-making, including profiling. Furthermore, state data protection laws of the individual federal states may apply.

Note on the Applicability of GDPR and Swiss DPA:This privacy notice serves to provide information under both the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For this reason, please note that the terms of the GDPR are used for broader spatial application and comprehensibility. In particular, instead of the terms used in the Swiss FADP such as "processing" of "personal data", "overriding interest", and "particularly sensitive personal data", the terms used in the GDPR, "processing" of "personal data", "legitimate interest", and "special categories of data" are used. However, the legal meaning of the terms will continue to be determined by the Swiss FADP within its scope of application.

Security Measures

In accordance with legal requirements, we implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk, 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 varying likelihood and severity of the risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons.

These measures include, in particular, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data, as well as its access, input, disclosure, availability, and separation. We have also established procedures to ensure the exercise of data subjects' rights, the deletion of data, and responses to data breaches. Furthermore, we consider the protection of personal data from the development and selection of hardware, software, and procedures, in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and by default.

Truncation of the IP Address: If we or our service providers and technologies process IP addresses and the processing of a full IP address is not necessary, the IP address is truncated (also known as "IP masking"). In this process, the last two digits or the last part of the IP address after a period are removed or replaced by placeholders. The truncation of the IP address is intended to prevent or make it significantly more difficult to identify a person by their IP address.

Securing Online Connections with TLS/SSL Encryption Technology (HTTPS): To protect user data transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we use 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 transferred between the website or app and the user's browser (or between two servers), thereby protecting the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the more advanced and secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions meet the highest security standards. When a website is secured by an SSL/TLS certificate, this is indicated by "HTTPS" in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is being transmitted securely and encrypted.

General Information on Data Storage and Deletion

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

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

Our privacy notices contain additional information on the retention and deletion of data that applies specifically to certain processing activities.

If multiple retention periods or deletion deadlines are specified for a piece of data, the longest period always applies. Data that is no longer retained for its originally intended purpose but due to legal requirements or other reasons will be processed exclusively for the reasons justifying its retention.

Retention and Deletion of Data: The following general periods apply for 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 work instructions and other organizational documents required to understand them (§ 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 records, 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, copies of sent commercial or business letters, other documents relevant for taxation, e.g., time sheets, cost accounting sheets, calculation documents, price labels, but also payroll documents if they are not already accounting records, 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 related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practices, are stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

Rights of the Data Subject

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject, you have various rights under the GDPR, 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 the processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Art. 6(1)(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 the 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 your consent 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 request 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 without undue delay, or alternatively, to demand a restriction of the processing of the data.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the data concerning you, which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit those data to another controller, in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority: In accordance with legal requirements and without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection 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 relating to you infringes the GDPR.

Provision of the Online Presence 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 terminal device.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Metadata, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved); Log data (e.g., log files concerning logins or data retrieval or access times). Content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts and related information, such as authorship or creation time).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services). Service recipients and clients.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online presence and user-friendliness; Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)); Security measures. Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion" section.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services:

  • Provision of online presence on rented storage space:For the provision of our online presence, we use storage space, computing capacity, and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also called "web hoster"); Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
  • Provision of online presence on own/dedicated server hardware:For the provision of our online presence, we use server hardware operated by us as well as the associated storage space, computing capacity, and software; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
  • Collection of access data and log files:Access to our online presence is logged in the form of so-called "server log files". Server log files can include the address and name of the accessed web pages and files, date and time of access, transferred data volumes, notification of successful access, browser type and version, the user's operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. Server log files can be used for security purposes, e.g., to avoid overloading the servers (especially in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and to ensure the utilization and stability of the servers; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).Deletion of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose further retention is required for evidentiary purposes is excluded from deletion until the final clarification of the respective incident.
  • Email dispatch and hosting:The web hosting services we use also include the dispatch, reception, and storage of emails. For these purposes, the addresses of the recipients and senders, as well as further information concerning the email dispatch (e.g., the providers involved) and the contents of the respective emails, are processed. The aforementioned data may also be processed for the purpose of SPAM detection. Please note that emails on the internet are generally not sent in encrypted form. As a rule, emails are encrypted in transit, but not on the servers from which they are sent and received (unless a so-called end-to-end encryption method is used). We can therefore assume no responsibility for the transmission path of the emails between the sender and the reception on our server; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
  • Content Delivery Network:We use a "Content Delivery Network" (CDN). A CDN is a service that helps deliver content from an online presence, especially large media files like graphics or program scripts, faster and more securely with the help of regionally distributed and internet-connected servers; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
  • Hetzner:Services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g., storage space and/or computing capacities); Service provider: Hetzner Online GmbH, Industriestr. 25, 91710 Gunzenhausen, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR);Website: https://www.hetzner.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.hetzner.com/de/rechtliches/datenschutz. Data Processing Agreement: https://docs.hetzner.com/de/general/general-terms-and-conditions/data-privacy-faq/.
  • netcup:Services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g., storage space and/or computing capacities); Service provider: netcup GmbH, Daimlerstraße 25, D-76185 Karlsruhe, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR);Website: https://www.netcup.de/; Privacy Policy: https://www.netcup.de/kontakt/datenschutzerklaerung.php. Data Processing Agreement: https://helpcenter.netcup.com/de/wiki/general/avv/.
  • Sentry:Monitoring system stability and identifying code errors - Information about the device or time of the error is collected pseudonymously and then deleted; Service provider: Functional Software Inc., Sentry, 132 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California 94107, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR);Website: https://sentry.io; Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy Policy: https://sentry.io/privacy/; Data Processing Agreement: https://sentry.io/legal/dpa/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://sentry.io/legal/dpa/).

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 various purposes, such as functionality, security, and comfort of online services, as well as for creating analyses of visitor flows. We use cookies in accordance with legal regulations. For this, we obtain prior consent from users where necessary. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies when the storage and reading of information are essential to provide explicitly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, storing settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online presence. Consent can be revoked at any time. We provide clear information about the scope and which cookies are used.

Notes on the legal basis for data protection: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 period:With regard to the storage period, the following types of cookies are distinguished:

  • Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online presence and closed their 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 saved and preferred content can be 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 information on the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., when obtaining consent), they should assume that they are permanent and the storage period can be up to two years.

General information on withdrawal and objection (Opt-out):Users can revoke their given consent at any time and also object to processing in accordance with legal requirements, including through the privacy settings of their browser.

  • Types of data processed: Metadata, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved). Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, 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: Provision of our online presence and user-friendliness.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services:

  • Processing of cookie data based on consent:We use a consent management solution where users' consent for the use of cookies or for the procedures and providers mentioned in the consent management solution is obtained. This procedure is used to obtain, log, manage, and revoke consents, particularly regarding the use of cookies and similar technologies used to store, read, and process information on users' end devices. As part of this procedure, users' consent is obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing and providers mentioned in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option to manage and revoke their consent. The declarations of consent are stored to avoid a repeated query and to be able to provide proof of consent in accordance with legal requirements. The storage takes place on the server-side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or by means of comparable technologies in order to be able to assign the consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information about the providers of consent management services is available, the following general information applies: The duration of the storage of consent is up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored together with the time of consent, information on the scope of the consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), and information about the browser, system, and the end device used; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).
  • Cookie Opt-Out:In the footer of our website, you will find a link through which you can change your cookie settings and revoke your consent.

Blogs and Publication Media

We use blogs or similar 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 for communication between authors and readers or for security reasons. Otherwise, we refer to the information on the processing of visitors to our publication medium in this privacy policy.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts and related information, such as authorship or creation time); Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Metadata, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via an online form). Provision of our online presence and user-friendliness.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion" section.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Contact and Inquiry Management

When contacting us (e.g., by post, contact form, email, telephone, or via social media) and within existing user and business relationships, the information of the inquiring persons is processed to the extent necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts and related information, such as authorship or creation time); Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Metadata, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Organizational and administrative procedures; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via an online form). Provision of our online presence and user-friendliness.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion" section.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services:

  • Contact form:When you contact us via our contact form, email, or other communication channels, we process the personal data you provide to us to answer and handle your request. This usually includes details such as your name, contact information, and any other information you provide that is necessary for proper handling. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; Legal basis: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Web Analysis, Monitoring, and Optimization

Web analysis (also referred to as "reach measurement") is used to evaluate the visitor flows of our online presence and may 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, identify at what time our online presence or its functions or content are most frequently used or invite reuse. Likewise, we can understand which areas require optimization.

