Privacy Statement

Privacy Statement

Preamble

The following privacy policy is intended to inform you about the types of 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 offering’).

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Status: 25 August 2025

Table of contents

Preamble
Responsible party
Overview of processing
Relevant legal bases
Security measures
Transfer of personal data
International data transfers
General information on data storage and deletion
Rights of data subjects
Business services
Provision of online services and web hosting
Use of cookies
Web analysis, monitoring and optimisation
Plug-ins and embedded functions and content
Changes and updates
Definitions

Responsible party

ADCONIA GmbH

Essener Str. 5

46047 Oberhausen

Authorised representatives: Oliver Kreienbrink, Rainer den Ouden

Email address: info@adconia.de

Legal notice: https://adconia.de/impressum/

Overview of processing

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

Types of data processed

Inventory 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.
Prospective customers.
Users.
Business and contractual partners.

Purposes of processing

Provision of contractual services and fulfilment of contractual obligations.
Communication.
Security measures.
Reach measurement.
Tracking.
Office and organisational procedures.
Target group formation.
Organisational and administrative procedures.
Marketing.
Profiles with user-related information.
Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
IT infrastructure.
Business processes and business management procedures.

Relevant legal bases

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

Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR) – The data subject has given consent to the processing of their 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.
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 to safeguard the legitimate interests of the controller or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject requiring the protection of personal data do not prevail.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national regulations on data protection apply in Germany. These include, in particular, the Act on the 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 transfer, as well as automated decision-making in individual cases, including profiling. Furthermore, state data protection laws of the individual federal states may apply.

Security measures

In accordance with legal requirements, we take appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of protection appropriate to the risk, taking into account the state of the art, implementation costs, the nature, scope, circumstances and purposes of processing, as well as the varying likelihood and severity of threats 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 access, input, transfer, availability and separation. Furthermore, we have established procedures to ensure that data subjects‘ rights are exercised, data is deleted and responses are made to data breaches. Furthermore, we take the protection of personal data into account when developing or selecting hardware, software and procedures in accordance with the principle of data protection, through technology design and data protection-friendly default settings.

Securing online connections with TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): We use TLS/SSL encryption technology to protect user data transmitted via our online services from unauthorised access. 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), protecting the data from unauthorised 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 the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is being transmitted securely and encrypted.

Transfer of personal data[1]

In the course of our processing of personal data, it may happen that this data is transferred or disclosed to other bodies, companies, legally independent organisational units or persons. The recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers commissioned with IT tasks or providers of services and content that are integrated into a website. In such cases, we comply with the legal requirements and, in particular, conclude appropriate contracts or agreements with the recipients of your data to protect your data.

International data transfers[2]

Data processing in third countries: If we transfer 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 the use of third-party services or the disclosure or transfer of data to other persons, agencies or companies (which can be identified by the postal address of the respective provider or if the data protection declaration expressly refers to the transfer of data to third countries), this is always done in accordance with the legal requirements.

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

This double safeguard ensures comprehensive protection of your data: the DPF forms the primary level of protection, while the standard contractual clauses serve as additional security. Should changes arise within the framework of the DPF, the standard contractual clauses serve as a reliable fallback option. In this way, we ensure that your data remains adequately protected even in the event of political or legal changes.

We will inform you whether individual service providers 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 US Department of Commerce website at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/ (in English).

Appropriate security measures apply to data transfers to other third countries, in particular standard contractual clauses, express consent or transfers required by law.

General information on data storage and deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with legal provisions as soon as the underlying consent is revoked or there is no further legal basis for processing. This applies to cases in which the original purpose of processing no longer applies or the data is no longer required. Exceptions to this rule exist if legal obligations or special interests require longer storage 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 data protection information contains additional information on the storage and deletion of data that applies specifically to certain processing procedures.

If there are several specifications regarding the storage period or deletion periods for a piece of data, the longest period shall always apply. We process data that is no longer required for its original purpose but is retained due to legal requirements or other reasons exclusively for the reasons that justify its retention.

