Privacy

Privacy Policy

We are delighted that you are interested in our company. Data protection is a top priority for the management of reality publishing ag. In general, you can use the reality publishing ag website without providing any personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use specific services offered by our company via our website, the processing of personal data may be necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the consent of the data subject.

The processing of personal data, such as a data subject’s name, address, email address, or phone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and in compliance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to reality publishing ag. Through this Privacy Policy, our company aims to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, this Privacy Policy informs data subjects of their rights.

As the data controller, reality publishing ag has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most comprehensive possible protection of the personal data processed via this website. Nevertheless, internet-based data transmissions may inherently contain security vulnerabilities, meaning that absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, any data subject is free to provide personal data to us via alternative means, such as by telephone.

1. Definitions

The privacy policy of reality publishing ag is based on the terminology used by European legislators and regulators when enacting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy is intended to be easily readable and understandable for the general public as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminology used in advance.

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

  • a) Personal DataPersonal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter “data subject”). A natural person is considered identifiable if they can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.
  • b) Data SubjectA data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.
  • c) Processing: Processing means any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, distribution, or any other form of making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction.
  • d) Restriction of processingRestriction of processing means the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their future processing.
  • e) Profiling: Profiling is any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of such personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyze or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s work performance, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or movements.
  • f) PseudonymizationPseudonymization is the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.
  • g) Controller or data controller: A controller or data controller is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. If the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.
  • h) Processor: A processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body that processes personal data on behalf of the controller.
  • i) Recipient: A recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body to whom personal data is disclosed, regardless of whether or not that body is a third party. However, public authorities that may receive personal data in the course of a specific investigative mandate under Union law or the law of the Member States are not considered recipients.
  • j) Third Party: A third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body other than the data subject, the controller, the processor, and the persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or the processor, are authorized to process the personal data.
  • k) Consent: Consent is any freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which the data subject, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her.

2. Name and address of the data controller

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

reality publishing ag

In den Ziegelhöfen 43

CH 4054 Basel

Switzerland

Tel.: +41 78 977 4 966

Email: info@reality-publishing.com

Website: www.reality-publishing.com

3. Cookies

The websites of reality publishing ag use cookies. Cookies are text files that are placed and stored on a computer system via a web browser.

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

By using cookies, reality publishing ag can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without setting cookies.

Cookies allow us to optimize the information and offers on our website to better serve the user. As mentioned earlier, cookies enable us to recognize users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. For example, a user of a website that uses cookies does not have to re-enter their login credentials every time they visit the website, as this information is retrieved by the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the shopping cart cookie in an online store. The online store uses a cookie to remember the items a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by adjusting the settings of the web browser being used and thereby permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time via a web browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common web browsers. If the data subject disables the setting of cookies in the web browser being used, not all functions of our website may be fully usable under certain circumstances.

4. Collection of General Data and Information

The website of reality publishing ag collects a range of general data and information each time the website is accessed by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information is stored in the server’s log files. The following may be collected: (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrer), (4) the subpages accessed on our website via an accessing system, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an Internet Protocol address (IP address), (7) the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serve to prevent threats in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

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

4.1. Delivery Details and Shipping

The following statement from the contract between REALITY PUBLISHING and the delivery service SENDAGENTS in Cologne applies to delivery and returns: The delivery service SENDAGENTS “undertakes to use the data received from REALITY PUBLISHING exclusively for the purpose of fulfilling this contract. When processing data, SENDAGENTS must comply with the legal provisions of the EU General Data Protection Regulation, the Federal Data Protection Act, and other relevant data protection regulations.”

Your email address will be automatically forwarded to DHL so that you can track your shipment.

5. Registration on our website

The data subject has the option to register on the website of the data controller by providing personal data. The personal data transmitted to the data controller in this process is determined by the respective input form used for registration. The personal data entered by the data subject is collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the data controller and for its own purposes. The data controller may arrange for the transfer of such data to one or more processors, such as a parcel delivery service provider, who will also use the personal data exclusively for internal purposes attributable to the data controller.

