Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

preamble

With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about which types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to as "data") 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 "online offering").

The terms used are not gender-specific.

As of: July 23, 2025

Person responsible

DEQSTER GmbH
Friesenweg 5H
22763 Hamburg
Germany

Authorized representatives: Cuma Saado, Tamara Lyons, Patrick Haupt

Email address: [email protected]

Phone: (040) 734 4861900

Imprint: https://www.deqster.de/impressum/

Contact Data Protection Officer

QuaSi Consult GbR
Ms. Tina Walloschek
Gaussian arc 11
29646 Bispingen

[email protected]

Relevant legal bases

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

  • Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR) - The data subject has given his or her consent to the processing of personal data concerning him or her for a specific purpose or several specific purposes.
  • Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR) - Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures taken at the request of the data subject.
  • Legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR) - Processing is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR) - processing is necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the controller or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data do not prevail.
  • Application procedure as a pre-contractual or contractual relationship (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. b) GDPR) - If, as part of the application procedure, special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 Para. 1 GDPR (e.g. health data, such as severe disability or ethnic origin) are requested from applicants so that the controller or the data subject can exercise the rights arising from employment law and social security and social protection law and fulfill his or her obligations in this regard, their processing takes place in accordance with Art. 9 Para. 2 lit. b. GDPR, in the case of the protection of vital interests of the applicants or other persons in accordance with Art. 9 Para. 2 lit. c. GDPR or for the purposes of preventive healthcare or occupational medicine, for assessing an employee's ability to work, for medical diagnostics, care or treatment in the health or social sector, or for the administration of systems and services in the health or social sector pursuant to Art. 9 (2) (h) GDPR. In the case of a voluntary disclosure of special categories of data, their processing is based on Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR.

National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. This includes, in particular, the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). The BDSG contains, in particular, special provisions on the right to information, the right to erasure, the right of objection, 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. Furthermore, state data protection laws of individual federal states may apply.

Security measures

In accordance with the legal requirements, taking into account the state of the art, the implementation costs and the nature, scope, circumstances and purposes of the processing as well as the different probabilities of occurrence and the extent of the threat to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, we take appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of protection appropriate to the risk.

These measures include, in particular, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data, as well as the access, input, and transfer of data, ensuring its availability, and segregation. Furthermore, we have established procedures that ensure the exercise of data subjects' rights, the deletion of data, and responses to data threats. Furthermore, we consider the protection of personal data right from the development and selection of hardware, software, and processes in accordance with the principle of data protection, through technology design, and through data protection-friendly default settings.

Securing online connections with TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): To protect user data transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we use TLS/SSL encryption technology. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are the cornerstones of secure data transmission on the internet. These technologies encrypt the information 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. If a website is secured by an SSL/TLS certificate, this is signaled by the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is being transmitted securely and encrypted.

Transmission of personal data

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

Data transfer within the group: We may transfer personal data to other companies within our group or grant them access to it. This data transfer is based on our legitimate business and commercial interests. This includes, for example, improving business processes, ensuring efficient and effective internal communication, making optimal use of our human and technological resources, and enabling us to make informed business decisions. In certain cases, data transfer may also be necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations, or it may be based on the consent of the data subject or legal permission.

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 as part of the use of third-party services or the disclosure or transmission of data to other persons, bodies or companies (which can be identified by the postal address of the respective provider or if the data transfer to third countries is expressly referred to in the data protection declaration), this is always done in accordance with the legal requirements.

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

This dual safeguard ensures comprehensive protection of your data: The DPF forms the primary layer 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 act as a reliable fallback option. This ensures that your data always remains adequately protected, even in the event of any political or legal changes.

For each service provider, we will inform you whether they are certified under the Data Privacy Framework and whether they have standard contractual clauses in place. Further information on the Data Privacy Framework and a list of certified companies can be found on the U.S. Department of Commerce website at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/ .