Storage and deletion of data: The following general periods apply to storage and archiving under German law:

10 years – retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets and the work instructions and other organisational documents necessary for their understanding (Section 147 (1) No. 1 in conjunction with (3) AO, Section 14b (1) of the German Value Added Tax Act (UStG), Section 257 (1) No. 1 in conjunction with (4) of the German Commercial Code (HGB)).
8 years – accounting documents, such as invoices and expense receipts (Section 147 (1) No. 4 and 4a in conjunction with (3) sentence 1 AO and Section 257 (1) No. 4 in conjunction with (4) HGB).
6 years – Other business documents: commercial or business letters received, copies of commercial or business letters sent, other documents relevant for taxation purposes, e.g. hourly wage slips, operating statement forms, calculation documents, price labels, but also payroll documents, insofar as they are not already accounting documents, and cash register receipts (Section 147 (1) No. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with (3) AO, Section 257 (1) No. 2 and 3 in conjunction with (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 enquiries, based on previous business experience and customary industry practices, is stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (Sections 195, 199 BGB).

Start of the period at the end of the year: If a period does not expressly begin on a specific date and lasts at least one year, it automatically begins at the end of the calendar year in which the event triggering the period occurred. In the case of ongoing contractual relationships in which data is stored, the event triggering the limitation period is the date on which the termination or other termination of the legal relationship takes effect.

Rights of data subjects

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject, you have various rights under the GDPR, which arise in particular from Articles 15 to 21 GDPR:

Right to object: You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. If the personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purpose of such marketing; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.
Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Right to information: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether data concerning you is being processed and to obtain information about this data, as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with the legal requirements.
Right to rectification: In accordance with the legal requirements, you have the right to request the completion of data concerning you or the rectification of inaccurate data concerning you.
Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with legal requirements, you have the right to request that data concerning you be erased immediately or, alternatively, in accordance with legal requirements, to request a restriction on the processing of the data.
Right to data portability: You have the right to receive data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format in accordance with legal requirements, or to request that it be transferred to another controller.
Complaint to 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 relating to you infringes the provisions of the GDPR.

Business services

We process data of our contractual and business partners, e.g. customers and interested parties (collectively referred to as ‘contractual partners’), within the framework of contractual and comparable legal relationships and related measures and with regard to communication with contractual partners (or pre-contractually), for example to respond to enquiries.

We use this data to fulfil our contractual obligations. These include, in particular, the obligations to provide the agreed services, any update obligations and remedies in the event of warranty and other service disruptions. In addition, we use the data to protect our rights and for the purposes of administrative tasks associated with these obligations and for company organisation. We also process the data on the basis of our legitimate interests in proper and economical business management and in security measures to protect our contractual partners and our business operations from misuse, endangerment of their data, secrets, information and rights (e.g. for the involvement of telecommunications, transport and other auxiliary services as well as subcontractors, banks, tax and legal advisors, payment service providers or tax authorities). Within the framework of applicable law, we only pass on the data of contractual partners to third parties to the extent that this is necessary for the aforementioned purposes or to fulfil legal obligations. Contractual partners are informed about other forms of processing, such as for marketing purposes, within the framework of this privacy policy.

We inform contractual partners of the data required for the aforementioned purposes before or during data collection, e.g. in online forms, by means of special markings (e.g. colours) or symbols (e.g. asterisks or similar), or in person.

We delete the data after the expiry of statutory warranty and comparable obligations, i.e. generally after four years, unless the data is stored in a customer account, e.g. as long as it must be retained for archiving purposes for legal reasons (e.g. for tax purposes, usually ten years). We delete data disclosed to us by the contractual partner within the scope of an order in accordance with the specifications and, as a rule, after the end of the order.

Types of data processed: 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 email addresses or telephone numbers). Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).
Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; interested parties. Business and contractual partners.
Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfilment of contractual obligations; communication; office and organisational procedures; organisational and administrative procedures. Business processes and business management procedures.
Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section ‘General information on data storage and deletion’.
Legal bases: Contract fulfilment and pre-contractual enquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR); legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing operations, procedures and services:

Agency services: We process our customers‘ data within the scope of our contractual services, which may include, for example, conceptual and strategic consulting, campaign planning, software and design development/consulting or maintenance, implementation of campaigns and processes, handling, server administration, data analysis/consulting services and training services. Legal basis: Contract fulfilment and pre-contractual enquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b) GDPR).

