Data protection
The data controller in matters of data protection law is
Prof. Dr. Dr. Ralf U. Peter KCR
The data protection officer of the website operator is
Prof. Dr. Dr. Ralf U. Peter KCR
With this data protection notice, we inform you (also referred to as ‘user’ or ‘data subject’ in the following text) in a general manner about the data processing in the context of calling up our website, contacting us via our website contact form, contacting us by e-mail or telephone as well as in the context of registering to receive our newsletter. Furthermore, we inform you about our online presence in social media and about your rights with regard to the processing of your data. Conceptually, ‘data processing’ always refers to the processing of personal data.
1. General information on data processing
1.1 Categories of personal data
We process the following categories of personal data:
• Basic data (e.g. names, addresses, functions, organisational affiliation, etc.);
• Contact details (e.g. e-mail, telephone/fax numbers etc);
• Content data (e.g. text input, image files, videos etc);
• Usage data (e.g. access data);
• Meta/communication data (e.g. IP addresses).
1.2 Recipients and categories of recipients of personal data
If, in the course of our processing, we disclose data to other persons and companies such as web hosts, commissioned processors or third parties, transmit data to them or otherwise grant them access to the data, this is done on the basis of legal permission (e.g. if a transmission of the data to third parties is required pursuant to Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit b GDPR), if the data subjects have consented or if a legal obligation provides for this.
1.3 Duration of the storage of personal data
The criterion for the duration of the storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiry of the deadline, the corresponding data will be deleted if it is no longer required to achieve the purpose, fulfil the contract or initiate the contract.
1.4 Transfers to third countries
If we process data in a third country (i.e. outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)) or if this is done in the context of using third-party services or disclosing or transferring data to third parties, this is only done in the context of fulfilling our (pre-)contractual obligations, on the basis of your consent, due to a legal obligation or on the basis of our legitimate interests. Subject to legal or contractual authorisation, we only process the data or have the data processed in a third country if the special requirements of Article 44 et seqq. GDPR are met, i.e. the processing is carried out, for example, on the basis of special guarantees, such as the officially recognised determination of a level of data protection corresponding to the EU or in compliance with officially recognised special contractual obligations (so-called ‘standard contractual clauses’).
2. Data processing in the context of visiting our website
2.1 Log files
Every time a data subject accesses our website, general data and information are stored in the log files of our system:
• Date and time of retrieval (timestamp);
• Request details and destination address (protocol version, HTTP method, referrer, User Agent string);
• Name of the retrieved file and amount of data transferred (requested URL incl. query string, size in bytes);
• Message whether the retrieval was successful (HTTP Status Code).
When using this general data and information, we do not draw any conclusions about the data subject. There is neither a personal evaluation, nor an evaluation of the data for marketing purposes or profiling. The IP address is not stored in this context.
The legal basis for the temporary storage of the data is Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR. The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of the data in log files is absolutely necessary for the secure operation of our website. Consequently, there is no possibility for the data subject to object.
2.2 Malware detection and log data evaluation
We collect log data that is generated during the operation of our communication technology and evaluate it automatically, insofar as this is necessary to detect, limit, or eliminate malfunctions or errors in the communication technology or to defend against attacks on our information technology or to detect and defend against malware.
The legal basis for the temporary storage and evaluation of data is Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR. The storage and evaluation of the data are absolutely necessary for the provision of the website and for its secure operation. Consequently, there is no possibility for the data subject to object.
2.3 Cookies
So-called cookies are used on our website. Cookies are small text files that are exchanged between the web browser and the hosting server. Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted to our site. In the respective web browser used, you can restrict or fundamentally prevent the use of cookies by means of a corresponding setting. Cookies that have already been saved can be deleted at any time. If cookies are disabled for our website, this may result in the website not being able to be displayed or used to the full extent.
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR.
2.4 Hosting
The hosting services we use are for the provision of the following services: Infrastructure and platform services, computing capacity, storage space and database services, security services and technical maintenance services that we use for the purpose of operating our website.
In doing so, we or our commissioned processors process basic data, contact data, content data, contract data, usage data as well as meta and communication data of users of our website on the basis of our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure provision of this online service pursuant to Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit. f GDPR in conjunction with Article 28 GDPR (conclusion of a contract for order processing).
3. Data processing in the context of contacting
3.1 Contact via e-mail
Contacting us by e-mail is possible via the e-mail addresses published on our website.
If you use this contact channel, the data transmitted by you (e.g. surname, first name, address), but at least the e-mail address and the information contained in the e-mail together with the personal data transmitted by you will be stored for the purpose of contacting you and processing your request. In addition, the following data is collected by our system:
• IP address of the calling computer;
• Date and time of the e-mail.
The legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of e-mails sent to us is Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit. b or lit. f GDPR.
3.2 Contact via website contact form
If you use the contact form provided on our website for communication, it is necessary to provide your name and first name as well as your e-mail address. Without this data, your request submitted via the contact form cannot be processed. The address is optional and enables us, if you wish, to process your request by post.
In addition, the following data is collected by our system:
• IP address of the calling computer;
• Date and time of the registration.
The legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of contact forms transmitted to us is Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit. b or lit. f GDPR.
3.3 Contact via letter and fax
If you send us a letter or a fax, the data transmitted by you (e.g. surname, first name, address) and the information contained in the letter or fax together with the personal data transmitted by you will be stored for the purpose of contacting you and processing your request.
The legal basis for the processing of personal data in the context of letters and faxes sent to us is Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit b or lit f GDPR.
4. Data processing when receiving our newsletter
If you subscribe to our newsletter distribution list, your e-mail address and the newsletter you have selected will be stored by us on a server.
In addition, the following data is collected by the system during registration:
• IP address of the calling computer;
• Date and time of the registration.
For the processing of the data, your consent will be obtained during the registration process and reference will be made to this privacy policy. The data is processed on the basis of your consent pursuant to Article (1) subpara. 1 lit a GDPR and within the scope of the legitimate interest pursuant to Article 6 (1) subpara. 1 lit f GDPR.
We use this data exclusively for sending the newsletter. We do not pass on your data to third parties or use it for any other purposes of our own. When you register, your data will be stored on our servers. A message with a link to confirm the registration will then be generated to the specified e-mail address (so-called double opt-in procedure). If you do not confirm the registration by clicking on the link in this email, the data will be deleted after 24 hours. Only by confirming the link in the e-mail will your data be stored for the newsletter dispatch for the duration of the use of our service. This ensures that the newsletter was requested by you and not by a third party.
Insofar as you no longer agree to the storage of data for this purpose and thus no longer wish to use our service, you can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time. For this purpose, there is a corresponding link in every newsletter. The personal data you provided to receive the newsletter will then be deleted.
5. Online presence in social media
No social media are used at present.
6. Your rights
As a data subject, you have the following rights in connection with the processing of your personal data:
6.1 Right of access by the data subject according to Article 15 GDPR
(1) The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her are being processed, and, where that is the case, access to the personal data and the following information:
a) the purposes of the processing;
b) the categories of personal data concerned;
c) 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;
d) where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period;
e) the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing;
f) the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
g) where the personal data are not collected from the data subject, any available information as to their source;
h) the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) 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.
(2) Where personal data are transferred to a third country or to an international organisation, the data subject shall have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 relating to the transfer.
6.2 Right of rectification according to Article 16 GDPR
The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller without undue delay the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject shall have the right to have incomplete personal data completed, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.
6.3 Right to erasure (‘right to be forgotten’) according to Article 17 GDPR
(1) The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:
a) the personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed;
b) the data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based according to point (a) of Article 6(1), or point (a) of Article 9(2), and where there is no other legal ground for the processing;
c) the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2);
d) the personal data have been unlawfully processed;
e) 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;
f) the personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1).
(2) Where the controller has made the personal data public and is obliged pursuant to paragraph 1 to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers which are processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data.
(3) Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the extent that processing is necessary:
a) for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
b) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;
c) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health in accordance with points (h) and (i) of Article 9(2) as well as Article 9(3);
d) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) in so far as the right referred to in paragraph 1 is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; or
e) for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
6.4 Right to restriction of processing according to Article 18 GDPR
(1) The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:
a) 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;
b) the processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of their use instead;
c) 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;
d) the data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.
(2) Where processing has been restricted under paragraph 1, such personal data shall, with the exception of storage, only be processed with the data subject’s consent or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or of a Member State.
6.5 Right to data portability according to Article 20 GDPR
(1) The data subject shall have the right 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 and have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, where:
a) the processing is based on consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6(1) or point (a) of Article 9(2) or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6(1); and
b) the processing is carried out by automated means.
(2) In exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to paragraph 1, the data subject shall have the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible.
The right referred to in paragraph 1 shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.
This right shall not apply to processing necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the data controller.
6.6 Right to object according to Article 21 GDPR
The data subject shall have the right to object, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning him or her which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1), including profiling based on those provisions. The controller shall no longer process the personal data unless the controller demonstrates 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.
In the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, the data subject may exercise his or her right to object by automated means using technical specifications.
6.7 Right of objection according to Article 7 (3) GDPR
The data subject shall have the right to withdraw his or her consent at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
6.8 Right to appeal to a supervisory authority according to Article 77 GDPR
Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, every data subject shall have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of his or her habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if the data subject considers that the processing of personal data relating to him or her infringes this Regulation.
7. Matomo statistics
We use Matomo Analytics, an open-source software for statistical analysis of user access to our website. The data processing is based on our legitimate interests within the meaning of Article 6 (1) letter f GDPR, namely our interest in the analysis, optimisation, and economic operation of our website.
Matomo uses cookies that are stored on your terminal device and that enable an analysis of your use of our website. Pseudonymous usage profiles can be created from the processed data. The information generated by the cookie concerning your use of our website is stored on our server and is not passed on to third parties.