Furthermore, when registering on the data controller’s website, the IP address assigned by the data subject’s Internet Service Provider (ISP), as well as the date and time of registration, are stored. This data is stored because it is the only way to prevent misuse of our services, and this data enables the investigation of criminal offenses if necessary. In this respect, the storage of this data is necessary to protect the data controller. This data is generally not disclosed to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to do so or the disclosure serves the purposes of criminal prosecution.

The data subject’s registration, involving the voluntary provision of personal data, enables the data controller to offer the data subject content or services that, by their very nature, can only be made available to registered users. Registered users are free to modify the personal data provided during registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the data controller’s database.

The data controller will provide any data subject, upon request, with information at any time regarding which personal data concerning the data subject is stored. Furthermore, the data controller will correct or delete personal data at the request or upon notification by the data subject, provided that no legal retention obligations preclude this. All employees of the data controller are available to the data subject as contact persons in this regard.

6. Subscription to Our Newsletter

On the reality publishing ag website, users are given the opportunity to subscribe to our company’s newsletter. The personal data transmitted to the data controller when subscribing to the newsletter is determined by the input form used for this purpose.

reality publishing ag informs its customers and business partners at regular intervals via a newsletter about the company’s offers. In principle, the data subject can only receive our company’s newsletter if (1) the data subject has a valid email address and (2) the data subject registers for the newsletter. For legal reasons, a confirmation email is sent to the email address initially provided by the data subject for the newsletter via a double opt-in procedure. This confirmation email serves to verify whether the owner of the email address, as the data subject, has authorized the receipt of the newsletter.

When registering for the newsletter, we also store the IP address assigned by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to the computer system used by the data subject at the time of registration, as well as the date and time of registration. The collection of this data is necessary to be able to trace any (potential) misuse of a data subject’s email address at a later date and therefore serves to provide legal protection for the data controller.

The personal data collected in connection with a newsletter subscription is used exclusively for sending our newsletter. Furthermore, newsletter subscribers may be informed by email if this is necessary for the operation of the newsletter service or a related registration, as might be the case with changes to the newsletter offering or alterations to the technical conditions. No personal data collected as part of the newsletter service is disclosed to third parties. The data subject may cancel their subscription to our newsletter at any time. The consent to the storage of personal data that the data subject has granted us for the purpose of sending the newsletter may be revoked at any time. A link for revoking consent is included in every newsletter. Furthermore, it is possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time directly on the website of the data controller or to notify the data controller of this in another manner.

7. Newsletter Tracking

The newsletters from reality publishing ag contain so-called web beacons. A web beacon is a miniature graphic embedded in emails sent in HTML format to enable log file recording and analysis. This allows for a statistical evaluation of the success or failure of online marketing campaigns. Using the embedded web beacon, reality publishing ag can determine whether and when an email was opened by a data subject and which links contained in the email were clicked by the data subject.

Such personal data collected via the web beacons contained in the newsletters is stored and analyzed by the data controller to optimize newsletter distribution and better tailor the content of future newsletters to the data subject’s interests. This personal data is not disclosed to third parties. Data subjects are entitled at any time to revoke the separate declaration of consent provided via the double opt-in procedure. Following revocation, this personal data will be deleted by the data controller. Unsubscribing from the newsletter is automatically interpreted by reality publishing ag as a revocation.

8. Contact Options via the Website

In accordance with legal requirements, the reality publishing ag website contains information that enables quick electronic contact with our company as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general electronic mail address (email address). If a data subject contacts the data controller via email or a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject is automatically stored. Such personal data voluntarily transmitted by a data subject to the data controller is stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the data subject. This personal data is not disclosed to third parties.

9. Comment Function on the Website’s Blog

reality publishing ag offers users the opportunity to leave individual comments on specific blog posts on a blog located on the data controller’s website. A blog is a portal maintained on a website, typically accessible to the public, where one or more individuals—referred to as bloggers or web bloggers—can post articles or share their thoughts in so-called blog posts. These blog posts can generally be commented on by third parties.

If a data subject leaves a comment on the blog published on this website, in addition to the comments left by the data subject, information regarding the time the comment was submitted and the username (pseudonym) chosen by the data subject is also stored and published. Furthermore, the IP address assigned by the data subject’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) is also logged. This storage of the IP address is carried out for security reasons and in the event that the data subject infringes the rights of third parties through a comment submitted or posts illegal content. The storage of this personal data is therefore in the controller’s own interest so that the controller may, if necessary, exculpate itself in the event of a legal violation. This collected personal data is not disclosed to third parties unless such disclosure is required by law or serves the legal defense of the data controller.