Provision of online services and web hosting

We process user data in order 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.

Types of data processed: usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, 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); Log data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times). Content data (e.g. text or image messages and posts, as well as information relating to them, such as details of 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; IT infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment (computers, servers, etc.)). Security measures.
Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section ‘General information on data storage and deletion’.
Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Provision of online services on rented storage space: To provide our online services, we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also known as a ‘web host’). Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called ‘server log files’. Server log files may include the address and name of the websites and files accessed, the date and time of access, the amount of data transferred, 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. The server log files can be used for security purposes, e.g. to prevent server overload (especially in the case of malicious attacks, known as DDoS attacks), and to ensure server utilisation and stability; 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 anonymised. Data that must be retained for evidentiary purposes is excluded from deletion until the respective incident has been finally clarified.

Email delivery and hosting: The web hosting services we use also include the sending, receiving and storage of emails. For these purposes, the addresses of the recipients and senders, as well as other information relating to the sending of emails (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 detecting SPAM. Please note that emails are generally not sent in encrypted form on the Internet. As a rule, emails are encrypted during transport, but (unless a so-called end-to-end encryption method is used) not on the servers from which they are sent and received. We therefore cannot accept any responsibility for the transmission path of emails between the sender and the recipient on our server. Legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Host Europe: services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and related services (e.g. storage space and/or computing capacity); service provider: Host Europe GmbH, Hansestrasse 111, 51149 Cologne, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.hosteurope.de; Privacy policy: http://www.hosteurope.de/AGB/Datenschutzerklaerung/. Data processing agreement: https://www.hosteurope.de/Dokumente/.
WordPress.com: Hosting and software for the creation, provision and operation of websites, blogs and other online offerings; Service provider: Automattic A8C Ireland Ltd., Grand Canal Dock, 25 Herbert Pl, Dublin, D02 AY86, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://wordpress.com; Privacy policy: https://automattic.com/de/privacy/; Data processing agreement: https://wordpress.com/support/data-processing-agreements/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), standard contractual clauses (provided by the service provider).

Use of cookies

The term ‘cookies’ refers to functions that store and read information on users‘ end devices. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, such as to ensure the functionality, security and convenience of online services and to analyse visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with legal requirements. To this end, we obtain the consent of users in advance, if necessary. If consent is not necessary, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies if the storage and retrieval of information is essential in order to provide expressly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, the storage of settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online offering. Consent can be revoked at any time. We provide clear information about the scope of cookies and which cookies are used.

Information on the legal basis for data protection: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on consent. If consent has been 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, a distinction is made between the following types of cookies:

Temporary cookies (also known as session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online offer and closed their end device (e.g. browser or mobile application).
Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after the device is closed. This allows, for example, the log-in status to be stored and preferred content to be displayed directly when the user revisits a website. The user data collected with the help of cookies can also be used to measure reach. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g. when obtaining consent), they should assume that these are permanent and that the storage period can be up to two years.

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

Types of data processed: Meta, 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).
Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Processing of cookie data based on consent: We use a consent management solution that obtains the consent of users for the use of cookies or for the processes and providers specified in the consent management solution. This procedure is used to obtain, log, manage and revoke consent, in particular with regard to the use of cookies and similar technologies that are 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 specified in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option of managing and revoking their consent. The declarations of consent are stored in order 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 in order to be able to assign the consent to a specific user or their device. If no specific information is available about the providers of consent management services, the following general information applies: The duration of storage of the consent is up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored together with the time of consent, details of the scope of consent (e.g. relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers) and information about the browser, the system and the end device used; legal basis: consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).

