PRIVACY POLICY
The Cashare AG, Hünenberg
Version: 1.2 / August 1, 2018

1. Introduction

We are very pleased about your interest in our company. Data protection is of the utmost importance to Cashare AG. We understand that sharing information about you is an act of trust. For this reason, our company has taken measures to ensure the security of your personal data.

The Cashare AG website can generally be used without providing any personal data. If a user wishes to use certain services offered by our company, in particular, open a user account and take out or grant loans, the processing of personal data will be necessary. Cashare endeavors to request only as much information as is necessary for the respective business relationship. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the consent of the data subject.

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 Swiss Data Protection Act (DSG) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in accordance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to Cashare AG. Through this privacy policy, our company would like to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, this privacy policy informs data subjects about their rights.

Cashare AG, as the controller, has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection possible for personal data processed through this website. However, internet-based data transmissions may, in principle, contain security gaps, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us via alternative means, for example, by letter.

Our goal is to protect your privacy. Help us improve our data protection measures and share your opinion with us. You always have the opportunity to submit suggestions or complaints to our (webmasterWe endeavor to respond to every inquiry or comment within two working days.

1.1  Who does Cashare store personal data from?

Important: If you do not register with Cashare, no personal information about you will be stored in our databases.

Personal data about you will only be included in our databases if you provide it yourself during registration or when creating an application. This information is necessary to comply with legal requirements and to ensure the proper and secure management of your user account. Additional data will only be added to your profile if you submit a loan application and we obtain additional information from third parties for credit assessment purposes.

Therefore, requests for data disclosure in accordance with data protection law and the associated costs (postage, etc.) only make sense for people who have actively registered. If you have never actively registered, we will not have stored any of your data in our databases.

Cashare stores all the information you enter on www.cashare.ch in its database. When you apply for a loan, we may supplement the database with information about your creditworthiness from the ZEK, IKO, Bisnode D&B Schweiz AG, CRIF AG, and the Swiss Creditreform Association (cooperative), debt collection agencies, commercial registry offices, and other publicly accessible sources. This information is published in the form of a rating (A, B+, B, C+, or C) during the financing phase under your username in the created loan project. Lower ratings (D, E, and F) are not permitted on the platform and therefore not published. Further information from third-party database providers is not published.

In order to retrieve the relevant information, personal information such as your first and last name, date of birth, and, if applicable, residential address, or company information such as name, registered office, and founding dates for loan applications must be transmitted to the listed data providers to verify your identity and creditworthiness. It is important to us to inform you of this. Further information can be found at: ZEK, IKO, Bisnode , CRIF and Creditreform.

1.2 Will data be passed on to third parties?

Cashare does not disclose personal data to third parties, with the following exceptions:

• If third parties are commissioned to process personal data on behalf of Cashare and for the exclusive purpose of using it, Cashare will ensure, in a reasonable manner, that only as much data is provided and processed as is specifically necessary for the project, as Cashare itself is permitted to do. The information provided to such third parties is protected by a confidentiality agreement and will be used only to carry out these projects.
• For services such as credit or mortgage brokerage, Cashare may disclose personal data to third parties if Cashare has expressly informed the user of this in advance and the user has given their consent. This includes, in particular, the transfer of data to selected mortgage providers, institutional investors, and their partners via electronic communication and data transfer (email, program interfaces, etc.). Cashare selects its partners carefully but cannot guarantee their compliance with applicable data protection regulations.
• If you take out a loan through Cashare and purchase additional insurance, your data will be anonymized and forwarded to the insurance company AXA Versicherungen AG. Only when you claim insurance benefits will your personal information be forwarded to the insurance company for processing your case, and AXA's general insurance terms and conditions (GTC) will apply.
• In the event of a payment default, if the installment payments are not received in the settlement account as contractually agreed, the personal information will be passed on to debt collection partners to initiate pre-legal and legal debt collection.

1.3 Security

This site has taken security measures to prevent the loss, misuse, or alteration of data. We use 256-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to protect the security of transmitted information. At no time is information transmitted unencrypted over the Internet. We utilize a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to our systems.

2. Definitions

Cashare AG's privacy policy is based on the terms used by the European legislator for the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy is intended to be easily readable and understandable for the public, as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terms used in advance.

