Privacy policy

Security and Protection of Your Personal Data

We consider it our primary responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of the personal data you provide and to protect it against unauthorised access. We therefore exercise the utmost care and apply state-of-the-art security standards to ensure the highest possible level of protection for your personal data.

As a private-sector company, we are subject to the provisions of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). We have implemented technical and organisational measures to ensure that both we and our external service providers comply with data protection requirements.

Definitions

The law requires personal data to be processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to the data subject (“lawfulness, fairness and transparency”). To support this, we explain below the statutory definitions used in this privacy policy:

Personal Data

“Personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter referred to as the “data subject”); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

Processing

“Processing” means any operation or set of operations performed on personal data or sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.

Restriction of Processing

“Restriction of processing” means the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its processing in the future.

Profiling

“Profiling” means any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyse or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behaviour, location or movements.

Pseudonymisation

“Pseudonymisation” means the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organisational measures to ensure that the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

Filing System

“Filing system” means any structured set of personal data that is accessible according to specific criteria, whether centralised, decentralised or dispersed on a functional or geographical basis.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of processing personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.

Processor

“Processor” means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

Recipient

“Recipient” means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body to which personal data is disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities that may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be regarded as recipients; the processing of that data by those public authorities shall comply with the applicable data protection rules according to the purposes of the processing.

Third Party

“Third party” means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or body other than the data subject, controller, processor and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or processor, are authorised to process personal data.

Consent

“Consent” of the data subject means any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which they, through a statement or a clear affirmative action, signify agreement to the processing of personal data relating to them.

Lawfulness of Processing

Personal data may only be processed lawfully where a legal basis for the processing exists. Under Article 6(1)(a)–(f) GDPR, the legal basis for processing may, in particular, be one of the following:

  • The data subject has given consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes;
  • processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject before entering into a contract;
  • processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject;
  • processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person;
  • processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;
  • processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child.

Information on the Collection of Personal Data

(1) Below, we explain how personal data is collected when you use our website. Personal data includes, for example, your name, address, email addresses and user behaviour.

(2) When you contact us by email or through a contact form, we store the data you provide (your email address and, where applicable, your name and telephone number) so that we can answer your questions. We delete the data collected in this context once its storage is no longer necessary, or restrict its processing where statutory retention obligations apply.

Collection of Personal Data When You Visit Our Website

If you use our website solely for information purposes, meaning that you do not register or otherwise provide us with information, we collect only the personal data that your browser transmits to our server. When you visit our website, we collect the following data, which is technically necessary for us to display the website and ensure its stability and security (the legal basis is Article 6(1), first sentence, point (f) GDPR):

  • IP address
  • Date and time of the request
  • Time zone difference from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
  • Content of the request (specific page)
  • Access status/HTTP status code
  • Amount of data transferred in each case
  • Website from which the request originates
  • Browser
  • Operating system and its interface
  • Language and version of the browser software.

Use of Cookies

(1) In addition to the data mentioned above, cookies are stored on your computer when you use our website. Cookies are small text files stored on your hard drive and associated with the browser you use. They provide certain information to the party that sets the cookie. Cookies cannot run programs or transmit viruses to your computer. Their purpose is to make our website more user-friendly and effective overall.

(2) This website uses the following types of cookies, the scope and operation of which are explained below:

  • Transient cookies (see a.)
  • Persistent cookies (see b.).

Transient cookies are automatically deleted when you close your browser. These include session cookies in particular. They store a session ID, which allows different requests from your browser to be assigned to the same session. This enables your computer to be recognised when you return to our website. Session cookies are deleted when you log out or close your browser.

Persistent cookies are automatically deleted after a specified period, which may vary depending on the cookie. You can delete cookies at any time through your browser’s security settings.

You can configure your browser settings according to your preferences, for example by refusing third-party cookies or all cookies. “Third-party cookies” are cookies set by a third party rather than by the website you are currently visiting. Please note that disabling cookies may prevent you from using all the features of this website.

We use cookies to recognise you on subsequent visits if you have an account with us. Otherwise, you would need to log in again each time you visit.

The Flash cookies we use are managed by your Flash plug-in rather than your browser. We also use HTML5 storage objects, which are stored on your device. These objects store the necessary data independently of the browser you use and do not have an automatic expiry date. If you do not want Flash cookies to be processed, you must install an appropriate add-on, such as “Better Privacy” for Mozilla Firefox (https://addons.mozilla.org/de/firefox/addon/betterprivacy/) or Adobe Flash Killer Cookie for Google Chrome. You can prevent the use of HTML5 storage objects by using your browser’s private browsing mode. We also recommend regularly deleting your cookies and browser history manually.

