Privacy Policy

1) Introduction and Contact Details of the Controller

1.1 We are pleased that you are visiting our website and thank you for your interest. In the following, we inform you about the handling of your personal data when using our website. Personal data is any data by which you can be personally identified.

1.2 The controller responsible for data processing on this website within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is AC Motoren GmbH, Einsteinstr., 17, 64859 Eppertshausen, Germany, Tel.: 060714988767, Email: info@ac-motoren.de. The controller responsible for the processing of personal data is the natural or legal person who alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.

1.3 The controller has appointed a data protection officer, who can be contacted as follows: "DDI - Deutsches Datenschutz Institut GmbH, Hessenring 71, 61348 Bad Homburg, datenschutz@ac-motoren.de, +49 607149887"

2) Data Collection When Visiting Our Website

2.1 When using our website for informational purposes only, i.e. if you do not register or otherwise transmit information to us, we only collect such data that your browser transmits to the page server (so-called “server log files”). When you access our website, we collect the following data, which is technically necessary for us to display the website to you:

Our visited website
Date and time at the time of access
Amount of data sent in bytes
Source/reference from which you reached the page
Browser used
Operating system used
IP address used (if applicable: in anonymized form)

The processing is carried out in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR on the basis of our legitimate interest in improving the stability and functionality of our website. The data will not be passed on or used in any other way. However, we reserve the right to subsequently review the server log files should there be concrete indications of unlawful use.

2.2 For security reasons and to protect the transmission of personal data and other confidential content (e.g. orders or inquiries to the controller), this website uses SSL or TLS encryption. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the character string “https://” and the lock symbol in your browser line.

3) Hosting & Content Delivery Network

For the hosting of our website and the display of the page content, we use a provider that performs its services itself or through selected subcontractors exclusively on servers within the European Union.

All data collected on our website is processed on these servers.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

4) Cookies

In order to make the visit to our website attractive and to enable the use of certain functions, we use cookies, i.e. small text files that are stored on your end device. Some of these cookies are automatically deleted again after closing the browser (so-called “session cookies”), while others remain on your end device for longer and enable the storage of page settings (so-called “persistent cookies”). In the latter case, you can find the storage duration in the overview of the cookie settings of your web browser.

Insofar as personal data is also processed by individual cookies used by us, the processing is carried out in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR either for the performance of the contract, in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR in the case of consent given, or in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR to safeguard our legitimate interests in the best possible functionality of the website as well as a customer-friendly and effective design of the website visit.

You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies and can decide individually on their acceptance or exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general.

Please note that the functionality of our website may be restricted if cookies are not accepted.

5) Contacting Us

5.1 OTRS

To process customer inquiries, we use the email ticketing system of the following provider: OTRS AG, Zimmersmühlenweg 11, 61440 Oberursel, Germany

If you submit contact inquiries to us by email via our website, these are stored and organized in the ticket system in order to enable chronological processing and improve the service experience. You can always view the current status of the processing of your request using the individually assigned ticket number.

For the organization and processing of inquiries, personal data is collected according to the scope of its provision, but in any case name, first name, and email address, transmitted to the provider, stored there, and read out.

The legal basis for the processing of this data is our legitimate interest in the efficient organization of our customer service, the fastest possible response to your request, and the optimization of our service offering in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

5.2 WhatsApp Business

You have the option of contacting us via the WhatsApp messaging service of WhatsApp Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland. For this purpose, we use the so-called “Business version” of WhatsApp.

If you contact us via WhatsApp in connection with a specific transaction (for example an order placed), we store and use the mobile phone number you use with WhatsApp and – if provided – your first and last name in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b. GDPR to process and respond to your request. On the basis of the same legal basis, we may ask you via WhatsApp to provide further data (order number, customer number, address or email address) in order to assign your inquiry to a specific process.

If you use our WhatsApp contact for general inquiries (for example about our range of services, availabilities, or our website), we store and use the mobile phone number you use with WhatsApp and – if provided – your first and last name in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR on the basis of our legitimate interest in the efficient and timely provision of the desired information.

Your data will always be used only to respond to your request via WhatsApp. It will not be passed on to third parties.