Appropriate security measures apply to data transfers to other third countries, in particular standard contractual clauses, explicit consent, or legally required transfers. Information on third-country transfers and applicable adequacy decisions can be found in the EU Commission's information offering: 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 legal requirements as soon as the underlying consent is revoked or there are no further legal grounds for processing. This applies to cases where the original processing purpose no longer applies or the data is no longer needed. Exceptions to this rule exist if legal 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 proceedings or to protect the rights of other natural or legal persons must be archived accordingly.

Our privacy policy contains additional information on the retention and deletion of data that applies specifically to certain processing operations.

If multiple retention periods or deletion periods are specified for a given date, the longest period always applies. Data that is no longer retained for its original purpose but is retained due to legal requirements or other reasons will only be processed for the reasons that justify 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 necessary for their understanding (Section 147 (1) No. 1 in conjunction with Section 3 AO, Section 14b (1) UStG, Section 257 (1) No. 1 in conjunction with Section 4 HGB).
  • 8 years - accounting documents, such as invoices and cost receipts (Section 147 Paragraph 1 No. 4 and 4a in conjunction with Paragraph 3 Sentence 1 AO and Section 257 Paragraph 1 No. 4 in conjunction with Paragraph 4 HGB).
  • 6 years - Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents insofar as they are relevant for taxation, e.g. hourly wage slips, operating statements, calculation documents, price labels, but also payroll documents insofar as they are not already accounting documents and cash register slips (Section 147 (1) Nos. 2, 3, 5 in conjunction with Section 3 AO, Section 257 (1) Nos. 2 and 3 in conjunction with Section 4 HGB).
  • 3 years - Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

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

Rights of data subjects

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

  • Right of objection: You have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you based on Art. 6 (1) (e) or (f) GDPR, for reasons related to your particular situation; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. If the personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purposes of such advertising; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
  • Right to information: You have the right to request confirmation as to whether data in question is being processed and to information about this data as well as further information and a copy of the data in accordance with the legal requirements.
  • Right to rectification: You have the right, in accordance with the statutory provisions, to request that the data concerning you be completed or that inaccurate data concerning you be corrected.
  • Right to erasure and restriction of processing: You have the right, in accordance with the statutory provisions, to demand that data concerning you be erased immediately or, alternatively, to demand that the processing of the data be restricted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, common and machine-readable format in accordance with the legal requirements or to request that it be transmitted to another controller.
  • Complaint to a supervisory authority: In accordance with the statutory provisions and without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection supervisory authority, in particular a supervisory authority in the Member State in which you habitually reside, the supervisory authority of 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.

Business services

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

We use this data to fulfill our contractual obligations. This includes, in particular, the obligation to provide the agreed services, any update obligations, and remedy in the event of warranty and other service disruptions. Furthermore, we use the data to protect our rights and for the purposes of the administrative tasks associated with these obligations, as well as for corporate organization. Furthermore, we process the data based on our legitimate interests in proper and efficient business management and in security measures to protect our contractual partners and our business operations from misuse and the endangerment of their data, secrets, information, and rights (e.g., the involvement of telecommunications, transport, and other auxiliary services, as well as subcontractors, banks, tax and legal advisors, payment service providers, or tax authorities). Within the framework of applicable law, we only pass on contractual partners' data to third parties to the extent necessary for the aforementioned purposes or to fulfill legal obligations. Contractual partners will be informed of other forms of processing, such as for marketing purposes, in this privacy policy.

We will inform our contractual partners which data is required for the aforementioned purposes before or during data collection, e.g. in online forms, by special marking (e.g. colors) or symbols (e.g. asterisks or similar), or in person.

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

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); contract data (e.g., contract subject matter, term, customer category); usage data (e.g., page views and length of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; interested parties; business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; security measures; communication; office and organizational procedures; organizational and administrative procedures. Business processes and operational procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Online shop, order forms, e-commerce and service fulfillment: We process our customers' data to enable them to select, purchase or order the selected products, goods and related services, as well as to pay for and provide, deliver or execute them. If necessary to execute an order, we use service providers, in particular postal, forwarding and shipping companies, to carry out the delivery or execution for our customers. We use the services of banks and payment service providers to process payment transactions. The required information is marked as such within the context of the order or similar purchase process and includes the information required for delivery, provision and billing, as well as contact information for any possible consultation; legal basis: contract fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR).