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

Unless otherwise stated below, profiles, i.e., data combined for a usage process, can be created for these purposes, and information can be stored in a browser or on a terminal device and then read from it. The information collected includes, in particular, websites visited and elements used there, as well as technical information such as the browser used, the computer system used, and information on usage times. If users have consented to the collection of their location data by us or by the providers of the services we use, location data can also be processed.

The IP addresses of the users are also 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 the users (such as email 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 information 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 context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions). Metadata, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles). Remarketing.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion" section. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, 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 basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services:

  • Matomo (without cookies):Matomo is a privacy-friendly web analysis software that is used without cookies and where the recognition of returning users is done with the help of a so-called "digital fingerprint", which is stored anonymously and changed every 24 hours; With the "digital fingerprint", user movements within our online presence are recorded using pseudonymized IP addresses in combination with user-side browser settings in such a way that conclusions about the identity of individual users are not possible. The data collected through the use of Matomo is processed only by us and not shared with third parties; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR);Website: https://matomo.org/. Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
  • Matomo:Matomo is software used for web analysis and reach measurement. In the course of using Matomo, cookies are generated and stored on the user's end device. The data collected through the use of Matomo is processed only by us and not shared with third parties. The cookies are stored for a maximum period of 13 months: https://matomo.org/faq/general/faq_146/; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).Deletion of data: The cookies have a storage period of a maximum of 13 months.

Online Marketing

We process personal data for the purpose of online marketing, which may include in particular the marketing of advertising space or the display of advertising and other content (collectively referred to as "content") based on the potential interests of users and the measurement of its 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 the information relevant to the user for the presentation of the aforementioned content is stored. This can include, for example, content viewed, websites visited, online networks used, but also communication partners and technical information, 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.

The IP addresses of the users are also stored. However, we use available IP masking procedures (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) for user protection. Generally, no clear data of the users (such as email addresses or names) are stored in the online marketing process, but pseudonyms. This means that we, as well as the providers of the online marketing procedures, do not know the actual identity of the user, but only the information 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 on other websites that use the same online marketing procedure and analyzed for the purpose of displaying 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 when 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 information. We ask you to note that users can make additional agreements with the providers, for example, by giving consent during registration.

We generally only have 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 contract conclusion with us. The conversion measurement is used solely to analyze the success of our marketing measures.

Unless otherwise stated, we ask you to assume that cookies used will be 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 context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

Notes on withdrawal and objection:

We refer to the privacy policies of the respective providers and the objection options specified for the providers (so-called "opt-out"). If no explicit opt-out option has been specified, you have the option to disable cookies in your browser settings. However, this may restrict the functions of our online presence. We therefore also recommend the following opt-out options, which are offered collectively for respective areas:

a) Europe: https://www.youronlinechoices.eu.

b) Canada: https://youradchoices.ca/.

c) USA: https://optout.aboutads.info/.

d) Cross-regional: https://optout.aboutads.info.

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Metadata, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved). Event data (Facebook) ("Event data" is information that is sent to the provider Meta, for example, via Meta pixels (whether through apps or other channels) and relates to persons or their actions. This data includes details about website visits, interactions with content and functions, app installations, and product purchases. The processing of event data is for the purpose of creating target audiences for content and advertising messages (Custom Audiences). It is important to note that event data does not include actual content such as written comments, no login information, and no contact information such as names, email addresses, or phone numbers. "Event data" is deleted by Meta after a maximum of two years, and the audiences formed from it disappear with the deletion of our Meta user accounts.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); Tracking (e.g., interest/behavioral profiling, use of cookies); Audience segmentation; Marketing; Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles); Conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures). Provision of our online presence and user-friendliness.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion" section. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, 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 basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services:

  • Google Ads and Conversion Measurement:Online marketing procedure for the purpose of placing content and advertisements within the service provider's advertising network (e.g., in search results, in videos, on websites, etc.), so that they are displayed to users who have a presumed interest in the ads. We also measure the conversion of the ads, i.e., whether users have interacted with the ads and used the advertised offers (so-called conversions). However, we only receive anonymous information and no personal information about individual users; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR);Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing terms between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.
  • Google AdSense with personalized ads:We integrate the Google AdSense service, which allows personalized ads to be placed within our online presence. Google AdSense analyzes user behavior and uses this data to display targeted advertising that is tailored to the interests of our visitors. For each ad impression or other use of these ads, we receive financial compensation; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR);Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing terms for Google advertising products: Information about the services, data processing terms between controllers, and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.
  • Google AdSense with non-personalized ads:We use the Google AdSense service to display non-personalized ads in our online presence. These ads are not based on individual user behavior but are selected based on general characteristics such as the content of the page or your approximate geographical location. We receive compensation for the display or other use of these ads; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR);Website: https://marketingplatform.google.com; Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Further information: Types of processing and data processed: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/. Data processing terms for Google advertising products: Information about the services, data processing terms between controllers, and standard contractual clauses for third-country data transfers: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms.
  • Instagram Ads:Placement of advertisements within the Instagram platform and evaluation of ad results; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR);Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF); Objection option (Opt-Out): We refer to the privacy and advertising settings in the user's profile on the Instagram platform, as well as Instagram's consent procedures and contact options for exercising rights to information and other data subject rights in Instagram's privacy policy; Further information: User event data, i.e., behavioral and interest information, is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience segmentation based on the joint controllership agreement ("Controller Addendum," https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum). The joint responsibility is limited to the collection and transmission of data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company based in the EU. The further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, which particularly concerns the transfer of data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA.

Presence on Social Networks (Social Media)

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

We would like to point out that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This can create risks for users because, for example, it could make it more difficult to enforce users' rights.

Furthermore, users' data within social networks are generally processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, usage profiles can be created based on the user's behavior and the resulting interests. These may in turn be used to place advertisements within and outside the networks that presumably correspond to the users' interests. For this purpose, cookies are usually stored on the users' computers, in which the usage behavior and the interests of the users are stored. In addition, data can also be stored in the usage profiles independently of the devices used by the users (especially if they are members of the respective platforms and are 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 information 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 they have access to the users' data and can take appropriate measures and provide information directly. If you still need help, you can contact us.

  • Types of data processed: Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or phone numbers); Content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts and related information, such as authorship or creation time); Usage data (e.g., page views and dwell time, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); Metadata, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved). Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; Feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via an online form); Public relations; Marketing. Provision of our online presence and user-friendliness.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion according to the information in the "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion" section.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services:

  • Instagram:Social network, allows sharing of photos and videos, commenting and liking posts, sending messages, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR);Website: https://www.instagram.com; Privacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • TikTok:Social network, allows sharing of photos and videos, commenting and liking posts, sending messages, subscribing to accounts; Service provider: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland and TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited, Kaleidoscope, 4 Lindsey Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1A 9HP; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR);Website: https://www.tiktok.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/eea/privacy-policy/de. Data Processing Agreement: Provided by the service provider.
  • TikTok Business:Social network, allows sharing photos and videos, commenting on and liking posts, sending messages, subscribing to accounts - We and TikTok are jointly responsible for the collection and transmission of event data, as well as for measuring and creating insights reports (statistics) for profile owners. This event data includes information on the types of content that users view or interact with, or the actions they take, as well as information about the devices used by users (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data) and information from the users' profiles, such as country or location. Data protection information on the processing of user data by TikTok can be found in TikTok's privacy policy: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/eea/privacy-policy/de. We have concluded a special joint responsibility agreement with TikTok, which in particular regulates which security measures TikTok must observe and in which TikTok has agreed to fulfill the rights of the data subjects (i.e. users can, for example, direct inquiries for information or deletion directly to TikTok). The rights of the users (in particular to information, deletion, objection and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with TikTok. The joint responsibility agreement can be found in TikTok's "Jurisdiction Specific Terms": https://ads.tiktok.com/i18n/official/policy/jurisdiction-specific-terms.; Service provider: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland and TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited, Kaleidoscope, 4 Lindsey Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1A 9HP; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR);Website: https://www.tiktok.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/eea/privacy-policy/de. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard Contractual Clauses (https://ads.tiktok.com/i18n/official/policy/jurisdiction-specific-terms).