Web analysis, monitoring and optimisation

Web analysis (also known as ‘reach measurement’) is used to evaluate visitor flows to our online offering and may include behaviour, 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 offering or its functions or content are used most frequently, or invite reuse. It also enables us to identify areas that require optimisation.

In addition to web analysis, we may also use testing procedures to test and optimise different versions of our online offering or its components.

Unless otherwise stated below, profiles, i.e. data summarised for a usage process, may be created for these purposes and information may be stored in a browser or on a terminal device and then read out. 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 agreed to the collection of their location data by us or by 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. pseudonymisation by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear data of users (such as email addresses or names) is stored in the context of web analysis, A/B testing and optimisation, but rather pseudonyms. This means that neither we nor the providers of the software used know the actual identity of the users, but only the information stored in their profiles for the purpose of the respective procedures.

Information 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, economical 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). Meta, 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). Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section ‘General information on data storage and deletion’. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (unless otherwise specified, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users‘ devices for a period of two years).
Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymisation of the IP address).
Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, processes and services:

Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to measure and analyse the use of our online offering on the basis of a pseudonymous user identification number. This identification number does not contain any unique data such as names or email addresses. It is used to assign analysis information to a terminal device in order to identify which content users have accessed within one or more usage processes, which search terms they have used, which they have accessed again or with which they have interacted with our online offering. The time and duration of use are also stored, as well as the sources of users who refer to our online offering and technical aspects of their terminal devices and browsers.

Pseudonymous user profiles are created with information from the use of various devices, whereby cookies may be used. Google Analytics does not log or store individual IP addresses for EU users. However, Analytics provides rough geographical 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, IP address data is used exclusively for this derivation of geolocation data before being deleted immediately. It is not logged, is not accessible and is not used for any other purpose. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are performed on EU-based servers before the traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing. 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/intl/de/about/analytics/; Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymisation of the IP address); Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy; Data processing agreement: https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms; Opt-out option: Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for the display of advertisements: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff. Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (types of processing and data processed).

Google Tag Manager: We use Google Tag Manager, a software from Google that allows us to centrally manage so-called website tags via a user interface. Tags are small code elements on our website that serve to record and analyse visitor activity. This technology helps us to improve our website and the content offered on it. Google Tag Manager itself does not create user profiles, store cookies with user profiles or perform independent analyses. Its function is limited to simplifying and streamlining the integration and management of tools and services that we use on our website. Nevertheless, when using Google Tag Manager, the IP address of the user is transmitted to Google, which is necessary for technical reasons in order to implement the services we use. Cookies may also be set in the process. However, this data processing only takes place if services are integrated via Tag Manager. For more detailed information about these services and their data processing, please refer to the relevant sections of this privacy policy; 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; 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).

Plug-ins and embedded functions and content

We integrate functional and content elements into our online offering that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as ‘third-party providers’). These may be graphics, videos or city maps (hereinafter referred to uniformly as ‘content’).

The integration always requires that the third-party providers of this content process the IP address of the users, as they would not be able to send the content to their browsers without the IP address. The IP address is therefore necessary for the display of this content or these functions. We endeavour to use only content whose respective providers use the IP address solely 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. 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 offering, but may also be linked to such information from other sources.

Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, 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).
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/behaviour-based profiling, use of cookies); target group formation; marketing. Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles).
Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section ‘General information on data storage and deletion’. Storage of cookies for up to 2 years (unless otherwise specified, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users‘ devices for a period of two years).
Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods, and services:

LinkedIn plugins and content: This includes, for example, content such as images, videos, or texts and buttons that allow users to share content from this online offering within LinkedIn; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; Data Processing Agreement: https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa; Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://www.linkedin.com/legal/l/dpa). Opt-out option: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

YouTube videos: Video content; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: 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). Opt-out option: Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, Settings for displaying advertising: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.

Xing plugins and buttons: Xing plugins and buttons – this can include content such as images, videos, or texts and buttons that allow users to share content from this online offering within Xing; Service provider: New Work SE, Am Strandkai 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.xing.com. Privacy policy: https://privacy.xing.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung.