Additional Features and Services on Our Website

(1) In addition to using our website for information purposes, you can choose to use various services we offer. To do so, you will generally need to provide additional personal data, which we use to deliver the relevant service and which is subject to the data processing principles set out above.

(2) In some cases, we use external service providers to process your data. These providers have been carefully selected and appointed by us, are bound by our instructions and are monitored regularly.

(3) We may also disclose your personal data to third parties where participation in promotions, prize draws, the conclusion of contracts or similar services are offered jointly with partners. Further information will be provided when you submit your personal data or below in the description of the relevant service.

(4) Where our service providers or partners are based in a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we explain the implications in the description of the relevant service.

Children

Our services are generally intended for adults. Persons under the age of 18 should not submit personal data to us without the consent of their parents or legal guardians.

Rights of the Data Subject

(1) Withdrawal of Consent

Where the processing of personal data is based on consent, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

You may contact us at any time to exercise your right to withdraw consent.

(2) Right to Confirmation

You have the right to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether we process personal data concerning you. You may request this confirmation at any time using the contact details provided above.

(3) Right of Access

Where personal data is being processed, you may request access to that personal data and the following information at any time:

  • the purposes of the processing;
  • the categories of personal data being processed;
  • the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data has been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations;
  • where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored or, if this is not possible, the criteria used to determine that period;
  • the existence of the right to request rectification or erasure of personal data concerning you, restriction of processing by the controller, or to object to such processing;
  • the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
  • where the personal data was not collected from the data subject, any available information about its source;
  • the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.

Where personal data is transferred to a third country or an international organisation, you have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards under Article 46 GDPR relating to the transfer. We will provide a copy of the personal data undergoing processing. For any further copies you request, we may charge a reasonable fee based on administrative costs. If you submit the request electronically, the information will be provided in a commonly used electronic format unless you request otherwise. The right to obtain a copy under paragraph 3 must not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

(4) Right to Rectification

You have the right to obtain from us, without undue delay, the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning you. Taking into account the purposes of the processing, you have the right to have incomplete personal data completed, including by providing a supplementary statement.

(5) Right to Erasure (“Right to Be Forgotten”)

You have the right to request that the controller erase personal data concerning you without undue delay, and we are obliged to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:

  • The personal data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed.
  • The data subject withdraws the consent on which the processing was based under Article 6(1)(a) or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
  • The data subject objects to the processing under Article 21(1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing under Article 21(2) GDPR.
  • The personal data has been unlawfully processed.
  • The personal data must be erased to comply with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
  • The personal data was collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) GDPR.

Where the controller has made the personal data public and is obliged to erase it under paragraph 1, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure of any links to, or copies or replications of, that personal data.

The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”) does not apply to the extent that processing is necessary:

  • for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
  • for compliance with a legal obligation requiring processing under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;
  • for reasons of public interest in the area of public health under Article 9(2)(h) and (i) and Article 9(3) GDPR;
  • for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes under Article 89(1) GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in paragraph 1 is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; or
  • for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

(6) Right to Restriction of Processing

You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal data where one of the following conditions applies:

  • the accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify its accuracy;
  • the processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests restriction of its use instead;
  • the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but the data subject requires it for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; or
  • the data subject has objected to processing under Article 21(1) GDPR, pending verification of whether the controller’s legitimate grounds override those of the data subject.

Where processing has been restricted under the conditions set out above, such personal data shall, with the exception of storage, only be processed with the data subject’s consent, for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims, for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person, or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or a Member State.

To exercise the right to restriction of processing, the data subject may contact us at any time using the contact details provided above.

(7) Right to Data Portability

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit that data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data was provided, where:

  • the processing is based on consent under Article 6(1)(a) or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR, or on a contract under Article 6(1)(b) GDPR; and
  • the processing is carried out by automated means.

When exercising your right to data portability under paragraph 1, you have the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. Exercising the right to data portability does not affect the right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”). This right does not apply to processing necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

(8) Right to Object

You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. The controller shall no longer process the personal data unless it demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing serves the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

Where personal data is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, including profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data will no longer be processed for those purposes.

In the context of using information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, you may exercise your right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

Where personal data concerning you is processed for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes under Article 89(1), you have the right to object to that processing on grounds relating to your particular situation, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.

You may exercise your right to object at any time by contacting the relevant controller.

(9) Automated Individual Decision-Making, Including Profiling

You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This does not apply if the decision:

  • is necessary for entering into or performing a contract between the data subject and the controller;
  • is authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights, freedoms and legitimate interests; or
  • is based on the data subject’s explicit consent.

The controller shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights, freedoms and legitimate interests, including at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express their point of view and to contest the decision.

The data subject may exercise this right at any time by contacting the relevant controller.

(10) Right to Lodge a Complaint with a Supervisory Authority

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, place of work or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes this Regulation.

(11) Right to an Effective Judicial Remedy

Without prejudice to any available administrative or non-judicial remedy, including the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority under Article 77 GDPR, you have the right to an effective judicial remedy if you consider that your rights under this Regulation have been infringed as a result of the processing of your personal data in a manner that does not comply with this Regulation.

Use of Google Analytics

(1) This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses “cookies”, which are text files stored on your computer that enable an analysis of your use of the website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website is generally transmitted to a Google server in the USA and stored there. If IP anonymisation is activated on this website, however, Google will first truncate your IP address within Member States of the European Union or other states party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and truncated there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, compile reports on website activity and provide the website operator with other services relating to website and internet use.

(2) The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of Google Analytics will not be combined with other data held by Google.

(3) You can prevent cookies from being stored by adjusting your browser settings. Please note, however, that doing so may prevent you from making full use of all the features of this website. You can also prevent Google from collecting the data generated by the cookie relating to your use of the website, including your IP address, and from processing that data by downloading and installing the browser plug-in available at the following link: http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de.

(4) This website uses Google Analytics with the “_anonymizeIp()” extension. This means that IP addresses are truncated before further processing, preventing them from being linked to a specific person. To the extent that the data collected about you can be linked to you personally, that link is therefore immediately removed and the personal data is promptly deleted.

(5) We use Google Analytics to analyse and regularly improve the use of our website. The statistics obtained enable us to improve our services and make them more interesting to you as a user. For exceptional cases in which personal data is transferred to the USA, Google has committed to the EU-US Privacy Shield, https://www.privacyshield.gov/EU-US-Framework. The legal basis for the use of Google Analytics is Article 6(1), first sentence, point (f) GDPR.

(6) Third-party provider details: Google Dublin, Google Ireland Ltd., Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, fax: +353 (1) 436 1001. Terms of service:

http://www.google.com/analytics/terms/de.html, privacy overview: http://www.google.com/intl/de/analytics/learn/privacy.html, and privacy policy: http://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy.

(7) This website also uses Google Analytics to analyse visitor activity across devices using a user ID. You can disable cross-device analysis of your usage in your customer account under “My Data”, “Personal Data”.

To prevent future tracking by Google Analytics on this website, please click the following link: Disable Analytics

Integration of Google Maps

(1) We use Google Maps on this website. This allows us to display interactive maps directly on the website and makes the map feature convenient for you to use.

(2) When you visit the website, Google receives information that you have accessed the relevant page of our website. The data listed in Section 3 of this policy is also transmitted. This happens regardless of whether you are logged into a Google user account or do not have a user account. If you are logged into Google, your data will be associated directly with your account. If you do not want the data to be associated with your Google profile, you must log out before activating the button. Google stores your data as usage profiles and uses it for advertising, market research and/or tailoring its website to users’ needs. Such analysis is carried out in particular, including for users who are not logged in, to provide tailored advertising and to inform other users of the social network about your activities on our website. You have the right to object to the creation of these user profiles; to exercise this right, you must contact Google.

(3) Further information about the purpose and scope of data collection and its processing by the plug-in provider can be found in the provider’s privacy policies. These also contain further information about your rights and settings available to protect your privacy: http://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy. Google also processes your personal data in the USA and has committed to the EU-US Privacy Shield, https://www.privacyshield.gov/EU-US-Framework.

Google Fonts

We integrate fonts (“Google Fonts”) provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Privacy policy: https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/, opt-out: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated.

Fonts

This website uses “fonts.com”, a font service provided by Monotype GmbH (“fonts.com”), Werner-Reimers-Straße 2-4, 61352 Bad Homburg (“fonts.com”). Each time this website is accessed, files are loaded from a “fonts.com” server to display text in a particular font. Your IP address may be transmitted to a “fonts.com” server and stored as part of standard server logs. Further processing of this information is the responsibility of “fonts.com”. Please refer to the “fonts.com” privacy notice (www.monotype.com/legal/privacy-policy) for the applicable terms and available settings.

Links to Other Websites

Our websites contain links to other websites. Thomas,Middeldorf, KIWI Group GbR is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these other websites.

Questions and Suggestions

If you have any questions or comments about our data protection practices, for example regarding access to or updates to your personal data, please contact us using the subject line “Data Protection”. The continued development of the internet also affects our approach to data protection. We will publish any changes on this page in a timely manner.