Please note that WhatsApp Business gains access to the address book of the mobile end device we use for this purpose and automatically transmits telephone numbers stored in the address book to a server of the parent company Meta Platforms Inc. in the USA. For the operation of our WhatsApp Business account, we use a mobile end device in whose address book only the WhatsApp contact data of those users is stored who have also contacted us via WhatsApp.

This ensures that every person whose WhatsApp contact data is stored in our address book has already consented, upon first use of the app on their device by accepting the WhatsApp terms of use, to the transmission of their WhatsApp telephone number from the address books of their chat contacts in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. A transmission of data of such users who do not use WhatsApp and/or have not contacted us via WhatsApp is thus excluded.

For the purpose and scope of data collection and the further processing and use of the data by WhatsApp as well as your related rights and settings options for protecting your privacy, please refer to WhatsApp’s privacy policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/?eea=1#privacy-policy

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which protects the data of our website visitors and prohibits disclosure to third parties.

Within the scope of the above-mentioned processing operations, data may be transferred to servers of Meta Platforms Inc. in the USA.

For data transfers to the USA, the provider has joined the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which ensures compliance with the European level of data protection on the basis of an adequacy decision by the European Commission.

5.3 Within the scope of contacting us (e.g. via contact form or email), personal data is collected. Which data is collected in the event of the use of a contact form can be seen from the respective contact form. This data is stored and used exclusively for the purpose of answering your request or for contacting you and the associated technical administration.

The legal basis for the processing of this data is our legitimate interest in answering your request in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If your contact is aimed at concluding a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR. Your data will be deleted after your inquiry has been finally processed. This is the case if it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified and provided that there are no statutory retention obligations to the contrary.

6) Registration on the Website

You can register on our website by providing personal data. Which personal data is processed for registration is determined by the input mask used for registration. We use the so-called double opt-in procedure for registration, i.e. your registration is only completed once you have previously confirmed your registration by clicking on the link contained in a confirmation email sent to you for this purpose. If your confirmation is not received within 24 hours, your registration will be automatically deleted from our database. The provision of the aforementioned data is mandatory. All further information can be provided voluntarily by using our portal.

If you use our portal, we store your data required for contract fulfillment, including any information on payment method, until you finally delete your access. Furthermore, we store the voluntary data provided by you for the duration of your use of the portal, unless you delete it beforehand. You can manage and change all information in the protected customer area. The legal basis is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

In addition, we store all content published by you (such as public posts, wall entries, guestbook entries, etc.) in order to operate the website. We have a legitimate interest in providing the website with the complete user-generated content. The legal basis for this is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If you delete your account, your public statements, especially in the forum, will remain visible to all readers, but your account will no longer be accessible. All other data will be deleted in this case.

7) Use of Customer Data for Direct Advertising

7.1 Sending the Email Newsletter to Existing Customers

If you have provided us with your email address when purchasing goods or services, we reserve the right to regularly send you offers by email for similar goods or services from our range as those already purchased. For this purpose, we do not need to obtain separate consent from you in accordance with Section 7 para. 3 UWG. In this respect, data processing is carried out solely on the basis of our legitimate interest in personalized direct advertising in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If you initially objected to the use of your email address for this purpose, no emails will be sent by us.

You are entitled to object at any time with effect for the future to the use of your email address for the aforementioned advertising purpose by sending a message to the controller named at the beginning. For this, you will only incur transmission costs according to the basic tariffs. Upon receipt of your objection, the use of your email address for advertising purposes will be discontinued immediately.

7.2 Rapidmail

Our email newsletters are sent via the following provider: rapidmail GmbH, Wentzingerstraße 21, 79106 Freiburg, Germany

On the basis of our legitimate interest in effective and user-friendly newsletter marketing, we pass on the data you provide when registering for the newsletter to this provider in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR so that the provider can handle the newsletter dispatch on our behalf.

Subject to your express consent in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR, the provider also carries out a statistical success evaluation of newsletter campaigns using web beacons or tracking pixels in the emails sent, which can measure open rates and specific interactions with the content of the newsletter. End device information (e.g. time of access, IP address, browser type and operating system) is also collected and evaluated, but not merged with other data sets.
You can revoke your consent to newsletter tracking at any time with effect for the future.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which protects the data of our website visitors and prohibits disclosure to third parties.

