La Belle – Kosmetik- und Nagelstudio

Datenschutzerklärung

preamble

With the following privacy policy, we would like to inform you about which types of your personal data (hereinafter also referred to as “data”) we process, for what purposes, and to what extent. This privacy policy applies to all processing of personal data carried out by us, both in the context of providing our services and in particular on our websites, in mobile applications, and within external online presences, such as our social media profiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as “online offering”).

The terms used are not gender-specific.

Table of Contents

  • preamble
  • Person responsible
  • Overview of processing
  • Relevant legal bases
  • Security measures
  • Transmission of personal data
  • International data transfers
  • General information on data storage and deletion
  • Rights of data subjects
  • Business services
  • Business processes and procedures
  • Use of online platforms for offering and sales purposes
  • Payment methods
  • Provision of the online service and web hosting
  • Use of cookies
  • Contact and inquiry management
  • Communication via Messenger
  • Newsletters and electronic notifications
  • Online marketing
  • Customer reviews and rating processes
  • Presences in social networks (social media)
  • Plugins and embedded functions and content
  • Change and update
  • Definitions of terms

Person responsible

Elena Savreux

La Belle Cosmetics and Nail Studio

Luxemburgerstrasse, 349 
50354, Hürth, Germany

Authorized representatives

La Belle Cosmetics and Nail Studio

Luxemburgerstrasse, 349 50354, Hürth, Germany

Email : info@labelle-kosmetikstudio.de

Phone : +4917647183033

Overview of processing

The following overview summarizes the types of data processed and the purposes of their processing and refers to the data subjects.

Types of data processed

  • Inventory data.
  • Payment details.
  • Contact details.
  • Content data.
  • Contract data.
  • Usage data.
  • Meta, communication and procedural data.
  • Event data (Facebook).
  • Log data.
  • Credit data.

Special categories of data

  • Health data.

Categories of data subjects

  • Service recipient and client.
  • Employees.
  • Interested parties.
  • Communication partner.
  • Users.
  • Business and contractual partners.
  • Third parties.
  • Customers.

Purposes of processing

  • Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Communication.
  • Security measures.
  • Direct marketing.
  • Reach measurement.
  • Tracking.
  • Office and organizational procedures.
  • Conversion measurement.
  • Target group formation.
  • Organizational and administrative procedures.
  • Feedback.
  • Marketing.
  • Profiles with user-related information.
  • Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Assessment of creditworthiness and credit rating.
  • Information technology infrastructure.
  • Financial and payment management.
  • Public relations.
  • Sales promotion.
  • Business processes and business procedures.

Relevant legal bases

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

  • Consent (Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR)  – The data subject has given his or her consent to the processing of personal data concerning him or her for a specific purpose or several specific purposes.
  • Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Article 6 (1) (b) GDPR)  – Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures taken at the request of the data subject.
  • Legal obligation (Article 6 (1) (c) GDPR)  – Processing is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
  • Legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR)  – processing is necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the controller or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data do not prevail.

National data protection regulations in Germany:  In addition to the data protection regulations of the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. This includes, in particular, the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). The BDSG contains, in particular, special provisions on the right to information, the right to erasure, the right of objection, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes, and transmission, as well as automated decision-making in individual cases, including profiling. Furthermore, state data protection laws of individual federal states may apply.

Security measures

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

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

Securing online connections with TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): To protect user data transmitted via our online services from unauthorized access, we use TLS/SSL encryption technology. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are the cornerstones of secure data transmission on the internet. These technologies encrypt the information transmitted between the website or app and the user’s browser (or between two servers), thereby protecting the data from unauthorized access. TLS, as the more advanced and secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions meet the highest security standards. If a website is secured by an SSL/TLS certificate, this is signaled by the display of HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is being transmitted securely and encrypted.

Transmission of personal data

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

International data transfers

Data processing in third countries: If we process data in a third country (ie, outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)) or if the processing takes place as part of the use of third-party services or the disclosure or transmission of data to other persons, bodies or companies, this will only take place in accordance with the legal requirements. If the level of data protection in the third country has been recognized by means of an adequacy decision (Art. 45 GDPR), this serves as the basis for the data transfer. Otherwise, data transfers only take place if the level of data protection is otherwise ensured, in particular through standard contractual clauses (Art. 46 (2) (c) GDPR), express consent or in the case of contractually or legally required transfer (Art. 49 (1) GDPR). We will also inform you of the basis for third-country transfers from the individual providers in the third country, with the adequacy decisions taking precedence. Information on third country transfers and existing adequacy decisions can be found in the information provided by the EU Commission:  https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en?prefLang=de.

EU-US Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework: Within the framework of the so-called “Data Privacy Framework” (DPF), the EU Commission has also recognized the level of data protection for certain companies from the USA as secure within the framework of the adequacy decision of July 10, 2023. The list of certified companies and further information on the DPF can be found on the website of the US Department of Commerce at  https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/  (in English). We inform you in the privacy policy which service providers we use are certified under the Data Privacy Framework.

General information on data storage and deletion

We delete personal data that we process in accordance with legal requirements as soon as the underlying consent is revoked or there are no further legal grounds for processing. This applies to cases where the original processing purpose no longer applies or the data is no longer needed. Exceptions to this rule exist if legal obligations or special interests require longer retention or archiving of the data.

In particular, data that must be retained for commercial or tax law reasons or whose storage is necessary for legal proceedings or to protect the rights of other natural or legal persons must be archived accordingly.

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

If there are multiple details regarding the retention period or deletion period for a given date, the longest period always applies.

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

We process data that is no longer stored for the originally intended purpose but due to legal requirements or other reasons only for the reasons that justify its storage.

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Retention and deletion of data:  The following general periods apply to retention and archiving under German law:
    • 10 years – retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets as well as the work instructions and other organizational documents, accounting documents and invoices required for their understanding (Section 147 (3) in conjunction with Section 1 Nos. 1, 4 and 4a AO, Section 14b (1) UStG, Section 257 (1) Nos. 1 and 4, Section 4 HGB).
    • 6 years – Other business documents: received commercial or business letters, reproductions of sent commercial or business letters, other documents insofar as they are relevant for taxation, eg hourly wage slips, operating statements, calculation documents, price labels, but also payroll documents insofar as they are not already accounting documents and cash register slips (Section 147 (3) in conjunction with Section 1 Nos. 2, 3, 5 AO, Section 257 (1) Nos. 2 and 3, Paragraph 4 HGB).
    • 3 years – Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries, based on previous business experience and common industry practices, will be stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).

Rights of data subjects

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

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

Business services

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

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

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

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

  • Types of data processed:  Inventory data (eg, full name, residential address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (eg, bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (eg, postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); contract data (eg, contract subject matter, term, customer category).
  • Special categories of personal data:  health data.
  • Data subjects:  Service recipients and clients; interested parties; business and contractual partners.
  • Purposes of processing:  Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; communication; office and organizational procedures; organizational and administrative procedures. Business processes and operational procedures.
  • Storage and deletion:  Deletion in accordance with the information in the section “General information on data storage and deletion”.
  • Legal basis:  Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Cosmetic services:  The procedures involved in providing cosmetic services involve the acquisition and management of customer data, including the collection, storage, and use of contact information, appointment scheduling, and customer-specific preferences. The performance of treatments and applications requires the collection and documentation of health-related information, such as allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, or medications. The processing of this sensitive data requires particular care and compliance with strict confidentiality standards. Managing customer appointments involves coordinating treatment appointments, follow-up appointments, and reminders, which also requires the use of personal data. The marketing and distribution of cosmetic products or services requires the processing of customer data, for example, for targeted promotions or customer loyalty programs. The provision of customer advice and support also requires the processing of personal data in order to take individual needs and preferences into account.  Legal basis:  Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Business processes and procedures

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

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

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

  • Types of data processed:  Inventory data (eg full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); payment data (eg bank details, invoices, payment history); contact data (eg postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (eg textual or visual messages and contributions as well as the information relating to them, such as details of authorship or time of creation); contract data (eg subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); log data (eg log files relating to logins or the retrieval of data or access times); usage data (eg page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); creditworthiness data (eg credit score obtained, estimated probability of default, risk classification based on this, historical payment behavior). Meta, communication and procedural data (eg IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects:  Service recipients and clients; interested parties; communication partners; business and contractual partners; third parties; users (eg, website visitors, users of online services); employees (eg, employees, applicants, temporary workers, and other staff). Customers.
  • Purposes of processing:  Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations; office and organizational procedures; business processes and management procedures; communication; marketing; sales promotion; public relations; assessment of creditworthiness and credit rating; financial and payment management. Information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment (computers, servers, etc.).)
  • Storage and deletion:  Deletion in accordance with the information in the section “General information on data storage and deletion”.
  • Legal basis:  Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR); legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Customer management and customer relationship management (CRM):  Procedures required within the framework of customer management and customer relationship management (CRM) (eg, customer acquisition in compliance with data protection regulations, measures to promote customer retention and loyalty, effective customer communication, complaint management and customer service with consideration of data protection, data management and analysis to support customer relationships, administration of CRM systems, secure account management, customer segmentation and target group formation);  Legal bases:  Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Contact management and contact maintenance:  Procedures required to organize, maintain, and secure contact information (eg, setting up and maintaining a central contact database, regularly updating contact information, monitoring data integrity, implementing data protection measures, ensuring access controls, backing up and restoring contact data, training employees in the effective use of contact management software, regularly reviewing communication history, and adapting contact strategies);  Legal bases:  Contractual fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • General payment transactions:  Procedures required for the execution of payment transactions, the monitoring of bank accounts, and the control of payment flows (eg, preparation and verification of transfers, processing of direct debit transactions, checking account statements, monitoring incoming and outgoing payments, direct debit management, account reconciliation, cash management);  Legal basis:  Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable:  Procedures required for the recording, processing, and control of business transactions in the area of ​​accounts payable and accounts receivable accounting (eg, creation and review of incoming and outgoing invoices, monitoring and management of open items, execution of payment transactions, processing of dunning procedures, account reconciliation within the scope of receivables and liabilities, accounts payable and accounts receivable accounting);  Legal basis:  Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Financial accounting and taxes:  Procedures required for the recording, administration, and control of financially relevant business transactions, as well as for the calculation, reporting, and payment of taxes (eg, account assignment and posting of business transactions, preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, execution of payment transactions, processing of dunning procedures, account reconciliation, tax advice, preparation and submission of tax returns, processing of tax matters);  Legal bases:  Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR), legal obligation (Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR), legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Marketing, advertising, and sales promotion:  Processes required within the scope of marketing, advertising, and sales promotion (eg, market analysis and target group identification, development of marketing strategies, planning and implementation of advertising campaigns, design and production of advertising materials, online marketing including SEO and social media campaigns, event marketing and trade fair participation, customer loyalty programs, sales promotion measures, performance measurement and optimization of marketing activities, budget management and cost control);  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Public relations:  Procedures required within the scope of public relations (eg, development and implementation of communication strategies, planning and execution of PR campaigns, preparation and distribution of press releases, maintenance of media contacts, monitoring and analysis of media response, organization of press conferences and public events, crisis communication, creation of content for social media and company websites, maintenance of corporate branding);  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Use of online platforms for offering and sales purposes

We offer our services on online platforms operated by other service providers. In this context, the privacy policies of the respective platforms apply in addition to our privacy policy. This applies in particular with regard to the execution of the payment process and the methods used on the platforms for reach measurement and interest-based marketing.

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

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Treatwell:  Treatwell is the platform for hairdressers, cosmetics, and appointments.  Service provider:  Treatwell DACH GmbH, Greifswalder Straße 212, 10405 Berlin;  Website:  https://www.treatwell.de/ Privacy policy: https://www.treatwell.de/info/datenschutz/ .

Payment methods

Within the framework of contractual and other legal relationships, due to legal obligations or otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests, we offer the data subjects efficient and secure payment options and, in addition to banks and credit institutions, we use other service providers for this purpose (collectively “payment service providers”).

The data processed by the payment service providers includes inventory data such as name and address, bank details such as account numbers or credit card numbers, passwords, TANs and checksums, as well as contract, amount, and recipient-related information. This information is required to process the transactions. However, the data entered is only processed and stored by the payment service providers. This means that we do not receive any account- or credit card-related information, only information confirming or rejecting the payment. Under certain circumstances, the payment service providers may transmit the data to credit agencies. This transmission is for the purpose of identity and credit checks. For more information, please refer to the terms and conditions and the privacy policy of the payment service providers.

Payment transactions are subject to the terms and conditions and privacy policy of the respective payment service providers, which are available on the respective websites or transaction applications. We also refer to these for further information and to assert your rights of withdrawal, information, and other data subjects.

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

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

PayPal:  Payment services (technical connection of online payment methods) (eg PayPal, PayPal Plus, Braintree);  Service provider:  PayPal (Europe) S.à rl et Cie, SCA, 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg;  Legal basis:  Contractual fulfillment and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR);  Website:  https://www.paypal.com/de Privacy policy: https://www.paypal.com/de/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full .

Provision of the online service and web hosting

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

  • Types of data processed:  Usage data (eg, page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (eg, IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved); protocol data (eg, log files regarding logins or the retrieval of data or access times).
  • Data subjects:  Users (eg website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing:  Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment (computers, servers, etc.)); security measures; provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Storage and deletion:  Deletion in accordance with the information in the section “General information on data storage and deletion”.
  • Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Provision of online services on rented storage space:  To provide our online services, we use storage space, computing capacity, and software that we rent from a corresponding server provider (also called a “web host”) or obtain from other sources;  legal basis:  legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).
  • Collection of access data and log files:  Access to our online offering is logged in the form of so-called “server log files.” Server log files may include the address and name of the accessed web pages and files, the date and time of access, the amount of data transferred, notification of successful access, browser type and version, the user’s operating system, referrer URL (the previously visited page), and, as a rule, IP addresses and the requesting provider. Server log files may be used for security purposes, eg, to prevent server overload (particularly in the case of abusive attacks, so-called DDoS attacks), and to ensure server utilization and stability.  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).  Deletion of data:  Log file information is stored for a maximum of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data that needs to be retained for evidentiary purposes will not be deleted until the incident in question has been finally resolved.
  • 1&1 IONOS:  Services in the field of providing information technology infrastructure and related services (eg, storage space and/or computing capacity);  Service provider:  1&1 IONOS SE, Elgendorfer Str. 57, 56410 Montabaur, Germany;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);  Website: https://www.ionos.de Privacy Policy: https://www.ionos.de/terms-gtc/terms-privacy . Data processing agreement:  https://www.ionos.de/hilfe/datenschutz/generale-information-zur-datenschutz-grundverfassung-dsgvo/vertragsprocessing/ .

Use of cookies

Cookies are small text files or other storage devices that store and retrieve information from end devices. For example, they can store the login status in a user account, the contents of a shopping cart in an e-shop, the content accessed, or the functions used in an online offering. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, such as ensuring the functionality, security, and convenience of online offerings, as well as creating analyzes of visitor flows.

Notes on consent:  We use cookies in accordance with legal regulations. Therefore, we obtain prior consent from users unless it is not required by law. Permission is particularly unnecessary if the storage and retrieval of information, including cookies, is absolutely necessary to provide users with a telemedia service they have expressly requested (ie, our online offering). The revocable consent will be clearly communicated to users and will contain information on the respective cookie usage.

Notes on the legal basis for data protection:  The legal basis for processing users’ personal data with the help of cookies depends on whether we ask for their consent. If users accept, the legal basis for processing their data is their declared consent. Otherwise, the data processed with the help of cookies is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (eg, in the commercial operation of our online offering and the improvement of its usability) or, if this occurs as part of the fulfillment of our contractual obligations, if the use of cookies is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations. We will clarify the purposes for which we use cookies in the course of this privacy policy or as part of our consent and processing procedures.

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

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

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

  • Types of data processed:  Meta, communication and procedural data (eg IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects:  Users (eg website visitors, users of online services).
  • Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Processing of cookie data based on consent:   We use a consent management solution that obtains users’ consent to the use of cookies or to the procedures and providers named within the consent management solution. This procedure is used to obtain, log, manage, and revoke consent, in particular with regard to the use of cookies and similar technologies used to store, read, and process information on users’ end devices. As part of this procedure, users’ consent is obtained for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing operations and providers named in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option of managing and revoking their consent. Consent declarations are saved to avoid repeated queries and to be able to provide evidence of consent in accordance with legal requirements. The data is stored on the server and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or using similar technologies in order to be able to assign consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information is available about the providers of consent management services, the following general information applies: Consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored together with the time of consent, information on the scope of consent (eg, relevant categories of cookies and/or service providers), and information about the browser, system, and device used.  Legal basis:  Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Contact and inquiry management

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

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

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

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

Communication via Messenger

We use messengers for communication purposes and therefore ask you to note the following information on the functionality of the messengers, encryption, the use of communication metadata and your options for objection.

You can also contact us via alternative means, such as telephone or email. Please use the contact options provided or those provided within our online offering.

In the case of end-to-end encryption of content (ie, the content of your message and attachments), please note that the communication content (ie, the content of the message and attached images) is encrypted end-to-end. This means that the content of the messages cannot be viewed, not even by the messenger providers themselves. You should always use a current version of the messenger with encryption enabled to ensure the encryption of the message content. 

However, we would also like to point out to our communication partners that although the providers of the messengers cannot see the content, they can find out that and when communication partners communicate with us, as well as technical information about the device used by the communication partners and, depending on the settings of their device, location information (so-called metadata) is processed.

Notes on legal bases:   If we ask communication partners for permission before communicating with them via messenger, the legal basis for our processing of their data is their consent. Otherwise, if we do not ask for consent and they contact us on their own initiative, for example, we use messenger in our relationship with our contractual partners and in the context of contract initiation as a contractual measure and, in the case of other interested parties and communication partners, on the basis of our legitimate interests in fast and efficient communication and fulfilling the needs of our communication partners in communicating via messenger. We would also like to point out that we will not transmit the contact details provided to us to the messenger for the first time without your consent.

Revocation, objection, and deletion:  You can revoke your consent at any time and object to communicate with us via Messenger at any time. In the case of communication via Messenger, we delete messages in accordance with our general deletion guidelines (eg, as described above, after the end of contractual relationships, in the context of archiving requirements, etc.) and otherwise as soon as we can assume that we have responded to any inquiries from the communication partners, provided no reference to a previous conversation is expected and there are no statutory retention periods that prevent deletion.

Reservation of reference to other communication channels:  To ensure your security, we ask for your understanding that for certain reasons we may not be able to respond to inquiries via Messenger. This applies to situations where, for example, contract details must be treated with particular confidentiality or a response via Messenger does not meet formal requirements. In these cases, we recommend using more appropriate communication channels.

  • Types of data processed:  Contact data (eg, postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (eg, textual or visual messages and contributions as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); usage data (eg, page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (eg, IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects:  communication partners.
  • Purposes of processing:  Communication. Direct marketing (eg, by email or post).
  • Storage and deletion:  Deletion in accordance with the information in the section “General information on data storage and deletion”.
  • Legal basis:  Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR); Contractual performance and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR); Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Apple iMessage:  Send and receive text messages, voice messages, and video calls. Conduct group conversations. Share files, photos, videos, and locations. Secure communication with end-to-end encryption. Synchronize messages across multiple devices.  Service provider:  Apple Inc., Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA.  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).  Website: https://www.apple.com/de/ Privacy policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/de-ww/ .
  • Instagram:  Sending messages via the social network Instagram;  Service provider:  Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);  Website: https://www.instagram.com Privacy policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/ .
  • Facebook Messenger:  Send and receive text messages, make voice and video calls, create group chats, share files and media, transmit location information, synchronize contacts, encrypt messages;  Service provider:  Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);  Website: https://www.facebook.com Privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/ ; Data processing agreement:  https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing Basis for third country transfers:  Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
  • Telegram:  Sending and receiving messages, voice calls, and video calls; creating groups and channels; sharing files and media; using bots for automation; end-to-end encryption for secret chats; synchronization across multiple devices;  Service provider:  Representative in the European Union: European Data Protection Office (EDPO), Avenue Huart Hamoir 71, 1030 Brussels, Belgium;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);  Website: https://telegram.org/Privacy policy: https://telegram.org/privacy/de .
  • WhatsApp:  Text messages, voice and video calls, sending images, videos and documents, group chat function, end-to-end encryption for increased security;  Service provider:  WhatsApp Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);  Website:  https://www.whatsapp.com/ Privacy policy: https://www.whatsapp.com/legal Basis for third country transfers:  Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Newsletters and electronic notifications

We send newsletters, emails, and other electronic notifications (hereinafter “newsletters”) exclusively with the consent of the recipients or based on a legal basis. If the newsletter content is mentioned when registering for the newsletter, this content is decisive for the user’s consent. Providing your email address is usually sufficient to register for our newsletter. However, in order to offer you a personalized service, we may ask you to provide your name so that we can address you personally in the newsletter or for further information if this is necessary for the purpose of the newsletter.

Deletion and restriction of processing: We may store unsubscribed email addresses for up to three years based on our legitimate interests before deleting them in order to be able to prove previously given consent. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of potentially defending against claims. An individual request for deletion is possible at any time, provided that the previous consent is confirmed at the same time. In the case of obligations to permanently observe objections, we reserve the right to store the email address on a block list (so-called “block list”) for this purpose alone.

The registration process is logged based on our legitimate interests for the purpose of demonstrating its proper execution. If we commission a service provider to send emails, this is done based on our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure delivery system.

Contents:

Information about us, our services, promotions and offers.

  • Types of data processed:  Inventory data (eg, full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (eg, postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); metadata, communication, and procedural data (eg, IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects:  Communication partners. Users (eg, website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing:  Direct marketing (eg, by email or post). Provision of contractual services and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
  • Retention and deletion:  3 years – Contractual claims (AT) (Data required to consider potential warranty and compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related inquiries based on previous business experience and standard industry practices, will be stored for the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 1478, 1480 ABGB).) 10 years – Contractual claims (CH) (Data required to consider potential compensation claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as to process related Inquiries based on previous business experience and standard industry practices, will be stored for the statutory limitation period of ten years, unless a shorter period of five years applies, which is relevant in specific cases (Art. 127, 130 OR)).
  • Legal basis:  Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).
  • Opt-out:  You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time, ie, revoke your consent or object to further receipt. You will find a link to unsubscribe from the newsletter either at the end of each newsletter or by using one of the contact options listed above, preferably email.

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Prerequisite for using free services:  Consent to receive mailings may be made a condition for using free services (eg, access to certain content or participation in certain promotions). If users wish to use the free service without subscribing to the newsletter, please contact us.
  • Reminder emails regarding the order process:  If users fail to complete an order process, we can remind users of the order process via email and send them a link to continue. This function can be useful, for example, if the purchase process could not be continued due to a browser crash, oversight, or forgetfulness. Emails are sent based on consent, which users can revoke at any time.  Legal basis:  Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR).

Online marketing

We process personal data for the purpose of online marketing, which may include, in particular, the marketing of advertising space or the presentation of advertising and other content (collectively referred to as “content”) based on potential user interests and the measurement of its effectiveness.

For these purposes, so-called user profiles are created and stored in a file (the so-called “cookie”) or similar procedures are used to store the user information relevant to the presentation of the aforementioned content. This may include, for example, content viewed, websites visited, online networks used, but also communication partners and technical information, such as the browser used, the computer system used, as well as information on usage times and functions used. If users have consented to the collection of their location data, this may also be processed.

In addition, users’ IP addresses are stored. However, we use available IP masking procedures (ie, pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. Generally, no real user data (such as email addresses or names) is stored as part of the online marketing process; instead, pseudonyms are used. This means that neither we nor the providers of the online marketing processes know the actual user identity, only the information stored in their profiles.

The statements in the profiles are usually stored in cookies or using similar processes. These cookies can generally also be read later on other websites that use the same online marketing process and analyzed for the purpose of displaying content, supplemented with additional data, and stored on the server of the online marketing process provider.

In exceptional cases, it is possible to assign clear data to profiles, primarily if, for example, the users are members of a social network whose online marketing methods we use and the network links the user profiles with the aforementioned information. Please note that users may enter into additional agreements with the providers, for example, by providing consent during registration.

We generally only receive access to aggregated information about the success of our advertisements. However, as part of so-called conversion measurements, we can check which of our online marketing processes led to a so-called conversion, ie, for example, to the conclusion of a contract with us. Conversion measurements are used solely to analyze the success of our marketing measures.

Otherwise stated, we ask you to assume that cookies used will be stored for a period of two years.

Notes on legal bases:  If we ask users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed based on our legitimate interests (ie, interest in efficient, economical, and user-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

Information on revocation and objection: 

We refer to the privacy policies of the respective providers and the opt-out options provided for each provider. If no explicit opt-out option has been provided, you can disable cookies in your browser settings. However, this may limit the functionality of our online offering. We therefore recommend the following additional opt-out options, which are summarized for each area: 

a) Europe:  https://www.youronlinechoices.eu. 

b) Canada:  https://www.youradchoices.ca/choices. 

c) USA:  https://www.aboutads.info/choices. 

d) Cross-territory:  https://optout.aboutads.info.

  • Types of data processed:  Content data (eg, textual or visual messages and contributions, as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); usage data (eg, page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (eg, IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved). Event Data (Facebook) (“Event Data” is information that is sent to the provider Meta, for example, via meta pixels (whether via apps or other channels) and relates to individuals or their actions. This data includes details about website visits, interactions with content and features, app installations, and product purchases. Event Data is processed with the aim of creating target groups for content and advertising messages (custom audiences). It is important to note that Event Data does not include actual content such as written comments, login information, or contact information such as names, email addresses, or phone numbers. “Event Data” is deleted by Meta after a maximum of two years, and the resulting target groups disappear when our Meta user accounts are deleted.)
  • Data subjects:  Users (eg website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing:  Reach measurement (eg, access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); tracking (eg, interest/behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); conversion measurement (measurement of the effectiveness of marketing measures); target group formation; marketing; profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles). Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
  • Retention and Deletion:  Deletion as described in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section. Cookies are stored for up to two years (unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users’ devices for a period of two years).
  • Security measures:  IP masking (pseudonymization of the IP address).
  • Legal basis:  Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Meta pixels and target group creation (custom audiences):  With the help of the meta pixel (or comparable functions for transmitting event data or contact information via interfaces in apps), Meta is able to define visitors to our online offering as a target group for displaying advertisements (so-called “meta ads”). Accordingly, we use the meta pixel to display the meta ads we place only to users on Meta platforms and within the services of partners cooperating with Meta (so-called “Audience Network”  https://www.facebook.com/audiencenetwork/  ) who have also shown an interest in our online offering or who exhibit certain characteristics (eg, interest in certain topics or products, which can be seen from the websites visited) that we transmit to Meta (so-called “custom audiences”). With the help of the meta pixel, we also want to ensure that our meta ads correspond to the potential interests of users and are not annoying. With the help of the meta pixel, we can also track the effectiveness of meta ads for statistical and market research purposes by seeing whether users were redirected to our website after clicking on a meta ad (so-called “conversion measurement”);  Service provider:  Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland;  Legal basis:  Consent (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. a) GDPR);  Website:  https://www.facebook.com Privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/ ; Data processing agreement:  https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing Basis for third country transfers:  Data Privacy Framework (DPF);  Further information:  Event data of users, ie behavioral and interest information is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising and audience building on the basis of the joint controller agreement (“Controller Addendum”,  https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum ). Joint controllership is limited to the collection and transmission of data to Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, a company based in the EU. Further processing of the data is the sole responsibility of Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, in particular the transmission of data to its parent company, Meta Platforms, Inc., in the USA (based on the standard contractual clauses concluded between Meta Platforms Ireland Limited and Meta Platforms, Inc.).

Customer reviews and rating processes

We participate in review and rating processes to evaluate, optimize, and promote our services. If users rate us via the participating rating platforms or processes or otherwise provide feedback, the providers’ general terms and conditions of use and privacy policies also apply. Typically, the rating also requires registration with the respective providers. 

To ensure that the reviewers have actually used our services, we transmit, with the customer’s consent, the necessary data regarding the customer and the service used to the respective review platform (including name, email address, and order number or item number). This data is used solely to verify the user’s authenticity.

  • Types of data processed:  Contract data (eg, subject matter of the contract, term, customer category); usage data (eg, page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (eg, IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved).
  • Data subjects:  Service recipients and clients. Users (eg, website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing:  Feedback (eg, collecting feedback via online form). Marketing.
  • Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Google Customer Reviews:  Service for obtaining and/or presenting customer satisfaction and customer opinions;  Service provider:  Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);  Website: https://www.google.com/ Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy Basis for third country transfers:  Data Privacy Framework (DPF);  Further information:  When collecting customer reviews, an identification number and the time of the business transaction to be evaluated are processed; for review requests sent directly to customers, the customer’s email address and their country of residence, as well as the review details themselves, are processed; Further information on the types of processing and the data processed:  https://business.safety.google/adsservices/ . Data processing terms for Google advertising products: Information about the services, data processing terms between controllers and standard contractual clauses for third country transfers of data:  https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms .
  • Treatwell:  Treatwell is the platform for hairdressers, cosmeticians, nail salons, and massage appointments.  Service provider:  Treatwell DACH GmbH, Greifswalder Straße 212, 10405 Berlin;  Website:  https://www.treatwell.de/ Privacy policy:  Single sign-on login procedures allow you to log in to other providers (eg, Google, Facebook, or Twitter) using your data.

Presences in social networks (social media)

We maintain online presences within social networks and process user data in this context in order to communicate with the users active there or to offer information about us.

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

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

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

In the case of requests for information and the assertion of data subject rights, we would like to point out that these can be most effectively asserted with the providers. Only the latter have access to user data and can directly take appropriate measures and provide information. If you still need assistance, please contact us.

  • Types of data processed:  Contact data (eg, postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (eg, textual or visual messages and posts, as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation); usage data (eg, page views and duration of visits, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and features).
  • Data subjects:  Users (eg website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing:  Communication; feedback (eg, collecting feedback via online form). Public relations.
  • Storage and deletion:  Deletion in accordance with the information in the section “General information on data storage and deletion”.
  • Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Instagram:  Social network, enables the sharing of photos and videos, commenting on and favorite posts, sending messages, subscribing to profiles and pages;  Service provider:  Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) GDPR);  Website:  https://www.instagram.comPrivacy policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/Basis for third country transfers:  Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

Plug-ins and embedded functions and content

We integrate functional and content elements into our online offering that are obtained from the servers of their respective providers (hereinafter referred to as “third-party providers”). These may include, for example, graphics, videos, or city maps (hereinafter collectively referred to as “content”).

Integration always requires that the third-party providers of this content process the user’s IP address, since without an IP address they would not be able to send the content to their browser. The IP address is therefore required to display this content or functions. We endeavor to only use content whose respective providers only use the IP address to deliver the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as “web beacons”) for statistical or marketing purposes. These “pixel tags” can be used to evaluate information such as visitor traffic on the pages of this website. The pseudonymous information may also be stored in cookies on the user’s device and may contain, among other things, technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, the time of visit, and other information about the use of our online offering, but may also be linked to such information from other sources.

Notes on legal bases:  If we ask users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, the legal basis for data processing is permission. Otherwise, user data is processed based on our legitimate interests (i.e., interest in efficient, economical, and user-friendly services). In this context, we would also like to draw your attention to the information on the use of cookies in this privacy policy.

  • Types of data processed:  Usage data (e.g., page views and length of stay, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions); meta, communication, and procedural data (e.g., IP addresses, time information, identification numbers, persons involved); inventory data (e.g., full name, home address, contact information, customer number, etc.); contact data (e.g., postal and email addresses or telephone numbers); content data (e.g., textual or visual messages and contributions as well as related information, such as authorship or time of creation).
  • Data subjects:  Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
  • Purposes of processing:  Provision of our online services and user-friendliness; marketing. Profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles).
  • Retention and Deletion:  Deletion as described in the “General Information on Data Retention and Deletion” section. Cookies are stored for up to two years (unless otherwise stated, cookies and similar storage methods may be stored on users’ devices for a period of two years).
  • Legal basis:  Consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:

  • Instagram plugins and content:  Instagram plugins and content – This can include, for example, content such as images, videos, or texts and buttons that users can use to share content from this online offering within Instagram. – We are jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection or receipt during a transmission (but not the further processing) of “event data” that Facebook collects using Instagram functions (e.g., embedding functions for content) that are executed on our online offering or receives during a transmission for the following purposes: a) Displaying content and advertising information that corresponds to the presumed interests of users; b) Delivering commercial and transaction-related messages (e.g., addressing users via Facebook Messenger); c) Improving ad delivery and personalizing functions and content (e.g., improving the recognition of which content or advertising information presumably corresponds to the interests of users). We have concluded a special agreement with Facebook (“Addendum for Controllers”,  https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum ), which specifically regulates the security measures Facebook must observe ( https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms ) and in which Facebook has agreed to fulfill the rights of those affected (i.e. users can, for example, send information or deletion requests directly to Facebook). Note: If Facebook provides us with metrics, analyses, and reports (which are aggregated, i.e., do not contain any information about individual users and are anonymous to us), this processing is not carried out within the framework of joint controllership, but on the basis of a data processing agreement (“Data Processing Terms”,  https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing ), the “Data Security Terms” ( https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/data_security_terms ), and, with regard to processing in the USA, on the basis of standard contractual clauses (“Facebook EU Data Transfer Addendum”,  https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum ). Users’ rights (in particular the right to information, deletion, objection, and complaint to the competent supervisory authority) are not restricted by the agreements with Facebook.  Service provider:  Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland;  Legal basis:  Legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR);  Website: https://www.instagram.comPrivacy Policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/ .
  • YouTube videos:  video content;  service provider:  Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland;  legal basis:  consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR);  website:  https://www.youtube.comprivacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacybasis for third country transfers:  Data Privacy Framework (DPF).  Possibility of objection (opt-out):  opt-out plug-in:  https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de , settings for the display of advertisements:  https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff .

Change and update

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

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

Definitions of terms

This section provides an overview of the terms used in this privacy policy. To the extent that the terms are defined by law, the legal definitions apply. The following explanations, however, are intended primarily to facilitate understanding.

  • Employees:  Employees are individuals who are employed, whether as employees, staff, or in similar positions. An employment relationship is a legal relationship between an employer and an employee, defined by an employment contract or agreement. It entails the employer’s obligation to pay the employee remuneration while the employee performs their work. The employment relationship comprises various stages, including the inception of the employment contract, the implementation of the contract, during which the employee performs their work, and the termination when the employment relationship ends, whether by notice, termination agreement, or otherwise. Employee data is all information relating to these individuals in the context of their employment. This includes aspects such as personal identification data, identification numbers, salary and banking details, working hours, vacation entitlements, health data, and performance appraisals. 
  • Inventory data:  Inventory data includes essential information necessary for the identification and management of contractual partners, user accounts, profiles, and similar assignments. This data may include, among other things, personal and demographic information such as names, contact information (addresses, phone numbers, email addresses), dates of birth, and unique identifiers (user IDs). Inventory data forms the basis for any formal interaction between individuals and services, institutions, or systems by enabling unambiguous assignment and communication. 
  • Content data:  Content data encompasses information generated during the creation, editing, and publication of all types of content. This category of data can include text, images, videos, audio files, and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the actual content itself but also includes metadata that provides information about the content itself, such as tags, descriptions, author information, and publication dates. 
  • Contact details:  Contact details are essential information that enables communication with individuals or organizations. They include, among other things, telephone numbers, postal addresses, and email addresses, as well as communication tools such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers. 
  • Conversion measurement:  Conversion measurement (also known as “visit action analysis”) is a method used to determine the effectiveness of marketing measures. This typically involves storing a cookie on users’ devices within the websites where the marketing measures are carried out and then retrieving it on the target website. For example, this allows us to understand whether the ads we place on other websites were successful.  
  • Metadata, communication data, and procedural data:  Metadata, communication data, and procedural data are categories that contain information about how data is processed, transmitted, and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information that describes the context, origin, and structure of other data. It can include details about file size, creation date, document author, and change histories. Communication data captures the exchange of information between users across different channels, such as email traffic, call logs, social media messages, and chat histories, including the people involved, timestamps, and transmission paths. Procedural data describes the processes and procedures within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, logs of transactions and activities, and audit logs used to track and review events. 
  • Usage data:  Usage data refers to information that captures how users interact with digital products, services, or platforms. This data encompasses a broad range of information, including how users use applications, which features they prefer, how long they stay on certain pages, and the paths they take through an application. Usage data may also include frequency of use, timestamps of activities, IP addresses, device information, and location data. It is particularly valuable for analyzing user behavior, optimizing user experiences, personalizing content, and improving products or services. Furthermore, usage data plays a crucial role in identifying trends, preferences, and potential problem areas within digital offerings. 
  • Personal data:  “Personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter “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 (e.g. a cookie) or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person. 
  • Profiles with user-related information:  The processing of “profiles with user-related information,” or “profiles” for short, includes any type of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of this personal data to analyze, evaluate, or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person (depending on the type of profiling, this may include different information relating to demographics, behavior, and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc.). Cookies and web beacons are often used for profiling purposes. 
  • Log data:  Log data is information about events or activities logged on a system or network. This data typically includes information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages, and other details about a system’s usage or operation. Log data is often used to analyze system problems, for security monitoring, or for generating performance reports. 
  • Reach measurement:  Reach measurement (also known as web analytics) is used to evaluate visitor traffic to an online offering and can include visitor behavior or interests in certain information, such as website content. With the help of reach analysis, operators of online offerings can, for example, identify when users visit their websites and what content they are interested in. This allows them to, for example, better adapt website content to the needs of their visitors. For reach analysis purposes, pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are often used to recognize returning visitors and thus obtain more precise analyses of the use of an online offering. 
  • Tracking:  “Tracking” refers to the tracking of user behavior across multiple online offerings. Typically, behavioral and interest information related to the online offerings used is stored in cookies or on the servers of the tracking technology providers (so-called profiling). This information can then be used, for example, to display advertisements to users that are likely to correspond to their interests. 
  • Controller:  The “controller” is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which alone or jointly with others decides on the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. 
  • Processing:  “Processing” is any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and encompasses virtually any handling of data, whether it involves collecting, analyzing, storing, transmitting, or deleting. 
  • Contract data:  Contract data is specific information relating to the formalization of an agreement between two or more parties. It documents the terms and conditions under which services or products are provided, exchanged, or sold. This data category is essential for managing and fulfilling contractual obligations and includes both the identification of the contracting parties and the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Contract data can include contract start and end dates, the type of agreed services or products, pricing agreements, payment terms, termination rights, renewal options, and special conditions or clauses. It serves as the legal basis for the relationship between the parties and is crucial for clarifying rights and obligations, enforcing claims, and resolving disputes. 
  • Payment data:  Payment data includes all information required to process payment transactions between buyers and sellers. This data is critical for e-commerce, online banking, and any other form of financial transaction. It includes details such as credit card numbers, bank details, payment amounts, transaction data, verification numbers, and billing information. Payment data may also include information about payment status, chargebacks, authorizations, and fees. 
  • Target group creation:  Target group creation (English “custom audiences”) refers to the creation of target groups for advertising purposes, eg, the display of advertisements. For example, based on a user’s interest in certain products or topics on the internet, it can be concluded that this user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online shop in which they viewed the products. “Lookalike audiences” (or similar target groups), on the other hand, refer to content deemed suitable and displayed to users whose profiles or interests presumably correspond to the users for whom the profiles were created. Cookies and web beacons are typically used to create custom audiences and lookalike audiences.