en

Legal Notice, Privacy Policy

Legal Notice 

NETZWERK INDUSTRIE KOMPETENZ e.V.
c/o Dr. Krieger & Kollegen GmbH
Trödelmarkt 40
90403 Nuremberg
Germany

Represented by the Executive Board pursuant to Section 26 of the German Civil Code (BGB):
Eberhard Büttner (Chairman),
Dr. Georg Krieger (Vice Chairman),
Kerstin Reuter (Treasurer).

The association is jointly represented by any two members of the Executive Board.

Register Entry
The association is registered in the Register of Associations at the Local Court of Nuremberg under registration number VR 203202.

Responsible for content pursuant to Section 18 (2) of the German State Media Treaty (MStV):
Eberhard Büttner
c/o Dr. Krieger & Kollegen GmbH
Trödelmarkt 40
90403 Nuremberg
Germany

Email: info@netzwerkindustriekompetenz.de 

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Preamble

With the following Privacy Policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to simply 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, in particular, on our websites, in mobile applications, and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "online offering").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Last updated: March 20, 2026

Controller

Eberhard Büttner
c/o Dr. Krieger & Kollegen GmbH
Trödelmarkt 40
90403 Nuremberg
Germany

Authorized representatives: Eberhard Büttner (Chairman), Dr. Georg Krieger (Vice Chairman), Kerstin Reuter (Treasurer)

Email address: info@netzwerkindustriekompetenz.de

Overview of Processing Activities

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

Types of data processed

  • Master data
  • Employee data
  • Payment data
  • Contact data
  • Content data
  • Contract data
  • Usage data
  • Meta, communication, and procedural data
  • Log data
  • Member data

Categories of data subjects

  • Employees
  • Prospective customers / interested parties
  • Communication partners
  • Users
  • Members
  • Third parties
  • Whistleblowers

Purposes of processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations
  • Communication
  • Security measures
  • Reach measurement
  • Organizational and administrative procedures
  • Feedback
  • Profiles with user-related information
  • Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness
  • Information technology infrastructure
  • Public relations and informational purposes
  • Whistleblower protection
  • Public relations
  • 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 country of residence or establishment and in our country of residence or establishment. If more specific legal bases are relevant in individual cases, we will inform you of these in this Privacy Policy.

  • Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR) – The data subject has given consent to the processing of personal data concerning him or her for one or more specific purposes.
  • Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Legal obligation (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. c GDPR) – Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights, and freedoms of the data subject requiring the protection of personal data do not override those interests.
  • Membership agreement (Articles of Association) (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

National data protection regulations in Germany

In addition to the data protection provisions of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. This includes, in particular, the German Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG). The BDSG contains, in particular, special provisions on the right of access, the right to erasure, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes, and transmission, as well as automated decision-making in individual cases, including profiling. In addition, the data protection laws of the individual German federal states may apply.

Security Measures

In accordance with the statutory requirements, taking into account the state of the art, implementation costs, and the nature, scope, circumstances, and purposes of processing, as well as the varying likelihood and severity of the risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, we implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of protection appropriate to the risk.

These measures include, in particular, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data, as well as access relating to input, disclosure, safeguarding availability, and separation of the data. Furthermore, we have established procedures to ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the deletion of data, and responses to threats to data. In addition, we take the protection of personal data into account as early as the development or selection of hardware, software, and procedures, in accordance with the principle of data protection by design and by default.

Securing online connections through TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS):
In order to protect users' 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 transmitted between the website or app and the user's browser (or between two servers), thereby protecting the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the 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 in encrypted form.

Transfer of Personal Data

As part of our processing of personal data, it may happen that such data is transferred to, or disclosed to, other bodies, companies, legally independent organizational units, or persons. Recipients of this data may include, for example, service providers entrusted with IT tasks or providers of services and content integrated into a website. In such cases, we observe the statutory requirements and, in particular, conclude corresponding contracts or agreements with the recipients of your data that serve to protect your data.

Data transfer within the organization:
We may transfer personal data to other departments or units within our organization or grant them access to such data. If the disclosure of data takes place for administrative purposes, it is based on our legitimate business and commercial interests, or it takes place if it is necessary for the fulfillment of our contractual obligations, or if the data subjects have given their consent, or where permitted by law.

International Data Transfers

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, entities, or companies (which is evident from the postal address of the respective provider or where the Privacy Policy expressly refers to data transfer to third countries), this is always done in accordance with the statutory requirements.

For data transfers to the United States, we primarily rely on the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), which was recognized as a secure legal framework by an adequacy decision of the European Commission dated July 10, 2023. In addition, we have concluded Standard Contractual Clauses with the respective providers that comply with the requirements of the European Commission and establish contractual obligations for the protection of your data.

This dual safeguard ensures comprehensive protection of your data: the DPF forms the primary level of protection, while the Standard Contractual Clauses serve as an additional safeguard. Should changes occur within the framework of the DPF, the Standard Contractual Clauses will serve as a reliable fallback option. In this way, we ensure that your data remains adequately protected at all times, even in the event of political or legal changes.

With the individual service providers, we inform you whether they are certified under the DPF and whether Standard Contractual Clauses are in place. Further information on the DPF and a list of certified companies can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/ (in English).

For data transfers to other third countries, corresponding safeguards apply, in particular Standard Contractual Clauses, explicit consent, or transfers required by law. Information on third-country transfers and applicable adequacy decisions can be found in the information provided by the European Commission: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en?prefLang=de.

General Information on Data Storage and Deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with the statutory provisions as soon as the underlying consents are withdrawn or no further legal bases for the processing exist. This applies to cases where the original purpose of processing no longer applies or the data is no longer required. Exceptions to this rule exist where statutory obligations or special interests require 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 for 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 apply specifically to particular processing activities.

If several retention periods or deletion deadlines are stated for one item of data, the longest period always applies. Data that is no longer retained for the originally intended purpose but due to legal requirements or other reasons is processed exclusively for the reasons justifying its retention.

Retention and deletion of data

The following general periods apply to retention and archiving under German law:

  • 10 years – Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, as well as the work instructions and other organizational documents required to understand them (Section 147 para. 1 no. 1 in conjunction with para. 3 AO, Section 14b para. 1 UStG, Section 257 para. 1 no. 1 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
  • 8 years – Accounting records, such as invoices and expense receipts (Section 147 para. 1 nos. 4 and 4a in conjunction with para. 3 sentence 1 AO and Section 257 para. 1 no. 4 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
  • 6 years – Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, and other documents insofar as they are relevant for taxation, e.g., wage slips, cost accounting sheets, calculation documents, price markings, as well as payroll records unless already accounting records, and cash register tapes (Section 147 para. 1 nos. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with para. 3 AO, Section 257 para. 1 nos. 2 and 3 in conjunction with para. 4 HGB).
  • 3 years – Data required to consider potential warranty and damages claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practice, are stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (Sections 195, 199 BGB).

Start of period at the end of the year:
If a period does not expressly begin on a specific date and is at least one year long, 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 within the framework of which data is stored, the event triggering the period is the date on which termination or other ending of the legal relationship becomes effective.

Rights of Data Subjects

Rights of data subjects under the GDPR

As a data subject, you have various rights under the GDPR, arising in particular from Articles 15 to 21 GDPR:

  • Right to object: You have the right, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you that is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e or f GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on those provisions. Where personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, including profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw any consent given at any time.
  • Right of access: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether data concerning you is being processed and to obtain access to such data, as well as further information and a copy of the data, in accordance with the statutory requirements.
  • Right to rectification: You have the right, in accordance with the statutory requirements, to request completion of data concerning you or correction of inaccurate data concerning you.
  • Right to erasure and restriction of processing: In accordance with the statutory requirements, you have the right to request that data concerning you be erased without undue delay, or alternatively, to request restriction of processing of the data.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the data concerning you that you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, in accordance with the statutory requirements, or to request its transmission to another controller.
  • Complaint to a supervisory authority: Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, your place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.
  • Performance of Duties under the Articles of Association or Rules of Procedure

We process the data of our members, supporters, interested parties, business partners, or other persons (collectively, "data subjects") if we maintain a membership relationship or other business relationship with them and perform our duties, and if they are recipients of services or benefits. Otherwise, we process the data of data subjects on the basis of our legitimate interests, for example if administrative tasks or public relations are concerned.

The data processed in this context, the type, scope, purpose, and necessity of their processing are determined by the underlying membership or contractual relationship, which also determines the necessity of providing any data (otherwise, we indicate required data).

We delete data that is no longer required for the performance of our statutory and business purposes. This is determined according to the respective tasks and contractual relationships. We retain the data for as long as it may be relevant for business processing and with regard to any warranty or liability obligations based on our legitimate interests in regulating them. The necessity of retaining the data is regularly reviewed; otherwise, the statutory retention obligations apply.