In this privacy policy we use, among other things, the following terms:

a) personal data

Personal data is 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 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 is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.

c) Processing

Processing is 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 is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its future processing.

e) Profiling

Profiling is 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) pseudonymization

Pseudonymisation is 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 are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

g) Controller or person responsible for processing

The controller or controller responsible for processing is 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.

h) Processor

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

i) Recipient

Recipient is 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 recipients.

j) Third party

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

k) Consent

Consent is any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject's wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data concerning him or her.

3. Name and address of the controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union and other provisions of a data protection nature is:

Cashare AG
Bösch 73
6331 Hünenberg
Switzerland
Phone: +41 41 558 53 95
Email: info@cashare.ch
Website: www.cashare.ch

4.Cookies

Cashare AG's website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored on a computer system via an Internet browser.

Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier for the cookie. It consists of a character string that allows websites and servers to associate the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This enables the visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific internet browser can be recognized and identified via the unique cookie ID.

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

Cookies allow us to optimize the information and offers on our website for the user. As already mentioned, cookies enable us to recognize users of our website. 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 their login details every time they visit the website because this is done by the website and the cookie stored on the user's computer system. Another example is the cookie for a shopping cart in an online shop. The online shop uses a cookie to remember the items a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by making the appropriate settings in the Internet browser used, thereby permanently denying the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies already set can be deleted at any time using an Internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common Internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the Internet browser used, not all functions of our website may be fully available.

5.External links

This website contains links to other websites. Please note that clicking on such a link will take you to a new website. We recommend that you read the privacy policies of those websites, as their privacy practices may differ from ours.

6.Collection of general data and information

The Cashare AG website collects a series of general data and information each time the website is accessed by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information is stored in the server's log files. Collected may be (1) the 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 referrers), (4) the sub-websites accessed via an accessing system on our website, (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 serve to avert dangers in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

When using this general data and information, Cashare AG does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is required to (1) correctly deliver the content of our website, (2) optimize the content of our website and its advertising, (3) ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in the event of a cyberattack. This anonymously collected data and information is therefore evaluated by Cashare AG both statistically and with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company in order to ultimately ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data in the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

7. Registration on our website

The data subject has the option of registering on the controller's website by providing personal data. The personal data transmitted to the controller is determined by the input mask used for registration. The personal data entered by the data subject are collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the controller and for its own purposes. The controller may arrange for the data to be transferred to one or more processors, such as a parcel service provider, who will also use the personal data exclusively for internal use attributable to the controller.

For legal reasons, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address entered by the data subject for registration using the double opt-in procedure. This confirmation email serves to verify whether the owner of the email address, as the data subject, has authorized the registration.

By registering on the website of the controller, the IP address assigned to the data subject by the Internet service provider (ISP), the date, and the time of registration are also stored. This data is stored because it is the only way to prevent misuse of our services and, if necessary, to enable the investigation of committed crimes. Therefore, the storage of this data is necessary to protect the controller. As a general rule, this data will not be passed on to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to do so or the transfer serves the purposes of criminal prosecution.

The registration of the data subject with the voluntary provision of personal data allows the controller to offer the data subject content or services that, due to their nature, can only be offered to registered users. Registered persons are free to change the personal data provided during registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the controller's database.

The controller shall provide each data subject with information, upon request, at any time about which personal data concerning the data subject is stored. Furthermore, the controller shall correct or delete personal data at the request or notification of the data subject, unless otherwise required by law. All employees of the controller shall be available to the data subject as contact persons in this regard.

8. Subscription to our newsletter

On the Cashare AG website, users are given the opportunity to subscribe to our company newsletter. The input mask used for this purpose determines which personal data is transmitted to the controller when ordering the newsletter.

Cashare AG regularly informs its customers and business partners about company offers via a newsletter. Our company newsletter can generally only be received by the data subject if (1) the data subject has a valid email address and (2) the data subject registers for the newsletter. For legal reasons, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address entered by the data subject for the first time for newsletter delivery using the double opt-in procedure. This confirmation email is used to verify whether the owner of the email address, as the data subject, has authorized receipt of the newsletter.

When registering for the newsletter, we also store the IP address assigned by the Internet service provider (ISP) of the computer system used by the data subject at the time of registration, as well as the date and time of registration. The collection of this data is necessary to be able to trace the (possible) misuse of the e-mail address of a data subject at a later date and therefore serves to legally protect the controller.

The personal data collected when registering for the newsletter will be used exclusively to send our newsletter. Furthermore, newsletter subscribers may be informed by email if this is necessary for the operation of the newsletter service or a related registration, as could be the case in the event of changes to the newsletter offer or changes to technical circumstances. The personal data collected as part of the newsletter service will not be passed on to third parties. The subscription to our newsletter can be canceled by the data subject at any time. The consent to the storage of personal data, which the data subject has given us for the purpose of sending the newsletter, can be revoked at any time. A corresponding link can be found in every newsletter for the purpose of revoking the consent. Furthermore, it is possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time directly on the website in the personal user account (My Cashare) of the controller or to communicate this to the controller in another way.

9. Newsletter tracking

Cashare AG's newsletters contain so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a miniature graphic embedded in emails sent in HTML format to enable log file recording and analysis. This allows for statistical evaluation of the success or failure of online marketing campaigns. Using the embedded tracking pixel, Cashare AG can determine whether and when an email was opened by a data subject and which links in the email were accessed by the data subject.

Such personal data collected via the tracking pixels contained in the newsletters are stored and evaluated by the controller in order to optimize newsletter delivery and to better tailor the content of future newsletters to the interests of the data subject. This personal data will not be passed on to third parties. Data subjects are entitled to revoke the separate declaration of consent given via the double opt-in procedure at any time. After revocation, this personal data will be deleted by the controller. Cashare AG automatically interprets unsubscribing from the newsletter as a revocation.

10. Contact options via the website

Due to legal regulations, the Cashare AG website contains information that enables quick electronic contact with our company and direct communication with us, which also includes a general address for so-called electronic mail (email address). If a data subject contacts the controller by email or via a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject will be automatically stored. Such personal data transmitted voluntarily by a data subject to the controller will be stored for the purposes of processing or contacting the data subject. This personal data will not be passed on to third parties.

11. Subscription to comments in the loan project and the blog

Comments can be recorded and subscribed to by third parties on individual loan projects (only accessible to registered users) and on the Cashare AG blog. Users can also subscribe to personalized notification emails to learn when a corresponding loan project has been launched. The email address stored in the user account will be used. The option to subscribe to comments can be canceled at any time.

12. Routine deletion and blocking of personal data

The controller shall process and store the personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or as far as this is provided for by the European legislator or other 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 will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the statutory provisions.

13. Rights of the data subject

a) Right to confirmation

Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her are being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of confirmation, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

b) Right to information

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller free information about the personal data concerning him or her stored at any time and a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject the right to obtain the following information:

• the processing purposes
• the categories of personal data being processed
• the recipients or categories of recipients 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, where not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
• the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning them or to restriction of processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing
• the existence of a right of complaint to a supervisory authority
• if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: all available information about the origin of the data
• 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

Furthermore, the data subject has the right to information as to whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. Where this is the case, the data subject also has the right to receive information about the appropriate safeguards related to the transfer.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to information, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

c) Right to rectification

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to request the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Furthermore, taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject has the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay, where one of the following grounds applies and where processing is not necessary:

• The personal data were collected or otherwise processed for purposes for which they are no longer necessary.
• The data subject withdraws his or her 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 there is no other legal ground for the processing.
• The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) GDPR.
• The personal data was processed unlawfully.
• The erasure of personal data is necessary to fulfil a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
• The personal data were collected in relation to information society services offered in accordance with Art. 8 (1) GDPR.

If one of the above reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by Cashare AG, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee of Cashare AG will ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately.

If the personal data was made public by Cashare AG and our company as the controller pursuant to Art. 17 Para. 1 GDPR is obliged to erase the personal data, Cashare AG shall take appropriate measures, including technical ones, taking into account the available technology and the implementation costs, in order to inform other data controllers which process the published personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of all links to these personal data or of copies or replications of these personal data, unless processing is required. The employee of Cashare AG will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.

e) Right to restriction of processing

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to request the controller to restrict processing if 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 the accuracy of the personal data.
• The processing is unlawful, the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and instead requests the restriction of the use of the personal data.
• The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but the data subject needs them to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.
• The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and it has not yet been determined 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 by Cashare AG, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee of Cashare AG will arrange for the restriction of processing.

f) Right to data portability

Every data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which he or she has provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. He or she shall also have 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 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, unless the 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.

Furthermore, when exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) GDPR, the data subject shall have the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and when doing so does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

To assert the right to data portability, the data subject may contact an employee of Cashare AG at any time.

g) Right to object

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning him or her, which is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR, for reasons related to his or her particular situation. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

Cashare AG will no longer process the personal data in the event of an objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which outweigh the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

If Cashare AG processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data for such advertising purposes. This also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to Cashare AG processing for direct marketing purposes, Cashare AG will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.

In addition, the data subject has the right to object, for reasons related to his or her particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning him or her which is carried out by Cashare AG for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 (1) GDPR, unless such processing is necessary to perform a task carried out in the public interest.

To exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of Cashare AG directly. Furthermore, in connection with the use of information society services, the data subject is free to exercise his or her right of objection by means of automated procedures using technical specifications, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC.

h) Automated decisions in individual cases, including profiling

Every data subject shall have 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 concerning him or her or similarly significantly affects him or her, provided that the decision (1) is not is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is not authorized 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 legitimate interests, or (3) is not based on the data subject’s explicit consent.

If the decision (1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller or (2) is made with the data subject’s explicit consent, Cashare AG shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, including at least 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 rights with regard to automated decisions, he or she may contact any employee of the controller at any time.

i) Right to withdraw consent under data protection law

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to withdraw his or her consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

If the data subject wishes to exercise his or her right to withdraw consent, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

14. Data protection in applications and in the application process

The controller collects and processes the personal data of applicants for the purpose of processing the application procedure. Processing may also be carried out electronically. This is particularly the case if an applicant submits corresponding application documents to the controller electronically, for example by email or via a web form on the website. If the controller concludes an employment contract with an applicant, the transmitted data will be stored for the purpose of processing the employment relationship in compliance with the statutory provisions. If the controller does not conclude an employment contract with the applicant, the application documents will be automatically deleted two months after notification of the rejection decision, provided that no other legitimate interests of the controller conflict with deletion. Other legitimate interests in this sense include, for example, the burden of proof in proceedings under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).

15. Data protection provisions regarding the use and application of third-party software

15.1 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of AddThis

The controller has integrated components of the company AddThis on this website. AddThis is a so-called bookmarking provider. This service enables simplified bookmarking of websites via buttons. Hovering over the AddThis component with the mouse or clicking on it displays a list of bookmarking and sharing services. AddThis is used on over 15 million websites, and according to the operating company, the buttons are displayed over 20 billion times annually.

The operating company of AddThis is AddThis, Inc. 1595 Spring Hill Road, Suite 300, Vienna, VA 22182, USA.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which an AddThis component has been integrated, is accessed, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective AddThis component to download data from the website www.addthis.com. As part of this technical process, AddThis receives information about the visit and which specific individual page of this website is used by the information technology system used by the data subject. Furthermore, AddThis receives information about the IP address assigned by the Internet service provider (ISP) of the computer system used by the data subject, the browser type, the browser language, the website accessed before our website, and the date and time of the visit to our website. AddThis uses this data to create anonymized user profiles. The data and information transmitted to AddThis in this way enable AddThis itself, as well as companies affiliated with AddThis or its partner companies, to specifically address visitors to the controller's website with personalized and interest-based advertising.

AddThis displays personalized and interest-based advertising based on a cookie set by the company. This cookie analyzes the individual browsing behavior of the computer system used by the data subject. The cookie stores visits to websites originating from the computer system.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the Internet browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent AddThis from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, cookies already set by AddThis can be deleted at any time via an Internet browser or other software programs.

The data subject also has the option of permanently objecting to the processing of personal data by AddThis. To do so, the data subject must click the opt-out button at http://www.addthis.com/privacy/opt-out, which sets an opt-out cookie. The opt-out cookie set with the objection is stored on the information technology system used by the data subject. If the cookies on the data subject's system are deleted after an objection, the data subject must access the link again and set a new opt-out cookie.

However, by setting the opt-out cookie, it is possible that the data subject will no longer be able to fully use the website of the controller.

AddThis’s applicable privacy policy can be found at http://www.addthis.com/privacy/privacy-policy.

15.2 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Mouseflow

The controller has integrated components of the company Mouseflow on this website. Mouseflow is a web analysis service. Web analysis is the collection, gathering, and evaluation of data about the behavior of website visitors. A web analysis service collects, among other things, data about the website from which a data subject came to a website (so-called referrers), which subpages of the website were accessed, and how often and for how long a subpage was viewed. Web analysis is primarily used to optimize a website and for the cost-benefit analysis of online advertising.

The operating company of Mouseflow is Mouseflow GmbH, Flaesketorvet 68, 1711 Copenhagen V, Denmark.

Mouseflow sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has already been explained above. With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Mouseflow component has been integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Mouseflow component to transmit data to Mouseflow for marketing and optimization purposes. As part of this technical procedure, Mouseflow receives information that is subsequently used to create pseudonymous user profiles. The user profiles obtained in this way are used to analyze the behavior of the data subject who has accessed the website of the controller and are evaluated with the aim of improving and optimizing the website. The data collected via the Mouseflow component will not be used to identify the data subject without first obtaining a separate and explicit consent from the data subject. This data will not be merged with personal data or with other data containing the same pseudonym.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the Internet browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Mouseflow from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, cookies already set by Mouseflow can be deleted at any time via an Internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option of objecting to the collection of data generated by the Mouseflow cookie relating to the use of this website and the processing of these data by Mouseflow and of preventing any such processing. To do so, the data subject must click on the submit button below the link  which sets the opt-out cookie. The opt-out cookie set with the objection is stored on the information technology system used by the data subject. If the cookies on the data subject's system are deleted after an objection, the data subject must access the link again and set a new opt-out cookie.

However, by setting the opt-out cookie, it is possible that the data subject will no longer be able to fully use the website of the controller.

Mouseflow’s applicable privacy policy can be found at https://mouseflow.com/gdpr/.

15.3 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Facebook

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

A social network is an internet-based social meeting place, an online community that typically allows users to communicate with each other and interact in a virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for exchanging opinions and experiences or allow the internet community to provide personal or business-related information. Facebook allows users of the social network to create private profiles, upload photos, and network via friend requests, among other things.

The operating company of Facebook is Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. If a data subject lives outside the USA or Canada, the controller responsible for processing personal data is Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland.

With each visit to one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Facebook component (Facebook plug-in) was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Facebook component to download a display of the corresponding Facebook component from Facebook. A complete overview of all Facebook plug-ins can be found under this link As part of this technical procedure, Facebook receives information about which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to Facebook at the same time, Facebook recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject visits with each visit to our website by the data subject and for the entire duration of their stay on our website. This information is collected through the Facebook component and assigned by Facebook to the respective Facebook account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Facebook buttons integrated on our website, e.g. the "Like" button, or if the data subject makes a comment, Facebook assigns this information to the personal Facebook user account of the data subject and stores the personal data.

Facebook always receives information via the Facebook component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in to Facebook at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Facebook component or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to Facebook, they can prevent this by logging out of their Facebook account before accessing our website.

The data policy published by Facebook, which is available under this link The privacy policy provides information about the collection, processing, and use of personal data by Facebook. Furthermore, it explains which settings options Facebook offers to protect the privacy of the data subject. Furthermore, various applications are available that allow the suppression of data transmission to Facebook. Such applications can be used by the data subject to suppress data transmission to Facebook.

15.4 Data protection provisions regarding the use and application of Getty Images images

The controller has integrated components of the company Getty Images into this website. Getty Images is an American stock photo agency. A stock photo agency is a company that offers images and other image material on the market. Stock photo agencies typically market photographs, illustrations, and film material. Various customers, in particular website operators, editorial departments of print and TV media, and advertising agencies, license the images they use through stock photo agencies.

The operating company of the Getty Images components is Getty Images International, 1st Floor, The Herbert Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18, Ireland.

Getty Images allows the embedding of stock images (possibly free of charge). Embedding is the inclusion or integration of specific third-party content, such as text, video, or image data provided by a third-party website, which then appears on one's own website. Embedding uses a so-called embedding code. An embedding code is an HTML code that is integrated into a website by a website operator. If an embedding code is integrated by a website operator, the external content of the other website is displayed immediately by default as soon as a website is visited. To display the third-party content, the external content is loaded directly from the other website. Getty Images provides link  further information about embedding content.

Through the technical implementation of the embedding code, which enables the display of Getty Images images, the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject to access our website is transmitted to Getty Images. Furthermore, Getty Images records our website, the browser type used, the browser language, the time and length of access. Furthermore, Getty Images may record navigation information, i.e., information about which of our subpages the data subject visited and which links were clicked, as well as other interactions the data subject performed while visiting our website. This data may be stored and evaluated by Getty Images.

Further information and the applicable privacy policy of Getty Images can be found at link can be retrieved.

15.5 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Google AdSense

The controller has integrated Google AdSense on this website. Google AdSense is an online service that enables advertising on third-party websites. Google AdSense is based on an algorithm that selects the advertisements displayed on third-party websites based on the content of the respective third-party website. Google AdSense allows interest-based targeting of Internet users, which is implemented by generating individual user profiles.

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

The purpose of the Google AdSense component is the integration of advertisements on our website. Google AdSense sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has already been explained above. By setting the cookie, Alphabet Inc. is enabled to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and on which a Google AdSense component was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted through the respective Google AdSense component to transmit data to Alphabet Inc. for the purpose of online advertising and the settlement of commissions. As part of this technical procedure, Alphabet Inc. gains knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Alphabet Inc., inter alia, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently enable commission settlements.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the Internet browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Alphabet Inc. from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Alphabet Inc. can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Google AdSense also uses so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a miniature graphic embedded in websites to enable log file recording and analysis, which can be used for statistical evaluation. Using the embedded tracking pixel, Alphabet Inc. can determine whether and when a website was opened by a data subject and which links were clicked by the data subject. Tracking pixels are used, among other things, to evaluate the flow of visitors to a website.

Through Google AdSense, personal data and information, including the IP address, which is necessary for the collection and billing of the displayed advertisements, is transferred to Alphabet Inc. in the United States of America. This personal data is stored and processed in the United States of America. Alphabet Inc. may transfer this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

Google AdSense is used under this link explained in more detail.

15.6 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Google Analytics (with anonymization function)

The controller has integrated the Google Analytics component (with anonymization function) on this website. Google Analytics is a web analysis service. Web analysis is the collection, gathering, and evaluation of data about the behavior of website visitors. A web analysis service collects, among other things, data about the website from which a data subject came to a website (so-called referrers), which subpages of the website were accessed, and how often and for how long a subpage was viewed. Web analysis is primarily used to optimize a website and for the 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.

The controller uses the add-on "_gat._anonymizeIp" for web analysis via Google Analytics. This add-on shortens and anonymizes the IP address of the data subject's internet connection if our website is accessed from a member state of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze visitor traffic on our website. Google uses the data and information obtained, among other things, to evaluate the use of our website, to compile online reports for us that demonstrate website activity, and to provide other services related to website activity.

Google Analytics sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has already been explained above. By setting the cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Google Analytics component was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Google Analytics component to transmit data to Google for the purpose of online analysis. As part of this technical procedure, Google receives knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which Google uses, among other things, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently enable commission settlements.

The cookie is used to store personal information, such as the access time, the location from which access was made, and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject. With each visit to our website, this 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. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may transfer this personal data collected via the technical process to third parties.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by making the appropriate settings in the Internet browser used, thereby permanently denying the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option of objecting to the collection of data generated by Google Analytics relating to the use of this website and the processing of this data by Google and of preventing any such processing. To do so, the data subject must download a browser add-on available at link Download and install this browser add-on. This browser add-on informs Google Analytics via JavaScript that no data and information about visits to websites may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google considers the installation of the browser add-on as an objection. If the information technology system of the data subject is deleted, formatted, or reinstalled at a later date, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or another person within their sphere of control, it is possible to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on.

Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be found at this link and under this link Google Analytics is used under this link explained in more detail.

15.7 Data protection provisions on the application and use of Google Remarketing

The controller has integrated Google Remarketing services on this website. Google Remarketing is a feature of Google AdWords that allows a company to display advertisements to internet users who have previously visited the company's website. The integration of Google Remarketing therefore allows a company to create user-specific advertising and thus display interest-relevant advertisements to the internet user.

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

The purpose of Google Remarketing is to display interest-relevant advertising. Google Remarketing enables us to display advertisements via the Google advertising network or on other websites that are tailored to the individual needs and interests of Internet users.

Google Remarketing sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Cookies have already been explained above. By setting the cookie, Google is able to recognize the visitor to our website when they subsequently visit websites that are also members of the Google advertising network. With each visit to a website on which the Google Remarketing service has been integrated, the Internet browser of the data subject automatically identifies itself with Google. As part of this technical process, Google receives knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address or the surfing behavior of the user, which Google uses, among other things, to display interest-relevant advertising.

Cookies are used to store personal information, such as the websites visited by the data subject. With each visit to 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. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may transfer this personal data collected through technical means to third parties.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by making the appropriate settings in the Internet browser used, thereby permanently denying the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option of objecting to interest-based advertising by Google. To do so, the data subject must deactivate the opt-out feature in each of the Internet browsers used by him or her. link  and make the desired settings there.

Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be found at this link can be retrieved.

15.8 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Google AdWords

The controller has integrated Google AdWords on this website. Google AdWords is an internet advertising service that allows advertisers to place ads both in Google's search engine results and in the Google advertising network. Google AdWords enables an advertiser to pre-define certain keywords, using which an ad is displayed in Google's search engine results only when the user retrieves a keyword-relevant search result using the search engine. In the Google advertising network, the ads are distributed on topic-relevant websites using an automatic algorithm and taking into account the previously defined keywords.

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

The purpose of Google AdWords is to promote our website by displaying interest-relevant advertising on the websites of third-party companies and in the search engine results of the Google search engine and by displaying third-party advertising on our website.

If a data subject reaches our website via a Google ad, a so-called conversion cookie is stored on the information technology system of the data subject by Google. What cookies are has already been explained above. A conversion cookie expires after thirty days and is not used to identify the data subject. The conversion cookie is used, provided the cookie has not yet expired, to track whether certain subpages, such as the shopping cart of an online shop system, were accessed on our website. The conversion cookie enables both us and Google to track whether a data subject who reached our website via an AdWords ad generated sales, i.e. completed or canceled a purchase.

The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie are used by Google to compile visit statistics for our website. We, in turn, use these visit statistics to determine the total number of users who were referred to us via AdWords ads, thus determining the success or failure of the respective AdWords ad and optimizing our AdWords ads for the future. Neither our company nor other Google AdWords advertisers receive information from Google that could be used to identify the data subject.

The conversion cookie stores personal information, such as the websites visited by the data subject. With each visit to 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. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may transfer this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the Internet browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from placing a conversion cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google AdWords can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option of objecting to interest-based advertising by Google. To do so, the data subject must deactivate the opt-out feature in each of the Internet browsers used by him or her. link  and make the desired settings there.

Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be found at this link can be retrieved.

15.9 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Instagram

The controller has integrated components of the Instagram service on this website. Instagram is a service that qualifies as an audiovisual platform and allows users to share photos and videos and also to republish such data on other social networks.

The operating company of the Instagram services is Instagram LLC, 1 Hacker Way, Building 14 First Floor, Menlo Park, CA, USA.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which an Instagram component (Insta button) has been integrated, is accessed, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Instagram component to download a display of the corresponding Instagram component. As part of this technical process, Instagram receives information about which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to Instagram at the same time, Instagram recognizes which specific subpage the data subject visits with each visit to our website by the data subject and for the entire duration of their stay on our website. This information is collected through the Instagram component and assigned by Instagram to the respective Instagram account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Instagram buttons integrated on our website, the data and information transmitted with it are assigned to the personal Instagram user account of the data subject and stored and processed by Instagram.

Instagram always receives information via the Instagram component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in to Instagram at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Instagram component or not. If the data subject does not wish this information to be transmitted to Instagram, they can prevent this by logging out of their Instagram account before accessing our website.

Further information and Instagram’s applicable privacy policy can be found at this link and this link   can be retrieved.

15.10 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of LinkedIn

The controller has integrated components of the LinkedIn Corporation into this website. LinkedIn is an internet-based social network that enables users to connect with existing business contacts and establish new ones. Over 400 million registered users use LinkedIn in more than 200 countries. This makes LinkedIn currently the largest platform for business contacts and one of the most visited websites in the world.

The operating company of LinkedIn is LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. LinkedIn Ireland, Privacy Policy Issues, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, is responsible for data protection matters outside the USA.

With each visit to our website, which is equipped with a LinkedIn component (LinkedIn plug-in), this component causes the browser used by the data subject to download a corresponding representation of the LinkedIn component. Further information about the LinkedIn plug-ins can be found under this link As part of this technical procedure, LinkedIn receives information about which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to LinkedIn at the same time, LinkedIn recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject visits with each visit to our website by the data subject—and for the entire duration of their stay on our website. This information is collected through the LinkedIn component and associated with the respective LinkedIn account of the data subject by LinkedIn. If the data subject clicks on a LinkedIn button integrated on our website, LinkedIn associates this information with the personal LinkedIn user account of the data subject and stores the personal data.

LinkedIn always receives information via the LinkedIn component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in to LinkedIn at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the LinkedIn component or not. If the data subject does not wish this information to be transmitted to LinkedIn, they can prevent this by logging out of their LinkedIn account before accessing our website.