8) Web Analysis Services

8.1 Google Analytics 4

This website uses Google Analytics 4, a web analytics service of Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, 4 Barrow St, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland ("Google"), which enables an analysis of your use of our website.

By default, cookies are set by Google Analytics 4 when visiting the website, which are stored as small text elements on your end device and collect certain information. The scope of this information also includes your IP address, which is, however, shortened by Google by the last digits in order to exclude a direct personal reference.

The information is transferred to Google servers and further processed there. Transfers to Google LLC based in the USA are also possible.

Google uses the information collected on our behalf to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activity for us, and to provide other services associated with website use and internet use. The shortened IP address transmitted by your browser within the scope of Google Analytics is not merged with other Google data. The data collected in the context of the use of Google Analytics 4 is stored for a period of two months and then deleted.

All processing described above, in particular the setting of cookies on the end device used, only takes place if you have given us your express consent for this in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
Without your consent, Google Analytics 4 will not be used during your visit to the website. You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future. To exercise your right of revocation, please deactivate this service via the “cookie consent tool” provided on the website.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with Google, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

Further legal information on Google Analytics 4 can be found at https://business.safety.google/intl/de/privacy/, https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de&gl=de and at https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

Demographic characteristics
Google Analytics 4 uses the special “demographic characteristics” function and can use it to create statistics that make statements about the age, gender, and interests of website visitors. This is done through the analysis of advertising and information from third parties. This allows target groups for marketing activities to be identified. However, the collected data cannot be assigned to any specific person and is deleted after being stored for a period of two months.

Google Signals
As an extension of Google Analytics 4, Google Signals may be used on this website in order to create cross-device reports. If you have activated personalized ads and linked your devices to your Google account, Google may, subject to your consent to the use of Google Analytics in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR, analyze your usage behavior across devices and create database models, including for cross-device conversions. We do not receive any personal data from Google, only statistics. If you want to stop the cross-device analysis, you can deactivate the "Personalized Advertising" function in the settings of your Google account. To do this, follow the instructions on this page: https://support.google.com/My-Ad-Center-Help/answer/12155764?hl=de
Further information on Google Signals can be found at the following link: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/7532985?hl=de

UserIDs
As an extension of Google Analytics 4, the "UserIDs" function may be used on this website. If you have consented to the use of Google Analytics 4 in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR, created an account on this website, and log in to this account on different devices, your activities, including conversions, can be analyzed across devices.

8.2 Google Tag Manager

This website uses “Google Tag Manager”, a service of the following provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland (hereinafter: “Google”).

Google Tag Manager provides a technical basis for bundling various web applications, including tracking and analysis services, and being able to calibrate, control, and link them to conditions via a uniform user interface. Google Tag Manager itself does not store any information on user end devices or read it out. The service also does not carry out any independent data analyses. However, when the page is accessed, your IP address is transmitted to Google by Google Tag Manager and may be stored there. A transfer to servers of Google LLC. in the USA is also possible.

This processing is only carried out if you have given us your express consent for this in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. Without this consent, Google Tag Manager will not be used during your visit to the website. You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future. To exercise your revocation, please deactivate this service in the “cookie consent tool” provided on the website.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

Further legal information on Google Tag Manager can be found at https://business.safety.google/intl/de/privacy/ and https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de&gl=de

8.3 Hotjar

This website uses the web analytics service of the following provider: Hotjar Ltd, Level 2, St Julians Business Centre, 3, Elia Zammit Street, St Julians STJ 1000, Malta

With the help of cookies and/or comparable technologies (tracking pixels, web beacons, algorithms for reading end device and browser information), the service collects and stores pseudonymized visitor data, including information on the end device used such as the IP address and browser information, in order to evaluate it for statistical analyses of user behavior on our website and to create pseudonymized user profiles. Among other things, this makes it possible to evaluate movement patterns (so-called heatmaps), which show the duration of page visits as well as interactions with page content (e.g. text entries, scrolling, clicks, and mouse-overs). Pseudonymization generally excludes a direct personal reference. No merging with clear data about your person collected in other ways takes place.