Types of data processed:
Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); member data (e.g., personal data such as name, age, gender, contact details (email address, phone number), membership number, information on membership fees, participation in events, etc.); payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history).

Data subjects: Members; interested parties; communication partners.
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; public relations and informational purposes.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); membership agreement (Articles of Association) (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services

Events and organizational operations:
Planning, conducting, and follow-up of events as well as the general operation of activities under the Articles of Association. Planning includes the collection and processing of participant data, coordination of logistical requirements, and determination of the event agenda. Conducting events includes managing participant registration, updating participant information during the event, and recording attendance and participant activities. Follow-up includes analysis of participant data for evaluating event success, preparing reports, and archiving relevant event information. General organizational operations include managing member data, communicating with members and interested parties, and organizing internal meetings and sessions; legal bases: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR), membership agreement (Articles of Association) (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Public relations:
Procedures include the preparation and distribution of informational materials, maintenance of contact data for press and media relations, and the organization and conduct of press conferences and public events. Preparing informational materials includes collecting and processing information for press releases, newsletters, reports, and other publications. Distribution takes place via digital and traditional channels, including email distribution lists, websites, and social media. Maintaining contact data includes the collection and updating of media contact data and other relevant stakeholder groups. Organizing press conferences and events includes planning and conducting these events, invitation management, and coordination of event logistics. Interaction with media and stakeholders takes place through direct communication with journalists, bloggers, and other opinion leaders, responding to inquiries, and providing information; legal bases: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR), membership agreement (Articles of Association) (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Provision of the Online Offering and Web Hosting

We process users' 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 users' browser or device.

Types of data processed:
Usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, 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, timestamps, 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., textual or visual messages and posts and information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices such as computers, servers, etc.); security measures; provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services

Provision of the online offering on rented server space:
For the provision of our online offering, we use storage space, computing capacity, and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from a corresponding server provider (also referred to as a "web host"); legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. 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." The server log files may include the address and name of the retrieved web pages and files, date and time of retrieval, transferred data volumes, notification of successful retrieval, 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 may be used, on the one hand, for security purposes, for example to avoid overloading the servers (especially in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and, on the other hand, to ensure the utilization and stability of the servers; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. 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 exempt from deletion until the respective incident has been finally clarified.

Email transmission and hosting:
The web hosting services we use also include the sending, receipt, and storage of emails. For these purposes, the addresses of recipients and senders, as well as further information relating to email transmission (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 sent via the internet are generally not encrypted. As a rule, emails are encrypted during transmission, but (unless end-to-end encryption is used) not on the servers from which they are sent and received. Therefore, we cannot assume responsibility for the transmission route of emails between the sender and receipt on our server; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Webnode: Hosting and software for the creation, provision, and operation of websites and online stores; service provider: Webnode AG, Gartenstrasse 3, 6304 Zug, Switzerland; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); website: https://www.webnode.com/de/; Privacy Policy: https://www.webnode.com/de/datenschutzerklaerung/.

Use of Cookies

The term "cookies" refers to functions that store information on users' devices and read it from those devices. Cookies may also be used for different purposes, for example for the functionality, security, and convenience of online offerings and for creating analyses of visitor flows. We use cookies in accordance with the statutory provisions. Where required, we obtain users' consent in advance. If consent is not necessary, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies if storing and reading information is indispensable in order to provide expressly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, storing settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online offering. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. We clearly inform users about its scope and which cookies are used.

Notes on data protection legal bases:
Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on consent. If consent has been given, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, as 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 no later than when a user leaves an online offering and closes his or her device (e.g., browser or mobile application).
  • Permanent cookies: Permanent cookies remain stored even after the device is closed. For example, the login status may be stored and preferred content displayed directly when the user visits a website again. Likewise, user data collected using cookies may be used for reach measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage period of cookies (e.g., in the context of obtaining consent), users should assume that they are permanent and that the storage period may be up to two years.

General information on withdrawal and objection (opt-out):
Users may withdraw any consent they have given at any time and may also object to the processing in accordance with the statutory requirements, including by means of the privacy settings of their browser.

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

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services

Processing of cookie data on the basis of consent:
We use a consent management solution in which users' consent to the use of cookies or to the procedures and providers named within the consent management solution is obtained. This procedure serves to obtain, log, manage, and withdraw consent, in particular with regard to the use of cookies and comparable technologies used to store, read, and process information on users' devices. Within the scope of this procedure, users' consent is obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing activities and providers named in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consent. The declarations of consent are stored in order to avoid a renewed request 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 his or her device. Unless specific information is provided regarding 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 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, the system, and the device used; legal basis: consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR).

Registration, Login, and User Account

Users may create a user account. During registration, the required mandatory information is communicated to users and processed for the purpose of providing the user account on the basis of contractual performance obligations. The data processed includes, in particular, login information (username, password, and an email address).

When using our registration and login functions and when using the user account, we store the IP address and the time of the respective user action. Storage takes place on the basis of our legitimate interests as well as those of users in protection against misuse and other unauthorized use. As a matter of principle, these data are not passed on to third parties unless this is necessary to pursue our claims or there is a legal obligation to do so.

Users may be informed by email about processes relevant to their user account, such as technical changes.

Types of data processed:
Master data (e.g., full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts and information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); log data (e.g., log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; security measures; organizational and administrative procedures; provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion"; deletion after termination.
Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services

Registration with real names:
Due to the nature of our community, we ask users to use our offering only under their real names. This means that the use of pseudonyms is not permitted; legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

User profiles are not public:
User profiles are not publicly visible and not publicly accessible.

Deletion of data after termination:
If users have terminated their user account, their data with regard to the user account will be deleted, subject to a legal permission, obligation, or consent of the users; legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

No retention obligation for data:
Users are responsible for securing their data before the end of the contract if termination has taken place. We are entitled to irretrievably delete all user data stored during the term of the contract; legal basis: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Contact and Inquiry Management

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

Types of data processed:
Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts and information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Communication partners.
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form); provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services

Contact form:
When contacting us via our contact form, by email, or by other means of communication, we process the personal data transmitted to us for the purpose of responding to and handling the respective request. This generally includes information such as name, contact information, and, if applicable, further information communicated to us that is necessary for proper handling. We use these data exclusively for the stated purpose of contact and communication; legal bases: performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. b GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Web Analysis, Monitoring, and Optimization

Web analysis (also referred to as "reach measurement") serves to evaluate the visitor flows of our online offering 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 offering or its functions or content are used most frequently, or invite reuse. It also allows us to understand which areas require optimization.

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

Unless otherwise stated below, profiles, i.e., data combined for one usage process, may be created for these purposes and information may be stored in a browser or on a device and then read. The information collected includes, in particular, websites visited and the 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 vis-à-vis us or vis-à-vis the providers of the services used by us, location data may also be processed.

In addition, users' IP addresses are stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e., pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear data of users (such as email addresses or names) is stored in the context of web analysis, A/B testing, and optimization, but only 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.

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, the 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 refer you to the information on the use of cookies in this Privacy Policy.

Types of data processed:
Usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, 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, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).

Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Reach measurement (e.g., access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles); provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
Retention 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 stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users' devices for a period of two years).
Security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
Legal bases: Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services

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

Pseudonymous user profiles are created using 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 coarse geographic location data by deriving the following metadata from IP addresses: city (and the derived latitude and longitude of the city), continent, country, region, subcontinent (and ID-based counterparts). For EU traffic, IP address data is used solely for this derivation of geolocation data before being deleted immediately. It is not logged, is not accessible, and is not used for any further purposes. When Google Analytics collects measurement data, all IP queries are carried out on EU-based servers before traffic is forwarded to Analytics servers for processing; service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; legal basis: consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR); website: https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/de/about/analytics/; security measures: IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address); Privacy Policy: https://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); opt-out option: opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de, settings for display of advertising: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff. Further information: https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ (types of processing and data processed).

Presences in Social Networks (Social Media)

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

Please note that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This may result in risks for users, for example because enforcement of users' rights may be more difficult.

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

For a detailed description of the respective forms of processing and the options to object (opt-out), we refer to the privacy policies and information provided by 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 most effectively be asserted with the providers. Only they have access to the user data and can directly take corresponding measures and provide information. If you nevertheless need help, you can contact us.

Types of data processed:
Contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts and information concerning them, such as information on authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g., page views and time spent, 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 and legitimate interests: Communication; feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form); public relations.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General Information on Data Storage and Deletion."
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR).