LinkedIn offers under this link the ability to unsubscribe from email messages, SMS messages, and targeted ads, as well as manage ad settings. LinkedIn also uses partners such as Quantcast, Google Analytics, BlueKai, DoubleClick, Nielsen, Comscore, Eloqua, and Lotame, which may set cookies. Such cookies may be link be rejected. The applicable privacy policy of LinkedIn is available under this link LinkedIn’s Cookie Policy is available at this link available.

15.11 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Twitter

The controller has integrated Twitter components into this website. Twitter is a multilingual, publicly accessible microblogging service on which users can publish and distribute so-called tweets, i.e. short messages limited to 280 characters. These short messages are accessible to everyone, including people not logged in to Twitter. However, the tweets are also displayed to the so-called followers of the respective user. Followers are other Twitter users who follow a user's tweets. Furthermore, Twitter enables the addressing of a broad audience via hashtags, links, or retweets.

The operating company of Twitter is Twitter, Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA.

With each visit to one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Twitter component (Twitter button) was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted to download a display of the corresponding Twitter component from Twitter through the respective Twitter component. Further information on the Twitter buttons can be found under this link available. As part of this technical process, Twitter receives information about which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject. The purpose of integrating the Twitter component is to enable our users to retransmit the content of this website, to make this website known in the digital world, and to increase our visitor numbers.

If the data subject is logged in to Twitter at the same time, Twitter recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject visits with each visit to our website by the data subject—and for the entire duration of their stay on our website. This information is collected by the Twitter component and assigned by Twitter to the respective Twitter account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Twitter buttons integrated on our website, the data and information transmitted with it are assigned to the personal Twitter user account of the data subject and stored and processed by Twitter.

Twitter always receives information via the Twitter component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in to Twitter at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Twitter component or not. If the data subject does not wish this information to be transmitted to Twitter, they can prevent this by logging out of their Twitter account before accessing our website.

Twitter’s applicable privacy policy is available under this link available.

15.12 Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of YouTube

The controller has integrated YouTube components into this website. YouTube is an internet video portal that allows video publishers to upload video clips free of charge and other users to view, rate, and comment on them free of charge. YouTube allows the publication of all types of videos, which is why both complete film and television programs, as well as music videos, trailers, and videos created by users themselves, are available via the internet portal.

The operating company of YouTube is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. YouTube, LLC is a subsidiary of Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a YouTube component (YouTube video) was integrated, is accessed, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective YouTube component to download a display of the corresponding YouTube component from YouTube. Further information about YouTube can be found at this link As part of this technical procedure, YouTube and Google receive information about which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time, YouTube recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting when they access a subpage containing a YouTube video. This information is collected by YouTube and Google and assigned to the respective YouTube account of the data subject.

YouTube and Google always receive information via the YouTube component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time as accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on a YouTube video or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to YouTube and Google, they can prevent this by logging out of their YouTube account before accessing our website.

The privacy policy published by YouTube, which is available under this link provide information about the collection, processing and use of personal data by YouTube and Google.

16. Legal basis for processingArt. 6 I lit. a GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company for processing operations for which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary to fulfill a contract to which the data subject is a party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations necessary for the delivery of goods or the provision of other services or consideration, the processing is based on Art. 6 I lit. b GDPR. The same applies to processing operations that are necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures, for example in cases of inquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation which requires the processing of personal data, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Art. 6 I lit. c GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary 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 their name, age, health insurance details or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital or other third parties. In that case, the processing would be based on Art. 6 I lit. d GDPR. Ultimately, processing operations could be based on Art. 6 I lit. f GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations that are not covered by any of the aforementioned legal grounds if the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not override them. We are permitted to carry out such processing operations in particular because they were specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this respect, the legislator took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47, Sentence 2 GDPR).

17. Legitimate interests in the processing pursued by the controller or a third partyIf the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business activities for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and our shareholders.

18. Period for which the personal data will be storedThe criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiration of this period, the corresponding data will be routinely deleted unless it is no longer required for the fulfillment or initiation of a contract.

19. Legal or contractual provisions for the provision of personal data; necessity for the conclusion of the contract; obligation of the data subject to provide the personal data; possible consequences of non-provisionWe would like to clarify that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or can also arise from contractual provisions (e.g. information on the contractual partner). Sometimes it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data in order to conclude a contract, which must then be processed by us. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data if our company concludes a contract with him or her. Failure to provide the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before the data subject provides personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will clarify to the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of the personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data and what consequences non-provision of the personal data would have.

20. Existence of automated decision-makingAs a responsible company, we do not use automated decision-making or profiling.