Plugins and Embedded Functions and Content

We integrate functional and content elements into our online presence that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as "third-party providers"). These can be, 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 the users, as they could not send the content to their browser without the IP address. The IP address is therefore necessary for the presentation of this content or these functions. We endeavor to use only such content whose respective providers use the IP address only for the delivery of the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as "web beacons") for statistical or marketing purposes. The "pixel tags" can be used to evaluate information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website. The pseudonymous information can also be stored in cookies on the user's device and may contain, among other things, technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, visit time, and other information about the use of our online presence, but may also be linked to such information from other sources.

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 context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

  • Types of data processed: 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 stamps, identification numbers, persons involved); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers). Content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and contributions as well as information relating to them, such as information on authorship or time of creation).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); tracking (e.g., interest/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); audience formation; marketing; provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles).
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion according to the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion". Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (Unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods can be stored on the users' devices for a period of two years).
  • Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing processes, procedures, and services:

  • Google Fonts (provision on own server): Provision of font files for the purpose of a user-friendly presentation of our online offer; Service provider: The Google Fonts are hosted on our server, no data is transmitted to Google; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR).
  • Google Fonts (retrieval from Google server): Retrieval 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 possible licensing restrictions. The IP address of the user is communicated to the provider of the fonts 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) is transmitted, which is necessary for the provision of the fonts depending on the devices used and the technical environment. This data may be processed on a server of the font provider in the USA - When visiting our online offer, the 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) from 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, which describes the browser and operating system versions of the website visitors, as well as the referring 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 referring 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 that is generated for the respective browser type. The user agent is primarily logged for debugging purposes and used to generate aggregated usage statistics that measure the popularity of font families. These summarized usage statistics are published on the "Analytics" page of Google Fonts. Finally, the referring 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 information, Google does not use any of the information collected by Google Fonts to create profiles of end users or to display targeted ads; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR);Website: https://fonts.google.com/; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq/privacy?hl=de.
  • OpenStreetMap: We integrate the maps of the "OpenStreetMap" service, which are offered on the basis of the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL) by the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF). The users' data is used by OpenStreetMap exclusively for the purpose of displaying the map functions and for temporarily storing the selected settings. This data may include, in particular, IP addresses and location data of the users, which, however, are not collected without their consent (usually carried out within the settings of their end devices or browser); Service provider: OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF); Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR);Website: https://www.openstreetmap.de. Privacy policy: https://osmfoundation.org/wiki/Privacy_Policy.
  • reCAPTCHA: We integrate the "reCAPTCHA" function to be able to recognize whether entries (e.g., in online forms) are made by humans and not by automatically acting machines (so-called "bots"). The processed data may include IP addresses, information on operating systems, devices or browsers used, language settings, location, mouse movements, keystrokes, time spent on websites, previously visited websites, interactions with ReCaptcha on other websites, possibly cookies and results of manual recognition processes (e.g., answering of questions asked or selection of objects in images). The data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interest in protecting our online offer from abusive automated crawling and spam; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR);Website: https://www.google.com/recaptcha/; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (Opt-Out): Opt-Out-Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
  • YouTube-Videos: Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. a) GDPR);Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Possibility of objection (Opt-Out): Opt-Out-Plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, Settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
  • YouTube-Videos: Within our online offer, videos are embedded that are stored on YouTube. The integration of these YouTube videos is done via a special domain using the "youtube-nocookie" component in the so-called "extended data protection mode". In the "extended data protection mode", until the video starts, only information, which includes your IP address as well as information about the browser and your end device, can be stored on your end device in cookies or by means of comparable methods, which YouTube requires for the output, control, and optimization of the video display. As soon as you play the videos, additional information for the analysis of user behavior as well as for storage in the user profile and for the personalization of content and advertisements can be processed by YouTube. The storage period for the cookies can be up to two years; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. a) GDPR);Website: https://www.youtube.com; Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Further information: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/171780?hl=de#zippy=%2Cturn-on-privacy-enhanced-mode%2Cerweiterten-datenschutzmodus-aktivieren.
  • Vimeo-Videoplayer: Integration of a video player; Service provider: Vimeo Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 555 West 18th Street New York, New York 10011, USA; Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR);Website: https://vimeo.com; Privacy policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://vimeo.com/enterpriseterms/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Standard contractual clauses (https://vimeo.com/enterpriseterms/dpa).