Business processes and procedures

Personal data of service recipients and clients – including customers, clients, or in special cases, clients, patients, business partners, and other third parties – is processed within the framework of contractual and comparable legal relationships and pre-contractual measures such as the initiation of business relationships. This data processing supports and facilitates business processes in areas such as customer management, sales, payment transactions, accounting, and project management.

The collected data serves to fulfill contractual obligations and streamline operational processes. This includes processing business transactions, managing customer relationships, optimizing sales strategies, and ensuring internal accounting and financial processes. In addition, the data supports the protection of the controller's rights and supports administrative tasks and the organization of the company.

Personal data may be transferred to third parties if this is necessary to fulfill the stated purposes or legal obligations. After the expiration of statutory retention periods or if the purpose of processing no longer applies, the data will be deleted. This also includes data that must be stored for longer periods due to tax and legal documentation requirements.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and contributions as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); log data (e.g., log files relating to logins or data retrieval or access times); usage data (e.g., page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); employee data (information on employees and other persons in an employment relationship). Meta, communication, and process data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; interested parties; communication partners; business and contractual partners; third parties; users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services). Customers.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; office and organizational procedures; business processes and administrative procedures; communication; marketing; sales promotion; financial and payment management.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Customer management and customer relationship management (CRM): Procedures required within the framework of customer management and customer relationship management (CRM) (e.g., customer acquisition in compliance with data protection regulations, measures to promote customer retention and loyalty, effective customer communication, complaint management and customer service with consideration of data protection, data management and analysis to support customer relationships, administration of CRM systems, secure account management, customer segmentation and target group formation); Legal bases: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Contact management and contact maintenance: Procedures required to organize, maintain, and secure contact information (e.g., setting up and maintaining a central contact database, regularly updating contact information, monitoring data integrity, implementing data protection measures, ensuring access controls, backing up and restoring contact data, training employees in the effective use of contact management software, regularly reviewing communication history, and adapting contact strategies); Legal bases: Contractual fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Financial accounting and taxes: Procedures required for the recording, administration, and control of financially relevant business transactions, as well as for the calculation, reporting, and payment of taxes (e.g., account assignment and posting of business transactions, preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, execution of payment transactions, processing of dunning procedures, account reconciliation, tax advice, preparation and submission of tax returns, processing of tax matters); Legal bases: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Sales: Procedures required for the planning, implementation, and control of marketing and sales activities for products or services (e.g., customer acquisition, offer creation and tracking, order processing, customer advice and support, sales promotion, product training, sales controlling and analysis, sales channel management); Legal basis: Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Marketing, advertising, and sales promotion: Processes required within the scope of marketing, advertising, and sales promotion (e.g., market analysis and target group identification, development of marketing strategies, planning and implementation of advertising campaigns, design and production of advertising materials, online marketing including SEO and social media campaigns, event marketing and trade fair participation, customer loyalty programs, sales promotion measures, performance measurement and optimization of marketing activities, budget management and cost control); Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Providers and services used in the course of business activities

As part of our business activities, we use additional services, platforms, interfaces, or plug-ins from third-party providers (hereinafter "Services") in compliance with legal requirements. Their use is based on our interest in the proper, lawful, and economical management of our business operations and our internal organization.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and contributions as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).
  • Data subjects: Service recipients and clients; interested parties; business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; office and organizational procedures. Business processes and operational procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Provision of the online service and web hosting

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

  • Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g., page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved); protocol data (e.g., log files relating to logins or data retrieval or access times); inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (e.g., bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); contract data (e.g., subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services), service recipients, and clients.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical devices (computers, servers, etc.)); security measures; provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Provision of online services on rented storage space: To provide our online services, we use storage space, computing capacity, and software that we rent from a corresponding server provider (also called a "web host") or obtain from other sources; legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called "server log files." Server log files may include the address and name of the accessed web pages and files, the date and time of access, the amount of data transferred, notification of successful access, browser type and version, the user's operating system, the referrer URL (the previously visited page), and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. Server log files can be used for security purposes, e.g., to prevent server overload (particularly in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and to ensure server utilization and stability. Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Deletion of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data that needs to be retained for evidentiary purposes will not be deleted until the incident in question has been finally resolved.
  • Content Delivery Network: We use a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN is a service that enables faster and more secure delivery of online content, especially large media files such as graphics or program scripts, using regionally distributed servers connected via the internet. Legal basis: legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Shopify: Platform through which e-commerce services are offered and carried out. The services and processes carried out in connection with them include, in particular, online shops, websites, their offers and content, community elements, purchase and payment transactions, customer communication, as well as analysis and marketing. Service provider: Shopify International Limited, Victoria Buildings, 2nd Floor, 1-2 Haddington Road, Dublin 4, D04 XN32, Ireland. Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Website: https://www.shopify.com/de/ . Privacy policy: https://www.shopify.com/de/legal/datenschutz .

Use of cookies

The term "cookies" refers to functions that store and retrieve information from users' end devices. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, such as ensuring the functionality, security, and convenience of online offerings, as well as creating analyses of visitor flows. We use cookies in accordance with legal regulations. Where necessary, we obtain user consent in advance. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies when storing and retrieving information is essential to provide expressly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, saving settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online offering. Consent can be revoked at any time. We provide clear information about the scope of cookies and which cookies are used.

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

Storage period: With regard to the storage period, the following types of cookies are distinguished:

  • Temporary cookies (also: session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online offering and closed their device (e.g. browser or mobile application).
  • Persistent cookies: Persistent cookies remain stored even after the device is closed. For example, the login status can be saved and preferred content can be displayed directly when the user visits a website again. Likewise, the user data collected using cookies can be used for reach measurement. Unless we explicitly provide users with information about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., when obtaining consent), they should assume that they are permanent and that the storage period can be up to two years.

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

  • Types of data processed: Meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time stamps, identification numbers, persons involved). Usage data (e.g., page views and duration of visits, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of our online services and user-friendliness.
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Processing of cookie data based on consent: We use a consent management solution that obtains users' consent to the use of cookies or to the procedures and providers named within the consent management solution. This procedure is used to obtain, log, manage, and revoke consent, in particular with regard to the use of cookies and similar technologies used to store, read, and process information on users' end devices. As part of this procedure, users' consent is obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing operations and providers named in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option of managing and revoking their consent. Consent declarations are saved to avoid repeated queries and to be able to provide evidence of consent in accordance with legal requirements. The data is stored on the server and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or using similar technologies in order to be able to assign consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information is available about the providers of consent management services, the following general information applies: Consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored together with the time of consent, information on the scope of consent (e.g., relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), and information about the browser, system, and device used. Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR).
  • Cookie opt-out: In the footer of our website you will find a link where you can change your cookie settings and revoke your consent.
  • Complianz: Consent management: Procedures for obtaining, logging, managing, and revoking consent, in particular for the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing, reading, and processing information on users' end devices, as well as their processing; Service provider: Execution on servers and/or computers under their own data protection responsibility; Website: https://complianz.io/ ; Privacy policy: https://complianz.io/legal/ . Further information: An individual user ID, language, types of consent, and the time of their submission are stored on the server and in the cookie on the user's device.

Contact and inquiry management

When you contact us (e.g. by post, contact form, email, telephone or via social media) as well as within the framework of existing user and business relationships, the information provided by the person making the inquiry will be processed to the extent necessary to answer the contact inquiries and any requested measures.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and contributions as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g., page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Contact form: When you contact us via our contact form, by email, or other communication channels, we process the personal data you provide to answer and process your request. This generally includes information such as your name, contact information, and, if applicable, other information that is provided to us and is necessary for appropriate processing. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contacting and communicating with you. Legal bases: Contractual fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Video conferencing, online meetings, webinars and screen sharing

We use platforms and applications from third-party providers (hereinafter referred to as "conference platforms") for the purpose of conducting video and audio conferences, webinars, and other types of video and audio meetings (hereinafter collectively referred to as "conferences"). When selecting conference platforms and their services, we comply with legal requirements.

Data processed by conference platforms: When participating in a conference, the conference platforms process the personal data of participants listed below. The scope of processing depends on which data is required for a specific conference (e.g., providing access data or real names) and which optional information is provided by the participants. In addition to processing for the purpose of conducting the conference, participants' data may also be processed by the conference platforms for security purposes or to optimize the service. The data processed includes personal data (first name, last name), contact information (email address, telephone number), access data (access codes or passwords), profile pictures, information on professional position/function, the IP address of the internet access, information on the participants' end devices, their operating system, the browser and its technical and language settings, information on the content of the communication processes, i.e., entries in chats as well as audio and video data, as well as the use of other available functions (e.g., surveys). The content of the communications is encrypted to the extent technically provided by the conference providers. If participants are registered as users on the conference platforms, additional data may be processed in accordance with the agreement with the respective conference provider.

Logging and recordings: If text entries, participation results (e.g. from surveys) as well as video or audio recordings are logged, participants will be transparently informed of this in advance and, where necessary, asked for their consent.

Participant data protection measures: Please refer to the conference platforms' privacy policies for details on how your data is processed and select the optimal security and data protection settings for you within the conference platform settings. Please also ensure data and privacy protection in the background of your recording for the duration of a video conference (e.g., by informing roommates, locking doors, and using the background blur function, where technically possible). Links to the conference rooms and access data must not be shared with unauthorized third parties.

Notes on legal bases: If, in addition to the conference platforms, we also process user data and ask users for their consent to use the conference platforms or certain functions (e.g., consent to recording conferences), the legal basis for processing is this consent. Furthermore, our processing may be necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations (e.g., in participant lists, in the case of processing discussion results, etc.). Furthermore, user data is processed based on our legitimate interest in efficient and secure communication with our communication partners.

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. textual or pictorial messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g. page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); image and/or video recordings (e.g. photographs or video recordings of a person); sound recordings. Protocol data (e.g. log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times).
  • Data subjects: communication partners; users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services). Depicted persons.
  • Purposes of processing: Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; communication. Office and organizational procedures.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Cisco WebEx: Conference and communications software; Service provider: Webex Communications Deutschland GmbH, Hansaallee 249, c/o Cisco Systems GmbH, 40549 Düsseldorf, Parent company: Cisco Systems, Inc. 170 West Tasman Dr., San Jose, CA 95134, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.webex.com/de ; Privacy policy: https://www.cisco.com/c/de_de/about/legal/privacy-full.html . Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Microsoft Teams: Audio and video conferencing, chat, file sharing, integration with Office 365 applications, real-time collaboration on documents, calendar functions, task management, screen sharing, optional recording; Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/microsoft-teams/ ; Privacy policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement , Security information: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/trustcenter . Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), standard contractual clauses ( https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Microsoft-Products-and-Services-Data-Protection-Addendum-DPA ).

Cloud services

We use software services accessible via the Internet and running on the servers of their providers (so-called "cloud services", also referred to as "software as a service") for the storage and management of content (e.g., document storage and management, exchange of documents, content and information with specific recipients or publication of content and information).

Within this framework, personal data may be processed and stored on the providers' servers if it is part of communication processes with us or is otherwise processed by us as set out in this privacy policy. This data may include, in particular, user master data and contact details, data on transactions, contracts, other processes, and their contents. The providers of cloud services also process usage data and metadata, which they use for security purposes and to optimize their services.

If we use cloud services to provide forms, documents, and content to other users or publicly accessible websites, the providers may store cookies on users' devices for web analysis purposes or to remember users' settings (e.g., in the case of media control).

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts, as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g., page views and length of stay, click paths, usage intensity and frequency, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
  • Data subjects: interested parties; communication partners; business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Office and organizational procedures. Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment (computers, servers, etc.)).
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Microsoft Cloud Services: Cloud storage, cloud infrastructure services, and cloud-based application software; Service provider: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 P521, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://microsoft.com/de-de ; Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement , Security information: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/trustcenter ; Data processing agreement: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Microsoft-Products-and-Services-Data-Protection-Addendum-DPA . Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), standard contractual clauses ( https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Microsoft-Products-and-Services-Data-Protection-Addendum-DPA ).

Advertising communication via email, post, fax or telephone

We process personal data for the purposes of advertising communication, which can be carried out via various channels, such as email, telephone, mail or fax, in accordance with legal requirements.

Recipients have the right to revoke consent given at any time or to object to advertising communication at any time.

After revocation or objection, we will store the data required to prove previous authorization for contacting or sending for up to three years after the end of the year of revocation or objection based on our legitimate interests. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a possible defense against claims. Based on our legitimate interest in permanently respecting the user's revocation or objection, we also store the data necessary to avoid further contact (e.g., depending on the communication channel, the email address, telephone number, name).

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and posts as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation).
  • Data subjects: communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing: Direct marketing (e.g., by email or post); marketing. Sales promotion.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

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 the users active there or to offer information about us.

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

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

For a detailed description of the respective processing methods and the options for objection (opt-out), we refer to the data protection declarations and information provided by the operators of the respective networks.

In the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we would like to point out that these can be most effectively asserted with the providers. Only the latter have access to user data and can directly take appropriate measures and provide information. Should you still need assistance, please 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 contributions as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); usage data (e.g., page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing: Communication; feedback (e.g., collecting feedback via online form). Public relations.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Instagram: Social network, enables the sharing of photos and videos, commenting on and favorite posts, sending messages, subscribing to profiles and pages; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.instagram.com ; Privacy policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/ . Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Facebook Pages: Profiles within the social network Facebook - We, together with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, are responsible for collecting (but not further processing) data from visitors to our Facebook page (so-called "fan page"). This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, or the actions they take (see "Things you and others do and provide" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/ ), as well as information about the devices users use (e.g., IP addresses, operating system, browser type, language settings, cookie data; see "Device Information" in the Facebook Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/ ). As described in the Facebook Data Policy under "How do we use this information?" As explained above, Facebook also collects and uses information to provide analytics services, so-called "Page Insights," to page operators so that they can gain insights into how people interact with their pages and the content associated with them. We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook ("Information about Page Insights," https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum ), which specifically regulates the security measures Facebook must observe and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of those affected (i.e., users can, for example, submit information or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Users' rights (in particular the right to information, deletion, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook. Further information can be found in the "Information about Page Insights" ( https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data ). Joint controllership is limited to the collection and transmission of data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, in particular the transmission of data to the parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. in the USA; Service provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR); Website: https://www.facebook.com ; Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/ . Basis for third country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), standard contractual clauses ( https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum ).
  • LinkedIn: Social Network - We, together with LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, are responsible for collecting (but not further processing) visitor data used to create "Page Insights" (statistics) for our LinkedIn profiles. This data includes information about the types of content users view or interact with, as well as the actions they take. We also collect details about the devices used, such as IP addresses, operating systems, browser types, 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 regarding LinkedIn's processing of user data 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 specifically regulates the security measures LinkedIn must observe and in which LinkedIn has agreed to fulfill the rights of those affected (i.e. users can, for example, address requests for information or deletion directly to LinkedIn). The rights of users (in particular the right to information, 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 transmission of data to the parent company LinkedIn Corporation in the USA; Service provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (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 .
  • TikTok: Social network, enables the sharing of photos and videos, commenting on and favorite posts, sending messages, subscribing to accounts; Service providers: TikTok Technology Limited, 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, D02 T380, Ireland and TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited, Kaleidoscope, 4 Lindsey Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1A 9HP; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. a) GDPR); Website: https://www.tiktok.com ; Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/de/privacy-policy . Basis for third country transfers: Standard contractual clauses ( https://ads.tiktok.com/i18n/official/policy/jurisdiction-specific-terms ).
  • X: Social network; Service provider: X Internet Unlimited Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 D02 AX07, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://x.com . Privacy policy: https://x.com/de/privacy .
  • Vimeo: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Vimeo Inc., Attention: Legal Department, 555 West 18th Street, New York, New York 10011, USA; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://vimeo.com . Privacy policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy .
  • YouTube: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy ; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-out option: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff .

Application process

The application process requires applicants to provide us with the information necessary for their assessment and selection. The information required is stated in the job description or, in the case of online forms, in the information provided there.

Generally, the required information includes personal details such as name, address, contact information, and proof of the qualifications required for the position. Upon request, we will be happy to provide additional information.

Where available, applicants are welcome to submit their applications via our state-of-the-art online form. Alternatively, applications can also be sent to us via email. However, we would like to point out that emails are generally not encrypted over the internet. Although emails are generally encrypted during transport, this is not done on the servers from which they are sent and received. Therefore, we cannot assume any responsibility for the security of the application during transmission between the sender and our server.

For the purposes of searching for applicants, submitting applications and selecting applicants, we may, in compliance with legal requirements, use applicant management or recruitment software and platforms and services from third parties.

Applicants are welcome to contact us regarding the method of submitting their application or to send us their application by post.

Processing of special categories of data: If special categories of personal data (Article 9 (1) GDPR, e.g. health data such as severe disability or ethnic origin) are requested from applicants or communicated by them as part of the application process, these are processed so that the controller or the data subject can exercise the rights arising from employment law and social security and social protection law and fulfil their obligations in this regard, in the case of protecting the vital interests of applicants or other persons or for the purposes of preventive health care or occupational medicine, for assessing the employee's ability to work, for medical diagnostics, for care or treatment in the health or social sector or for the administration of systems and services in the health or social sector.

Deletion of data: In the event of a successful application, the data provided by applicants may be further processed by us for the purposes of the employment relationship. Otherwise, if the application for a job offer is unsuccessful, the applicants' data will be deleted. Applicants' data will also be deleted if an application is withdrawn, which applicants are entitled to do at any time. Subject to a justified revocation by the applicant, deletion will occur no later than after a period of six months so that we can answer any follow-up questions regarding the application and fulfill our obligations to provide evidence under the regulations on equal treatment of applicants. Invoices for any reimbursement of travel expenses will be archived in accordance with tax law requirements.

Inclusion in an applicant pool: Inclusion in an applicant pool, if offered, is based on consent. Applicants are informed that their consent to inclusion in the talent pool is voluntary, has no impact on the ongoing application process, and can revoke their consent at any time with effect for the future.

Duration of retention of data in the applicant pool in months: 6

  • Types of data processed: Inventory data (e.g. full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g. postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g. textual or visual messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); applicant data (e.g. personal details, postal and contact addresses, the documents belonging to the application and the information contained therein, such as cover letters, CVs, references and other information about the person or qualifications provided by applicants with regard to a specific position or voluntarily provided by them); employee data (information about employees and other persons in an employment relationship). Contract data (e.g. subject matter of the contract, term, customer category).
  • Data subjects: Applicants. Employees (e.g., employees, applicants, temporary workers, and other staff).
  • Purposes of processing: Application procedures (establishment and possible subsequent implementation, as well as possible subsequent termination of the employment relationship); office and organizational procedures. Human resources.
  • Storage and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information in the section "General information on data storage and deletion".
  • Legal basis: Application process as a pre-contractual or contractual relationship (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • HRworks: Personnel administration, travel expense accounting, time management, digital personnel files, applicant management, and reporting; Service provider: Hrworks GmbH, Waldkircher Straße 28, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); Website: https://www.hrworks.de/ . Privacy policy: https://www.hrworks.de/unternehmen/datenschutzerklaerung/ .

Change and update

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

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