10. Routine Deletion and Blocking of Personal Data

The data controller processes and stores the data subject’s personal data only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or to the extent provided for by the European legislator or another competent authority in laws or regulations to which the data controller is subject.

If the purpose of storage ceases to apply or if a retention period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with legal requirements.

11. Rights of the Data Subject

  • a) Right to Confirmation: Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning them is being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to confirmation, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
  • b) Right of access Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller, at any time and free of charge, information regarding the personal data stored about them and a copy of such information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject the right to obtain information regarding the following: Furthermore, the data subject has the right to be informed whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject is also entitled to receive information regarding the appropriate safeguards in connection with the transfer.
  • If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, they may contact a representative of the data controller at any time.
    • the purposes of the processing
    • the categories of personal data being processed
    • the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organizations
    • where possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored, or, if this is not possible, the criteria for determining this duration
    • the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning them or to restriction of processing by the controller, or a right to object to such processing
    • the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
    • if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: All available information regarding the origin of the data
    • the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR, and—at least in such cases—meaningful information regarding the logic involved, as well as the scope and intended effects of such processing on the data subject
  • c) Right to rectification: Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to request the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. Furthermore, the data subject has the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data—including by means of a supplementary statement—taking into account the purposes of the processing.
  • If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
  • d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten) Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by European legislation, to request that the controller immediately erase personal data concerning them, provided that one of the following grounds applies and insofar as the processing is not necessary: If any of the above grounds apply and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by reality publishing ag, they may contact an employee of the data controller at any time. The reality publishing ag employee will ensure that the request for erasure is complied with without undue delay.
  • If the personal data has been made public by reality publishing ag and our company, as the controller pursuant to Art. 17(1) of the GDPR, is obligated to erase the personal data, reality publishing ag shall take appropriate measures, including technical measures, taking into account available technology and implementation costs, to inform other controllers processing the published personal data that the data subject has requested that these other data controllers delete all links to such personal data or copies or replicas of such personal data, insofar as the processing is not necessary. The reality publishing ag employee will take the necessary steps on a case-by-case basis.
    • The personal data was collected for purposes for which it is no longer necessary or has been processed in some other manner.
    • The data subject withdraws their consent on which the processing was based pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
    • The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR.
    • The personal data has been processed unlawfully.
    • The erasure of the personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
    • The personal data was collected in relation to information society services offered pursuant to Article 8(1) of the GDPR.
  • e) Right to restriction of processingEvery data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation to request that the controller restrict processing if one of the following conditions is met: If one of the above conditions is met and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by reality publishing ag, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The reality publishing ag employee will arrange for the restriction of processing.
    • The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
    • The processing is unlawful, the data subject objects to the erasure of the personal data, and instead requests the restriction of the use of the personal data.
    • The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but the data subject needs it to assert, exercise, or defend legal claims.
    • The data subject has objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) of the GDPR, and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.
  • f) Right to data portability Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to receive the personal data concerning them, which the data subject has provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
  • They also have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data was provided, provided that the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR and the processing is carried out by automated means, provided that the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task 2(a) of the GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, provided that the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
  • Furthermore, when exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Art. 20(1) of the GDPR, the data subject has the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another controller, provided this is technically feasible and does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.
  • To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject may contact an employee of reality publishing ag at any time.
  • g) Right to Object Any data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to object at any time, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning them that is carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.
  • In the event of an objection, reality publishing ag will no longer process the personal data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override the interests, rights, and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
  • If reality publishing ag processes personal data for the purpose of direct marketing, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data for the purpose of such marketing. This also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to reality publishing ag regarding processing for direct marketing purposes, reality publishing ag will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.
  • In addition, the data subject has the right to object, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning them that is carried out by reality publishing ag for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.
  • To exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of reality publishing ag or another employee directly. The data subject is also free, in connection with the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise their right to object by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.
  • h) Automated individual decision-making, including profiling Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing—including profiling—that produces legal effects concerning the data subject or similarly significantly affects the data subject, provided that the decision (1) is not necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent.
  • If the decision (1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is made with the explicit consent of the data subject, reality publishing ag shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms as well as the legitimate interests of the data subject, which shall include at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express one’s own standpoint, and to contest the decision.
  • If the data subject wishes to exercise rights regarding automated decisions, they may contact an employee of the data controller at any time.
  • i) Right to withdraw consent under data protection lawEvery data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by European legislation, to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time.
  • If the data subject wishes to exercise their right to withdraw consent, they may contact an employee of the data controller at any time.

12.1. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Facebook

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

A social network is a social meeting place operated on the Internet, an online community that generally enables users to communicate with one another and interact in a virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for exchanging opinions and experiences or enable the Internet community to provide personal or business-related information. Among other things, Facebook allows users of the social network to create private profiles, upload photos, and connect with others through friend requests.

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

Each time a user visits one of the individual pages of this website operated by the controller and on which a Facebook component

(Facebook plug-in) has been integrated, the web browser on the data subject’s IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Facebook component to download a representation of the corresponding Facebook component from Facebook. A complete overview of all Facebook plug-ins can be found at https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/?locale=de_DE. As part of this technical process, Facebook learns which specific subpage of our website is being visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged into Facebook at the same time, Facebook recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting each time the data subject accesses our website and throughout the entire duration of their visit to our website. This information is collected by the Facebook component and assigned by Facebook to the data subject’s respective Facebook account. If the data subject clicks one of the Facebook buttons integrated into our website, such as the “Like” button, or if the data subject posts a comment, Facebook assigns this information to the data subject’s personal Facebook user account and stores this personal data.

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

The data policy published by Facebook, available at https://de-de.facebook.com/about/privacy/, provides information about the collection, processing, and use of personal data by Facebook. It also explains the settings options Facebook offers to protect the data subject’s privacy. Additionally, various applications are available that allow you to prevent data transmission to Facebook. Such applications can be used by the data subject to prevent data transmission to Facebook.

12.2. Privacy Policy for Twitter

This website uses social media features from Twitter, Inc., 1355 Market St, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. You can share content on the Twitter social network via the Twitter buttons integrated into the site—the “Tweet” button. The legal basis for processing the data is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, which covers the legitimate interest in optimizing the website’s functionality. When you visit a page with an integrated Tweet button, a connection is generally established between the browser you are using and Twitter’s servers. To prevent this immediate connection, this website uses a solution in which this transmission only takes place when you click the Tweet button. If you have a Twitter account, this data may be linked to it. If you do not wish for this data to be associated with your Twitter account, please log out of Twitter before visiting the site and delete the cookies in your browser. Twitter has submitted to the “Privacy Shield” data protection agreement between the U.S. and the EU. You can learn more about Twitter’s data protection practices at https://twitter.com/privacy.

12.3. Privacy Policy Regarding the Use of Google Analytics (with Anonymization Function)

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

The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland.

The data controller uses the suffix “_gat._anonymizeIp” for web analytics via Google Analytics. This suffix causes Google to truncate and anonymize the IP address of the data subject’s internet connection when accessing our website from a member state of the European Union or from another signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

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

Google Analytics places a cookie on the data subject’s computer system. What cookies are has already been explained above. By placing the cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. Each time a user visits one of the individual pages of this website—which is operated by the data controller and on which a Google Analytics component has been integrated—the web browser on the data subject’s computer is automatically prompted by the respective Google Analytics component to transmit data to Google for the purpose of online analysis. As part of this technical process, Google obtains personal data, such as the data subject’s IP address, which Google uses, among other things, to track the origin of visitors and clicks and, consequently, to enable commission settlements.

Through the use of cookies, personal information—such as the time of access, the location from which access originated, and the frequency of the data subject’s visits to our website—is stored. Each time our website is visited, this personal data, including the IP address of the data subject’s internet connection, is transmitted to Google in the United States of America. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may, under certain circumstances, disclose this personal data collected through technical means to third parties.

The data subject may prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time, as described above, by adjusting the settings of the web browser used, thereby permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Such a setting in the web browser would also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the data subject’s computer system. In addition, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the web browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option to object to the collection of data generated by Google Analytics regarding the use of this website, as well as to the processing of this data by Google, and to prevent such collection and processing. To do so, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on from the link https:// tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This browser add-on informs Google Analytics via JavaScript that no data or information regarding visits to websites may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google interprets the installation of the browser add-on as an objection. If the data subject’s computer system is deleted, formatted, or reinstalled at a later date, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or another person within their control, it is possible to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on.

Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be accessed at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/ and at http://www.google.com/analytics/terms/de.html. Google Analytics is explained in more detail at this link: https://www.google.com/intl/de_de/analytics/.

13. Payment Method: Privacy Policy for PayPal as a Payment Method

The data controller has integrated PayPal components into this website. PayPal is an online payment service provider. Payments are processed via so-called PayPal accounts, which are virtual personal or business accounts. Additionally, PayPal allows users to make virtual payments via credit cards if they do not have a PayPal account. A PayPal account is managed via an email address, which is why there is no traditional account number. PayPal enables users to initiate online payments to third parties or to receive payments. PayPal also acts as a trustee and offers buyer protection services.

The European operating company of PayPal is PayPal (Europe) S.à.r.l. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal L-2449, Luxembourg.

If the data subject selects “PayPal” as the payment method during the ordering process in our online store, the data subject’s information is automatically transmitted to PayPal. By selecting this payment option, the data subject consents to the transmission of personal data necessary for payment processing.

The personal data transmitted to PayPal generally includes first name, last name, address, email address, IP address, telephone number, mobile phone number, or other data necessary for payment processing. Personal data related to the respective order is also necessary for the fulfillment of the purchase contract.

The purpose of the data transfer is payment processing and fraud prevention. The data controller will transfer personal data to PayPal in particular when there is a legitimate interest in the transfer. The personal data exchanged between PayPal and the data controller may be transferred by PayPal to credit reporting agencies. The purpose of this transfer is identity and creditworthiness verification.

PayPal may disclose personal data to affiliated companies, service providers, or subcontractors to the extent necessary to fulfill contractual obligations or where the data is to be processed on its behalf.

The data subject has the option to revoke consent to the processing of personal data at any time by notifying PayPal. A revocation does not affect personal data that must be processed, used, or transferred for the mandatory (contractual) processing of payments.

PayPal’s current privacy policy can be accessed at https://www.paypal.com/de/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full.

14. Legal Basis for Processing

Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company’s processing operations in which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party—as is the case, for example, with processing operations required for the delivery of goods or the provision of other services or consideration—then the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. The same applies to processing operations necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, such as in cases of inquiries regarding our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation that requires the processing of personal data, such as to fulfill tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured on our premises and their name, age, health insurance information, or other vital information subsequently had to be disclosed to a doctor, a hospital, or other third parties. In such cases, the processing would be based on Article 6(1)(d) of the GDPR.

Finally, processing operations may be based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. This legal basis applies to processing operations not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases, provided that the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights, and fundamental freedoms of the data subject do not override such interests. We are permitted to carry out such processing operations in particular because they were specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this regard, the legislator took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47, Sentence 2 of the GDPR).

15. Legitimate interests in processing pursued by the controller or a third party

If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business activities for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and our shareholders.

16. Duration for which personal data is stored

The criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. Upon expiration of the retention period, the relevant data is routinely deleted, provided it is no longer required for the performance of a contract or for entering into a contract.

17. Legal or contractual requirements for the provision of personal data; Necessity for the conclusion of a contract; obligation of the data subject to provide personal data; possible consequences of non-provision

We inform you that the provision of personal data is in some cases required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or may also result from contractual provisions (e.g., information about the contractual partner).

In some cases, the conclusion of a contract may require that a data subject provide us with personal data, which we must subsequently process. For example, the data subject is obligated to provide us with personal data when our company enters into a contract with them. Failure to provide the personal data would result in the contract with the data subject not being able to be concluded.

Before providing personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will inform the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of personal data is required by law or contract, or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract; whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data; and what consequences failure to provide the personal data would have.

18. Existence of Automated Decision-Making

As a responsible company, we do not engage in automated decision-making or profiling.

This sample privacy policy was created using the GDPR Privacy Policy Generator of the German Society for Data Protection, in cooperation with the law firm specializing in media law WILDE BEUGER SOLMECKE | Attorneys at Law.