All processing described above, in particular the reading or storage of information on the end device used, is only carried out if you have given us your express consent for this in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future by deactivating this service in the “cookie consent tool” provided on the website.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

8.4 Shopware Analytics

This website uses the web analytics service of the following provider: shopware AG, Ebbinghoff 10, 48624 Schöppingen

On the basis of joint controllership between us and the service provider within the meaning of Art. 26 GDPR, the service collects and stores pseudonymized visitor data using cookies and/or comparable technologies (tracking pixels, web beacons, algorithms for reading end device and browser information), including information on the end device used such as browser information, in order to evaluate it for statistical analyses of user behavior on our website and to create pseudonymized user profiles. Among other things, this makes it possible to evaluate movement patterns (so-called heatmaps), which show the duration of page visits as well as interactions with page content (e.g. text entries, scrolling, clicks, and mouse-overs). Pseudonymization generally excludes a direct personal reference. No merging with clear data about your person collected in other ways takes place.

9) Retargeting/ Remarketing and Conversion Tracking

9.1 Google Ads Remarketing

This website uses retargeting technology of the following provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, 4 Barrow St, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland

For this purpose, Google sets a cookie in the browser of your end device, which automatically enables interest-based advertising by means of a pseudonymous cookie ID and on the basis of the pages visited by you. Any further data processing only takes place if you have agreed with Google that your internet and app browser history is linked by Google to your Google account and that information from your Google account is used to personalize ads that you view on the web. If, in this case, you are logged in to Google during your visit to our website, Google uses your data together with Google Analytics data to create and define audience lists for cross-device remarketing. For this purpose, your personal data is temporarily linked by Google with Google Analytics data in order to form audiences. In the course of using Google Ads Remarketing, personal data may also be transferred to the servers of Google LLC. in the USA.

All processing described above, in particular the setting of cookies for reading information on the end device used, is only carried out if you have given us your express consent for this in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. Without this consent, retargeting technology will not be used during your visit to the website.

You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future. To exercise your revocation, please deactivate this service in the “cookie consent tool” provided on the website.

Details on the processing operations initiated by Google and on Google’s handling of data from websites can be found here: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

Further information on Google’s privacy policy can be found here: https://business.safety.google/intl/de/privacy/ and https://www.google.de/policies/privacy/

9.2 Google Ads Conversion Tracking

This website uses the online advertising program "Google Ads" and, as part of Google Ads, conversion tracking by Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, 4 Barrow St, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland (“Google”). We use Google Ads in order to draw attention to our attractive offers on external websites with the help of advertising materials (so-called Google Adwords). In relation to the data of the advertising campaigns, we can determine how successful the individual advertising measures are. In doing so, we pursue the concern of showing you advertising that is of interest to you, making our website more interesting for you, and achieving a fair calculation of the advertising costs incurred.

The cookie for conversion tracking is set when a user clicks on an Ads advertisement placed by Google. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your end device. These cookies generally lose their validity after 30 days and are not used for personal identification. If the user visits certain pages of this website and the cookie has not yet expired, Google and we can recognize that the user clicked on the advertisement and was redirected to this page. Each Google Ads customer receives a different cookie. Cookies can therefore not be tracked via the websites of Google Ads customers. The information obtained with the help of the conversion cookie serves to create conversion statistics for Google Ads customers who have opted for conversion tracking. Customers learn the total number of users who clicked on their ad and were redirected to a page tagged with a conversion tracking tag. However, they do not receive any information with which users can be personally identified. In the course of using Google Ads, personal data may also be transferred to the servers of Google LLC. in the USA.

Details on the processing operations initiated by Google Ads Conversion Tracking and on Google’s handling of data from websites can be found here: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

All processing described above, in particular the setting of cookies for reading information on the end device used, is only carried out if you have given us your express consent for this in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future by deactivating this service in the “cookie consent tool” provided on the website.