Amendment and Update

We ask you to inform yourself regularly about the content of our data privacy declaration. We will adapt the data privacy declaration as soon as the changes to the data processing we carry out make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require an act of cooperation on your part (e.g., consent) or other individual notification.

If we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this data privacy declaration, please note that the addresses may change over time and please check the information before contacting them.

Definitions of Terms

This section provides an overview of the terms used in this data privacy declaration. Insofar as the terms are defined by law, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations, on the other hand, are intended primarily to aid understanding.

  • Inventory data: Inventory data includes 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 information 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, institutions, or systems by enabling unique assignment and communication.
  • Content data: Content data includes information that is generated in the course of the creation, editing, and publication of content of all kinds. This category of data can include texts, images, videos, audio files, and other multimedia content that is published on various platforms and media. Content data is not only limited to the actual content, but also includes metadata that provides information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author information, and publication dates.
  • Contact data: Contact data is essential information that enables communication with persons or organizations. It includes, among other things, telephone numbers, postal addresses, and e-mail addresses, as well as communication channels such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
  • Conversion measurement: Conversion measurement (also referred to as "visit action evaluation") is a procedure with which the effectiveness of marketing measures can be determined. For this purpose, a cookie is usually stored on the users' devices within the websites on which the marketing measures take place and then retrieved again on the target website. For example, we can track whether the ads we have placed on other websites were successful.
  • Meta, communication, and procedural data: Meta, communication, and procedural data are categories that contain information about the way in which data is processed, transmitted, and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information that describes the context, origin, and structure of other data. It can include information 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, time stamps, and transmission paths. Procedural data describes the processes and procedures within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, logs of transactions and activities, as well as audit logs that are used to track and review operations.
  • Usage data: Usage data refers to information that records how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. This data includes a wide range of information that shows 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, time stamps 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 identifying trends, preferences, and potential problem areas within digital offerings.
  • 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 special characteristics that are an expression of the physical, physiological, genetic, psychological, 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 type of automated processing of personal data which consists in 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 concerning 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 the location). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes.
  • Log data: Log data is information about events or activities that have been logged in a system or network. This data typically contains information such as time stamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other details about the use or operation of a system. Log data is often used to analyze system problems, for security monitoring, or to create performance reports.
  • Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to evaluate the visitor flows of an online offer and can include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as the content of websites. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online offers can, for example, recognize at what time users visit their websites and what content they are interested in. This allows them, for example, to better adapt the content of the websites to the needs of their visitors. For the purposes of reach analysis, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online offer.
  • Remarketing: "Remarketing" or "retargeting" is when, for example, for advertising purposes, it is noted for which products a user was interested in on a website in order to remind the user of these products on other websites, e.g., in advertisements.
  • Tracking: "Tracking" is when the behavior of users can be tracked across multiple online offers. As a rule, behavioral and interest information is stored in cookies or on the servers of the providers of the tracking technologies with regard to the online offers used (so-called profiling). This information can then be used, for example, to show users advertisements that are likely to correspond to their interests.
  • 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.
  • Processing: "Processing" is any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and covers virtually any handling of data, be it collection, evaluation, storage, transmission, or deletion.
  • Audience formation: Audience formation (in English "Custom Audiences") is when target groups are determined for advertising purposes, e.g., the display of advertisements. 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 they viewed the products. "Lookalike Audiences" (or similar target groups) are, 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 created. Cookies and web beacons are usually used for the purpose of creating Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences.