PRIVACY POLICY

Thank you very much for your interest in our company. Data protection is of a particularly high priority for the management of Bilstein GmbH. The use of the Bilstein GmbH website is possible without any indication of personal data; however, if a data subject wishes to make use of special services provided by our company through our website, processing of personal data could become necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal ground for such processing, we generally obtain the data subject’s consent.

The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, e-mail address or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and in accordance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to Bilstein GmbH. By means of this privacy policy, our company wishes to inform the general public of the nature, scope and purpose of the personal data we collect, use and process. Furthermore, by means of this privacy policy, data subjects are informed of their rights to which they are entitled.

As the controller, Bilstein GmbH has implemented numerous technical and organisational measures to ensure the most complete protection possible of personal data processed through this website. Nevertheless, Internet-based data transmissions can in principle have security gaps, so that absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us by alternative means, for instance by telephone.

1. Definitions

Bilstein GmbH's privacy policy is based on the terms used by the European legislator in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We want our privacy policy to be easy to read and understand for the general public, as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terms used in advance.

We use the following terms, among others, in this privacy policy:

  • a) Personal Data

    Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereafter "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 to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

  • b) Data Subject

    Data subject means any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data are processed by the controller.

  • c) Processing

    Processing means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on 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.

  • d) Restriction of Processing

    Restriction of processing means the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in the future.

  • e) 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.

  • f) Pseudonymisation

    Pseudonymisation means the processing of personal data in such a way 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 are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

  • g) Controller or Controller Responsible for the Processing

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

  • h) Processors

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

  • i) Recipient

    Recipient means a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body, to which personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be considered as recipients.

  • j) Third Parties

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

  • k) Consent

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

2. Name and Address of the Controller

Controller for the purposes of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union and other provisions related to data protection is:

Bilstein GmbH

Riensbergstraße 62 A

13599 Berlin

Deutschland

Tel.: +49 (0) 30 - 80 20 87 770

E-Mail: info@bilstein24.de

Website: http://www.bilstein24.de

3. Cookies

The website of Bilstein GmbH uses cookies. Cookies are text files which are stored on a computer system via a web browser.

Many websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. The cookie ID is a unique identifier of the cookie. It consists of a string of characters through which websites and servers can be linked to the specific web browser in which the cookie is stored. This allows the visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other web browsers that contain other cookies. A specific web browser can be recognised and identified using its unique cookie ID.

Through the use of cookies, Bilstein GmbH can provide the users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the setting of cookies.

With the help of a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimised with the user in mind. As mentioned previously, cookies allow us to recognise our website’s users. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. For example, the user of a website that uses cookies does not have to enter access data each time the website is accessed, as the website and the cookie stored on the user's computer system save and enter said information. Another example is the cookie for a shopping basket in an online shop. The cookie allows the online shop to ‘remember’ the items that a customer has placed in the virtual shopping basket.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by adjusting the corresponding settings of the web browser used, and can thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time through a web browser or other software programmes. This is possible for all common web browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the web browser used, it is possible that not all functions of our website are entirely operational.

4. Collection of General Data and Information

Bilstein GmbH website collects a range of general data and information every time a data subject or automated system accesses the website. This general data and information is stored in the server log files. The following information may be recorded: (1) browser types and versions used (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrer), (4) our website’s subsites visited by an accessing system, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an Internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that can be used to avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

´When using this general data and information, Bilstein GmbH does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is required to (1) correctly deliver the content of our website, (2) optimise the content of our website as well as its advertisement, (3) ensure the long-term functioning of our information technology systems and website technology, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in the event of a cyber-attack. Therefore, this anonymously collected data and information is evaluated by Bilstein GmbH both statistically and with the aim of increasing the data protection and data security of our company, to ultimately ensure an optimum level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

5. Contact Possibilities

In accordance with legal regulations, the website of Bilstein GmbH contains information that allows for quick electronic contact with our company as well as direct communication with us, this also includes a general e-mail address. If a data subject contacts the controller via e-mail or a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject is automatically stored. Personal data which is voluntarily transmitted by a data subject to the controller will be stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the data subject. These personal data will not be passed on to third parties.

6. Routine Deletion and Blocking of Personal Data

The controller will only process and store the personal data of the data subject for the period of time necessary to achieve the purpose of storage, or where granted by the European legislator or another legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.

If the storage purpose no longer applies or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator, or another competent legislator, expires, the personal data are routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with legislation.

7. Rights of the Data Subject

  • a) Right of Confirmation

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether personal data relating to the data subject are being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of confirmation, they can, at any time, contact an employee of the controller.

  • b) Right of Access

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain information on the data subject’s personal data stored, and a copy of that information from the controller at any time and free of charge. Furthermore, the European legislator grants the data subject access to the following information:

    • the purposes of the processing
    • the categories of personal data concerned
    • the recipients or categories of recipient to whom the personal data have 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 not possible, the criteria to determine that period
    • the existence of the right to request from the controller the rectification or erasure of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing
    • the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
    • where the personal data are not collected from the data subject: any available information as to their source
    • the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, in referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject

    The data subject also has the right to obtain information as to whether personal data have been transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. Where this is the case, the data subject also has the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards relating to the transfer.

    If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, they can, at any time, contact an employee of the controller.

  • c) Right to Rectification

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller without undue delay the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning the data subject. Furthermore, the data subject has the right, taking into account the purposes of the processing, to have incomplete data completed, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.

    If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they can, at any time, contact an employee of the controller.

  • d) Right to Erasure (Right to Be Forgotten)

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning the data subject without undue delay, as long as the processing is not necessary and where one of the following grounds applies:

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

    If one of the above reasons applies and a data subject wishes to have personal data stored at Bilstein GmbH erased, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee of Bilstein GmbH will ensure that the request for deletion is complied with without undue delay.

    Where the personal data have been made public by Bilstein GmbH and our company as the controller is obliged to erase the personal data pursuant to Article 17(1) of the GDPR, Bilstein GmbH, taking into account the available technology and the costs of implementation, will take appropriate steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers which are processing the published personal data that the data subject has requested erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data, where the processing is not necessary. The employee of Bilstein GmbH will take the necessary steps in the individual case.

  • e) Right to Restriction of Processing

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:

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

    If one of the aforementioned conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored at Bilstein GmbH, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee of Bilstein GmbH will arrange the restriction of the processing.

  • f) Right to Data Portability

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to receive the personal data concerning the data subject, which they provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. The data subject also has the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, as long as the processing is based on the consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR, or point (a) of Article 9(2) of the GDPR, or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, as long as the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested the controller.

    Furthermore, in exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) of the GDPR, the data subject has the right to have personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another controller, where technically feasible and as long as doing so does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

    In order to assert the right to data portability, the data subject can contact an employee of Bilstein GmbH at any time.

  • g) Right to Object

    JEvery data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to object, on grounds relating to data subject’s particular situation, at any time to the processing of personal data concerning them, which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

    Bilstein GmbH will no longer process the personal data in the event of an objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

    If Bilstein GmbH processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject has the right to object, at any time, to the processing of personal data concerning the data subject for such marketing. This also applies to profiling as far as it is connected with such direct advertising. If the data subject objects to Bilstein GmbH processing the data for direct marketing purposes, Bilstein GmbH will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.

    In addition, the data subject has the right to object to the processing of personal data concerning them by Bilstein GmbH for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, on grounds relating to the data subject’s particular situation, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.

    In order to exercise the right to object, the data subject can directly contact any employee of Bilstein GmbH. The data subject is also free in the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise the data subject’s right of objection by automated means using technical specifications.

  • h) Automated Individual Decision-Making, Including Profiling

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects upon the data subject or similarly significantly affects them, provided that the decision (1) is not necessary for entering into, or performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller; or (2) is not 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 and freedoms and their legitimate interests; or (3) is not based on the data subject’s explicit consent.

    If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller; or (2) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent, Bilstein GmbH will implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and their legitimate interests, and at minimum the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and to contest the decision.

    If the data subject wishes to exercise their rights concerning automated decisions, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time.

  • i) Right to Revoke Consent under Data Protection Law

    Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to withdraw their consent to the processing of the data subject’s personal data at any time.

    If the data subject wishes to exercise their right to withdraw consent, they can do so by contacting an employee of the controller at any time.

8. Data Protection Provisions about the Application and the Use of Facebook

The controller has integrated Facebook components into this website. Facebook is a social network.

A social network is a social meeting point operated on the Internet, an online community, which usually allows users to communicate with each other and interact in virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for the exchange of opinions and experiences, or enables the online community to provide personal or business-related information. Facebook allows social network users to create private profiles, upload photos, and network through friend requests.

The operating company of Facebook is Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. For persons living outside of the USA or Canada, the controller is Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and into which a Facebook component (Facebook plug-in) has been integrated, is accessed, the web browser on the data subject’s information technology system is automatically prompted by the Facebook component to download a display of the corresponding Facebook component from Facebook. A complete overview of all Facebook plug-ins can be found at https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/?locale=en. During the course of this technical process, Facebook is made aware of which specific subsite of our website is visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in on Facebook at the same time as visiting our website – and for the entire duration of their stay –, Facebook detects which specific subsites of our website is visited by the data subject, each time the website is accessed by them. This information is collected through the Facebook component and linked by Facebook to the respective Facebook account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Facebook buttons integrated into our website, for example the "Like" button, or if the data subject submits a comment, Facebook links this information to the personal Facebook user account of the data subject and stores these personal data.

Facebook receives information through the Facebook component that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged in on Facebook at the same time as accessing our website; this happens whether or not the individual clicks on the Facebook component. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to Facebook this way, he or she can prevent this by logging off from their Facebook account before accessing our website.

The privacy policy published by Facebook, available at https://facebook.com/about/privacy/, provides information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by Facebook. It is also explained what settings Facebook offers to protect the privacy of the data subject. In addition, various applications are available that make it possible to eliminate data transmission to Facebook. Such applications can be used by the data subject to eliminate data transmission to Facebook.

9. Data Protection Provisions about the Application and the Use of Google Analytics (with Anonymisation Function)

The controller has integrated the Google Analytics component (with anonymisation function) into this website. Google Analytics is a web analysis service. Web analysis is the collection, gathering and analysis of data on the behaviour of visitors to websites. A web analysis service collects, among other things, data about the website from which a data subject came to another website (so-called referrers), which subsites of the website were accessed or how often and for what duration a subsite was viewed. Web analytics are mainly used to optimise a website and in order to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of online advertising.

The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

For web analysis through Google Analytics, the controller uses the code extension "_gat._anonymizeIp". By means of this code extension Google shortens and anonymises the IP address of the Internet connection of the data subject used when accessing our website from within a member state of the European Union or from another Contracting State to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyse the traffic on our website. Google uses the collected data and information, among other things, to evaluate the use of our website and to provide online reports which show the activities on our website, and to provide other services concerning the use of our website.

Google Analytics places a cookie on the data subject’s information technology system. The definition of cookies is given above. By setting the cookie, Google is able to analyse the use of our website. Each time the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and into which a Google Analytics component has been integrated, are accessed, the web browser on the data subject’s information technology system is automatically prompted by the Google Analytics component to transmit data to Google for the purpose of online analysis. During the course of this technical process, Google is made aware of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which Google uses, among other things, to track the origin of visitors and clicks, and to subsequently create commission statements.

The cookie is used to store personal information, such as the access time, the location from which the access originated, and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject. With each visit to our website, such personal data, including the IP address of the Internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States of America. These personal data are stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may pass these personal data collected through the technical process on to third parties.

The data subject can, as described above, prevent our website from setting cookies at any time by adjusting the corresponding settings of the web browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment of the settings of the web browser used will also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the data subject’s information technology system. In addition, cookies already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the web browser or other software programmes.

Furthermore, it is possible for the data subject to object to and to prevent the collection of data generated by Google Analytics, which are related to the use of this website, as well as the processing of these data by Google. For this purpose, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on that can be found at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/?hl=en. This browser add-on informs Google Analytics through JavaScript that no data and information on visits to websites may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google considers the installation of the browser add-on an objection. If the data subject's information technology system is later deleted, formatted, or reinstalled, the data subject must newly install the browser add-on to disable Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or by another person within their sphere of influence, the browser add-on can be reinstalled or reactivated.

For more information and to review Google's current privacy policies, please visit https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en&gl and https://www.google.de/analytics/terms/us.html. Further information on Google Analytics can be found at https://marketingplatform.google.com/intl/en_uk/about/analytics/.

10. Data Protection Provisions about the Application and the Use of Google+

The controller has integrated the Google+ button as a component into this website. Google+ is a so-called social network. A social network is a social meeting point operated on the Internet, an online community, which usually allows users to communicate with each other and interact in virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for the exchange of opinions and experiences, or enables the online community to provide personal or business-related information. Google+ allows users of the social network to create private profiles, upload photos, and network through friendship requests.

Google+ is operated by Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and into which a Google+ button has been integrated, is accessed, the web browser on the data subject's information technology system is automatically prompted by the respective Google+ button to download a display of the corresponding Google+ button from Google. During the course of this technical process, Google is made aware of which specific subsite of our website is visited by the data subject. More detailed information on Google+ can be found at https://developers.google.com/+/.

If the data subject is logged in on Google+ at the same time as visiting our website – and for the entire duration of their stay –, Google detects which specific subsites of our website is visited by the data subject, each time the website is accessed by them. This information is collected through the Google+ button and linked by Google to the respective Google+ account of the data subject.

If the data subject clicks on one of the Google+ buttons integrated into our website and thereby makes a Google+1 recommendation, Google links this information to the personal Google+ user account of the data subject and stores these personal data. Google stores the data subject's Google+1 recommendation and makes it publicly available in accordance with the terms and conditions accepted by the data subject. A Google+1 recommendation submitted by the data subject on this website will then be stored and processed together with other personal data, such as the name of the Google+1 account used by the data subject and the photograph uploaded to said account, stored and processed by other Google services, such as the search results of the Google search engine, the data subject's Google account or elsewhere, for example on websites or in connection with advertisements. Google is also able to link a visit to this website with other personal data stored by Google. Google furthermore collects this personal information for the purpose of improving or optimising Google's various services.

Google receives information through the Google+ button that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged in on Google+ at the same time as accessing our website; this happens whether or not the data subject clicks the Google+ button.

If the data subject does not want their personal data to be transmitted to Google, he or she can prevent this by logging off from their Google+ account before accessing our website.

For more information and to review Google’s current privacy policies, please visit https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en&gl. Google gives further information on the Google+1 button at https://developers.google.com/+/web/buttons-policy.

11. Data Protection Provisions about the Application and the Use of Google AdWords

The controller has integrated Google AdWords into this website. Google AdWords is an online advertising service that allows advertisers to place ads both in Google's search engine results and in the Google Network. Google AdWords allows an advertiser to define keywords in order for their clickable ads to appear in Google’s search result when the user searches a relevant keyword. In the Google Network, the ads are distributed to topic-relevant websites using an automatic algorithm and taking into account the previously defined keywords.

Google AdWords services are operated and provided by Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The purpose of Google AdWords is to promote our website by displaying ads of interest on third-party websites and in Google’s search engine results, and by displaying third-party ads on our website.

If a data subject reaches our website by clicking on a Google ad, Google places a so-called conversion cookie on the data subject’s information technology system. The definition of cookies is given above. A conversion cookie expires after thirty days and is not used for personal identification of the data subject. If the cookie has not yet expired, the conversion cookie is used to track whether certain subsites, such as the shopping basket of an online shopping system, have been accessed on our website. The conversion cookie allows both us and Google to track whether a person who reached our website via an AdWords ad generated a turnover, i.e. completed or cancelled a purchase.

The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie is used by Google to create visitor statistics for our website. These visitor statistics are in turn used by us to determine the total number of users who were referred to us via AdWords ads, i.e. to determine the success or failure of the respective AdWords ad and to optimise our AdWords ads for the future. Neither our company nor other Google AdWords advertisers obtain any information from Google that can be used to identify the data subject.

The conversion cookie is used to store personal information, such as the websites visited by the data subject. Accordingly, each time the data subject visits our website, personal data, including the IP address of the Internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States of America. These personal data are stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may disclose personal data collected through this technical process to third parties.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as described above, at any time by adjusting the corresponding settings of the web browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such an adjustment of the settings of the web browser used would also prevent Google from setting a conversion cookie on the data subject’s information technology system. In addition, a cookie already set by Google AdWords can be deleted at any time via the web browser or other software programmes.

Furthermore, the data subject can object to the interest-related advertising by Google. To do this, the data subject must access the link https://adssettings.google.com/ from any of the web browsers used and change the settings there as desired.

For more information and Google’s current privacy policy, please visit https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en&gl.

12. Data Protection Provisions about the Application and the Use of Instagram

The controller has integrated components of the service Instagram into this website. Instagram is a service that may be qualified as an audiovisual platform, which allows users to share photos and videos, as well as disseminate such data on other social networks.

Instagram services are operated by Instagram LLC, 1 Hacker Way, Building 14 First Floor, Menlo Park, CA, USA.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and into which an Instagram component (Insta button) has been integrated, is accessed, the web browser on the data subject's information technology system is automatically prompted by the Instagram component to download a display of the corresponding Instagram component from Instagram. During the course of this technical process, Instagram is made aware of which specific subsite of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in on Instagram at the same time as visiting our website – and for the entire duration of their stay –, Instagram detects which specific subsite of our website is visited by the data subject, each time the website is accessed by them. This information is collected through the Instagram component and linked by Instagram to the Instagram account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Instagram buttons integrated into our website, the data and information transmitted is linked to the data subject’s personal Instagram user account and stored and processed by Instagram.

Instagram receives information through the Instagram component that the data subject has visited our site whenever they are logged in on Instagram at the same time as accessing our website; this happens whether or not they click on the Instagram component. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to Instagram, they can prevent the transmission by logging off from their Instagram account before accessing our website.

For more information and to review Instagram's current privacy policies, please visit https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388 and https://www.instagram.com/about/legal/privacy/.

13. Data Protection Provisions about the Application and the Use of LinkedIn

The controller has integrated LinkedIn Corporation components into this website. LinkedIn is an online social network that allows users to connect with existing and establish new business contacts. LinkedIn is used by more than 610 million registered members in over 200 countries. This makes LinkedIn the currently largest platform for business contacts and one of the most-visited websites in the world.

LinkedIn is operated by LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Outside the United States, LinkedIn Ireland, Privacy Policy Issues, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, is responsible for privacy matters.

Each time our website, containing a LinkedIn component (LinkedIn plug-in), is accessed, the LinkedIn component prompts the browser used by the data subject to download the corresponding display of the LinkedIn component. More information on LinkedIn plug-ins can be found at https://developer.linkedin.com/plugins. As part of this technical process, LinkedIn receives information about which specific subpage of our website is visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in on LinkedIn at the same time as visiting our website – and for the entire duration of their stay –, LinkedIn detects which specific subsite of our website is visited by the data subject, each time the website is accessed by them. This information is collected through the LinkedIn component and linked by LinkedIn to the respective LinkedIn account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on a LinkedIn button integrated into our website, LinkedIn links this information to the personal LinkedIn user account of the data subject and saves these personal data.

LinkedIn always receives information through the LinkedIn component that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged in on LinkedIn at the same time as accessing our website; this happens whether or not the data subject clicks on the LinkedIn component. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to LinkedIn this way, they can prevent the transmission by logging off from their LinkedIn account before accessing our website.