You can also permanently object to the setting of cookies by Google Ads Conversion Tracking by downloading and installing the browser plug-in from Google available under the following link:
https://support.google.com/My-Ad-Center-Help/answer/12155656?hl=de

Please note that certain functions of this website may not be usable, or only usable to a limited extent, if you have deactivated the use of cookies.
Google’s privacy policy can be viewed here: https://business.safety.google/intl/de/privacy/ and https://www.google.de/policies/privacy/

10) Page Functionalities

10.1 Google reCAPTCHA

On this website, we use the CAPTCHA service of the following provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, 4 Barrow St, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland

Data may also be transferred to: Google LLC, USA.

For the visual design of the captcha window, “Google Fonts”, i.e. fonts loaded from the internet by Google, are used by the provider. No further information is processed beyond the information mentioned above, which is already transmitted to Google via the functionality of ReCaptcha.

The service checks whether an input is made by a natural person or abusively through machine and automated processing, and blocks spam, DDoS attacks, and similar automated malicious access. To ensure that an action is carried out by a human and not by an automated bot, the provider collects the IP address of the end device used, recognition data of the browser and operating system type used, as well as the date and duration of the visit, and transmits this to the provider’s servers for evaluation. Cookies may be used for this purpose, i.e. small text files that are stored in the browser of the end device.

Insofar as the processing described above is carried out on the basis of cookies, these are only set if you have given us your express consent for this in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future by deactivating this service in the “cookie consent tool” provided on the website.

If the processing described above is carried out without the use of cookies, the legal basis is our legitimate interest in determining individual personal responsibility on the internet and preventing misuse and spam in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

Further information on Google’s privacy policy can be found here: https://business.safety.google/intl/de/privacy/

10.2 Microsoft Teams

For the implementation of online meetings, video conferences and/or webinars, we use this provider: Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA

The provider processes different data, whereby the scope of the processed data depends on which data you communicate before or during participation in an online meeting, video conference, or webinar. Your data is processed as a communication participant and stored on the provider’s servers. This may include in particular your registration data (name, email address, telephone number (optional), and password) and session data (topic, participant IP address, device information, description (optional)).

In addition, image and sound contributions of the participants as well as text input in chats may be processed.
For the processing of personal data required for the performance of a contract with you (this also applies to processing operations required for carrying out pre-contractual measures), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR serves as the legal basis. Insofar as you have given us consent to process your data, the processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. Any consent given can be revoked at any time with effect for the future.
Otherwise, the legal basis for data processing when conducting online meetings, video conferences, or webinars is our legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR in the effective implementation of the online meeting, webinar, or video conference.

We have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

10.3 Applications for Job Advertisements by Email

On our website, we advertise currently vacant positions in a separate section, for which interested parties can apply by email to the contact address provided.

Applicants must provide all personal data required for a well-founded assessment, including general information such as name, address, and contact options, as well as performance-related evidence and, if applicable, health-related information. Details of the application can be found in the job advertisement.

After receipt of the application by email, the data is stored and evaluated exclusively for the purpose of processing the application. In the event of queries, we use either the applicant’s email address or telephone number. The processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR (or Section 26 para. 1 BDSG), within the meaning of which the completion of the application process is considered the initiation of an employment relationship.

Insofar as special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 para. 1 GDPR (e.g. health data such as information on severe disability status) are requested from applicants within the scope of the application procedure, the processing is carried out in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. b. GDPR so that we can exercise the rights arising from labor law and the law of social security and social protection and comply with our related obligations.

Cumulatively or alternatively, the processing of the special categories of data may also be based on Art. 9 para. 1 lit. h GDPR if it is carried out for purposes of preventive healthcare or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the applicant’s working capacity, for medical diagnostics, healthcare or treatment in the health or social sector, or for the administration of systems and services in the health or social sector.

If the applicant is not selected or if an applicant withdraws their application prematurely, their transmitted data as well as all electronic correspondence including the application email will be deleted no later than after 6 months following corresponding notification. This period is based on our legitimate interest in answering any follow-up questions regarding the application and, if necessary, being able to comply with our obligations to provide evidence under the regulations on equal treatment of applicants.

In the event of a successful application, the data provided will be processed on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR (in the case of processing in Germany in conjunction with Section 26 para. 1 BDSG) for the purpose of carrying out the employment relationship.

10.4 Online Applications via a Form

On our website, we advertise currently vacant positions in a separate section, for which interested parties can apply via a corresponding form.