Further information on processing activities, procedures, and services

LinkedIn:
Social network – We are jointly responsible with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company for the collection (but not the further processing) of visitor data used to create the "Page Insights" (statistics) of our LinkedIn profiles. These data include information on the types of content users view or interact with and the actions taken by them. In addition, details on the devices used are collected, such as IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, and cookie data, as well as information from user profiles, such as job function, country, industry, hierarchy level, company size, and employment status. Data protection information on the processing of user data by LinkedIn can be found in LinkedIn's Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy.

We have concluded a special agreement with LinkedIn Ireland ("Page Insights Joint Controller Addendum", https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum), which particularly regulates which security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill data subject rights (i.e., users can, for example, address access or deletion requests directly to LinkedIn). Users' rights (in particular the right of access, deletion, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with LinkedIn. Joint controllership is limited to the collection and transmission of data to LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, in particular with regard to the transfer of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the United States; service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Dublin 2, Ireland; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR); website: https://www.linkedin.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy; basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://legal.linkedin.com/dpa); opt-out option: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.

Changes and Updates

We ask you to regularly inform yourself about the contents of our Privacy Policy. We adapt the Privacy Policy as soon as changes in the data processing carried out by us make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require an act of cooperation on your part (e.g., consent) or any other individual notification.

If we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this Privacy Policy, please note that addresses may change over time and ask that you verify the information before contacting them.

Definitions

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

Employees: Employees are persons who are in an employment relationship, whether as staff members, employees, or in similar positions. An employment relationship is a legal relationship between an employer and an employee, established by an employment contract or agreement. It includes the employer's obligation to pay remuneration while the employee performs work. The employment relationship includes various phases, including its establishment, during which the employment contract is concluded, its execution, during which the employee performs his or her work, and its termination, when the employment relationship ends, whether by notice, termination agreement, or otherwise. Employee data is all information relating to these persons in the context of their employment. This includes aspects such as personal identification data, identification numbers, salary and bank data, working hours, vacation entitlements, health data, and performance evaluations.

Master data: Master data includes essential information necessary for the identification and administration 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, email addresses), dates of birth, and specific identifiers (user IDs). Master data forms the basis for any formal interaction between persons and services, facilities, or systems by enabling clear assignment and communication.

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

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

Meta, communication, and procedural data: Meta, communication, and procedural data are categories containing information on the way data is processed, transmitted, and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information describing the context, origin, and structure of other data. It may include information about file size, creation date, the author of a document, and modification history. Communication data records the exchange of information between users across various channels, such as email traffic, call logs, messages in social networks, and chat histories, including the persons involved, timestamps, and transmission routes. Procedural data describes the processes and workflows within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, records of transactions and activities, and audit logs used to trace and review operations.

Member data: Member data includes information relating to individuals who are part of an organization, association, online service, or other group. These data serve to manage memberships, enable communication, and provide services or benefits associated with membership. Member data may include personal identification information, contact information, information on membership status and duration, membership fee payments, participation in events and activities, as well as preferences and interests. It may also include data about the use of the organization's offerings. The collection and processing of these data takes place in compliance with data protection regulations and serves both administrative handling and the promotion of member engagement and satisfaction.

Usage data: Usage data refers to information that records how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. These data include a broad range of information showing how users use applications, which functions they prefer, how long they stay on certain pages, and which paths they take through an application. Usage data may also include frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information, and location data. They are 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 possible 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 factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.

Profiles with user-related information: Processing of "profiles with user-related information," or "profiles" for short, includes any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of such 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., for example interests in certain content or products, click behavior on a website, or location). Cookies and web beacons are frequently used for profiling purposes.

Log data: Log data is information about events or activities that have been logged in a system or network. These data typically contain information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other details about the use or operation of a system. Log data is often used to analyze system problems, for security monitoring, or to generate performance reports.

Reach measurement: Reach measurement (also referred to as web analytics) serves to evaluate 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 at what time users visit their websites and which content is of interest to them. This enables them, for example, to better adapt website content to the needs of their visitors. For the purposes of reach analysis, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used in order to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online offering.

Controller: "Controller" means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.

Processing: "Processing" means any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and covers practically any handling of data, whether collection, evaluation, 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 the management and fulfillment of contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data may include start and end dates of the contract, the type of agreed services or products, price agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options, and special terms 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 includes all information required to process payment transactions between buyers and sellers. These data are of decisive importance for electronic commerce, online banking, and any other form of financial transaction. They include details such as credit card numbers, bank details, payment amounts, transaction dates, verification numbers, and billing information. Payment data may also include information on payment status, chargebacks, authorizations, and fees.

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