LinkedIn offers the possibility to unsubscribe from e-mail messages, SMS messages and targeted ads, as well as to manage ad settings under https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls. LinkedIn also uses partners such as Quantcast, Google Analytics, BlueKai, DoubleClick, Nielsen, Comscore, Eloqua and Lotame who can set cookies. Such cookies can be declined at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy. LinkedIn's current privacy policy can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy. LinkedIn's cookie policy is available at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy.

14. Data Protection Provisions about the Application and the Use of Xing

The data controller has integrated Xing components into this website. Xing is an online social network that allows users to connect to existing and establish new business contacts. Individual users can create personal profiles at Xing. Companies can, for example, create company profiles or publish job offers on Xing.

Xing's operating company is XING SE, Dammtorstraße 30, 20354 Hamburg, Germany.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the controller and into which an Xing component (Xing plug-in) has been integrated, is accessed, the web browser on the data subject’s information technology system is automatically prompted by the Xing component to download a display of the corresponding Xing component from Xing. Further information on the Xing plug-ins can be found at https://dev.xing.com/plugins. During the course of this technical process, Xing is made aware of which specific subsite of our website is visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in on Xing at the same time as visiting our website – and for the duration of their stay –, Xing detects which specific subsite of our website is visited by the data subject, each time the website is accessed. This information is collected through the Xing component and linked by Xing to the respective Xing account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Xing buttons integrated into our website, for example the "Share" button, Xing links this information to the personal Xing user account of the data subject and saves these personal data.

Xing receives information through the Xing component that the data subject has visited our website whenever the data subject is logged in on Xing at the same time as accessing our website; this happens whether or not the data subject clicks on the Xing component. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to Xing in this way, they can prevent this by logging off from their Xing account before accessing our website.

The privacy policy published by Xing, available at https://privacy.xing.com/en, provides information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by Xing. Furthermore, Xing has published data protection information for the XING Share button at https://dev.xing.com/plugins/share_button/privacy_policy.

15. Legal Basis for the Processing

Point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR serves as our company’s legal basis for processing operations in which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party, as is the case, for example, when processing operations are necessary for the delivery of goods or to provide any other service or consideration, the processing is based on Article 6(1) point (b) of the GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations which are necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, for example in case of inquiries regarding our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation by which the processing of personal data is required, for example for the fulfilment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6(1) point (c) of the GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may become necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured in our company and his name, age, health insurance information or other vital information would have to be passed on to a doctor, hospital or other third party. In this case the processing would be based on Article 6(1) point (d) of the GDPR. Furthermore, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1) point (f) of the GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations which are not covered by any of the aforementioned grounds, if processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interest pursued by our company or a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests, fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms of the data subject. Such processing operations are permissible in particular because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. The legislator takes the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (recital 47 sentence 2 GDPR).

16. The Legitimate Interests Pursued by the Controller or by a Third Party

Where the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1) point (f) of the GDPR, our legitimate interest is to carry out our business in favour of the well-being of all our employees and shareholders.

17. Duration for which the Personal Data are Stored

The criteria used to determine the duration for which personal data are stored is the respective statutory retention period. After expiration of that period, the corresponding data are routinely deleted, as long as they are no longer necessary for the fulfilment or initiation of a contract.

18. Provision of Personal Data as Statutory or Contractual Requirement; Requirement Necessary for the Conclusion of a Contract; Obligation of the Data Subject to Provide the Personal Data; Possible Consequences of Failure to Provide Such Data

We inform you that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or can result from contractual provisions (e.g. information on the contractual partner). For a contract to be concluded, it can sometimes be necessary that the data subject provides us with personal data, which are subsequently processed by us. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data when our company concludes a contract with the data subject. Failure to provide personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject cannot be concluded. Before providing personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will inform the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of personal data is required by law or contract, or is necessary for the conclusion of a contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data and the consequences of non-provision of the personal data.

19. Existence of Automated Decision-Making

As a responsible company, we do not use automatic decision-making or profiling.

This data protection declaration was created by the data protection declaration generator of the DGD Deutsche Gesellschaft für Datenschutz GmbH (German Association for Data Protection), which acts as external data protection officer for Straubing, in cooperation with Christian Solmecke, lawyer for data protection law.