Amendment and Updates

We kindly ask you to regularly inform yourself about the content of our privacy policy. We update the privacy policy as soon as changes in the data processing we carry out make this necessary. We will inform you if the changes require a cooperation on your part (e.g. consent) or other individual notification.

If we specify addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this privacy policy, please note that these addresses may change over time and we ask you to verify the information before making contact.

Definitions of Terms

In this section, you will find an overview of the terminology used in this privacy policy. Where terms are defined by law, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations are primarily intended to aid understanding.

Master Data: Master data includes essential information necessary for identifying and managing contractual partners, user accounts, profiles, and similar assignments. This data can include personal and demographic details such as names, contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses), dates of birth, and specific identifiers (user IDs). Master data forms the basis for any formal interaction between people and services, institutions, or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.

Content Data: Content data comprises information generated in the course of creating, editing, and publishing all kinds of content. This category of data may 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 but also includes metadata providing information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author details, and publication dates.

Contact Data: Contact data is essential information that enables communication with individuals or organizations. This includes, among other things, telephone numbers, postal addresses, and email addresses, as well as communication means such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.

Meta, Communication, and Process Data: Meta, communication, and process data are categories that contain information about how 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. This can involve details such as file size, creation date, document author, and revision history. Communication data records the exchange of information between users via various channels, such as email correspondence, call logs, messages on social networks, and chat histories, including the participants involved, timestamps, and transmission paths. Process data describes the procedures and workflows within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, records of transactions and activities, as well as audit logs used for tracking and reviewing operations.

Usage Data: Usage data refers to information that captures how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. This data covers a wide range of information showing how users utilize applications, which functions they prefer, how long they spend on specific pages, and how they navigate through an application. Usage data may also include frequency of use, activity timestamps, IP addresses, device information, and location data. Such data is especially 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” is all 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 simply “profiles,” includes any type of automated processing of personal data in which this personal data is used to analyze, evaluate, or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include various information concerning demographics, behavior, and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes.

Log Data: Log data is information about events or activities recorded within a system or network. This data typically contains details such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other information concerning the use or operation of a system. Log data is often used for system problem analysis, security monitoring, or performance reporting.

Reach Measurement: Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to assess the visitor flows of an online offering and may include the behavior or interests of visitors in certain information, such as website content. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online offerings can, for example, recognize when users visit their websites and which content they are interested in. This enables them to better adapt website content to visitors’ needs. 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 usage of an online offering.

Tracking: “Tracking” refers to the ability to observe user behavior across multiple online offerings. Typically, behavioral and interest-related information regarding the online offerings used is stored in cookies or on the servers of technology providers (also known as profiling). This information can then, for example, be used to display advertisements to users that are likely to match their interests.

Controller: A “controller” is the natural or legal person, authority, institution, or other body who, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.

Processing: “Processing” is any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and covers virtually any handling of data, including collection, analysis, storage, transmission, or deletion.

Contract Data: Contract data is specific information relating to the formalization of an agreement between two or more parties. It documents the terms under which services or products are provided, exchanged, or sold. This category of data is essential for managing and fulfilling contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the parties and the specific conditions and terms of the agreement. Contract data may include contract start and end dates, the type of agreed services or products, price arrangements, payment terms, cancellation rights, renewal options, and special conditions or clauses. It serves as the 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 encompasses all information necessary for the processing of payment transactions between buyers and sellers. This data is vital for e-commerce, online banking, and any other form of financial transaction. It includes details such as credit card numbers, bank account information, payment amounts, transaction data, verification numbers, and billing information. Payment data may also include information on payment status, chargebacks, authorizations, and fees.

Audience Formation: Audience formation (English: “Custom Audiences”) refers to the process of determining audiences for advertising purposes, such as the display of ads. For example, based on a user’s interest in certain products or topics on the internet, it can be inferred that this user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online shop where the products were viewed. “Lookalike Audiences” are, in turn, audiences to whom content is displayed that is considered suitable and whose profiles or interests are presumed to resemble those for whom the original profiles were created. For custom audiences and lookalike audiences, cookies and web beacons are generally used.

Oberhausen, August 2025

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