In the course of submitting the form, the applicant data is transmitted to us in encrypted form in accordance with the state of the art, stored by us, and evaluated exclusively for the purpose of processing the application. The processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR (or Section 26 para. 1 BDSG), within the meaning of which the completion of the application process is considered the initiation of an employment relationship.

If the applicant is not selected or if an applicant withdraws their application prematurely, their data transmitted via the form as well as all electronic correspondence including the application email will be deleted no later than after 6 months following corresponding notification. This period is based on our legitimate interest in answering any follow-up questions regarding the application and, if necessary, being able to comply with our obligations to provide evidence under the regulations on equal treatment of applicants.

11) Tools and Miscellaneous

Cookie Consent Tool

This website uses a so-called “cookie consent tool” to obtain effective user consent for cookies and cookie-based applications requiring consent. The “cookie consent tool” is displayed to users when the page is accessed in the form of an interactive user interface on which consents for certain cookies and/or cookie-based applications can be granted by ticking boxes. By using the tool, all cookies/services requiring consent are only loaded if the respective user grants the corresponding consent by ticking the box. This ensures that such cookies are only set on the respective user’s end device if consent has been granted.

The tool sets technically necessary cookies in order to store your cookie preferences. Personal user data is generally not processed in this context.

If, in individual cases, personal data (such as the IP address) is nevertheless processed for the purpose of storing, assigning, or logging cookie settings, this is carried out in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR on the basis of our legitimate interest in legally compliant, user-specific and user-friendly consent management for cookies and thus in a legally compliant design of our website.

A further legal basis for the processing is also Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR. As the controller, we are subject to the legal obligation to make the use of technically unnecessary cookies dependent on the respective user consent.

Where required, we have concluded a data processing agreement with the provider, which ensures the protection of the data of our website visitors and prohibits unauthorized disclosure to third parties.

Further information on the operator and the setting options of the cookie consent tool can be found directly in the corresponding user interface on our website.

12) Rights of the Data Subject

12.1 Applicable data protection law grants you the following data subject rights (rights of access and intervention) vis-à-vis the controller with regard to the processing of your personal data, whereby reference is made to the stated legal basis for the respective requirements for exercise:

Right of access pursuant to Art. 15 GDPR;
Right to rectification pursuant to Art. 16 GDPR;
Right to erasure pursuant to Art. 17 GDPR;
Right to restriction of processing pursuant to Art. 18 GDPR;
Right to be informed pursuant to Art. 19 GDPR;
Right to data portability pursuant to Art. 20 GDPR;
Right to revoke granted consents pursuant to Art. 7 para. 3 GDPR;
Right to lodge a complaint pursuant to Art. 77 GDPR.

12.2 Right to Object

If we process your personal data on the basis of our overriding legitimate interest within the framework of a balancing of interests, you have the right at any time, for reasons arising from your particular situation, to object to this processing with effect for the future.

If you make use of your right to object, we will stop processing the data concerned. However, further processing remains reserved if we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, fundamental rights and freedoms, or if the processing serves the assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims.

If your personal data is processed by us for the purpose of direct advertising, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purpose of such advertising. You can exercise the objection as described above.

If you make use of your right to object, we will stop processing the data concerned for direct advertising purposes.

13) Duration of Storage of Personal Data

The duration of the storage of personal data is determined by the respective legal basis, the purpose of processing and – if applicable – additionally by the respective statutory retention period (e.g. retention periods under commercial and tax law).

When processing personal data on the basis of express consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR, the data concerned will be stored until you revoke your consent.

If statutory retention periods exist for data that is processed within the framework of legal or quasi-legal obligations on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, this data will be routinely deleted after expiry of the retention periods, provided that it is no longer required for contract fulfillment or contract initiation and/or we no longer have any legitimate interest in continued storage.

When processing personal data on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR, this data will be stored until you exercise your right to object pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing serves the assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims.

When processing personal data for the purpose of direct advertising on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR, this data will be stored until you exercise your right to object pursuant to Art. 21 para. 2 GDPR.

Unless otherwise stated in the other information in this declaration regarding specific processing situations, stored personal data will otherwise be deleted when it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed.