Privacy Policy
Preamble
With the following Privacy Policy, we would like to inform you about the types of your personal data (hereinafter also briefly referred to as “data”) that 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 the “Online Offering”).
The terms used are not gender-specific.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
Table of Contents
Controller
Jonathan Darrall-Rew
Chausseestraße 119, c/o Kalodion Gruppe,
10115 Berlin
Email address: jonathan@synergyforum.org
Overview of Processing Activities
The following overview summarizes the types of data processed, the purposes for which they are processed, and the categories of data subjects concerned.
Types of Data Processed
Master data.
Employee data.
Location data.
Contact data.
Content data.
Usage data.
Meta, communication and procedural data.
Log data.
Categories of Data Subjects
Service recipients and clients.
Employees.
Communication partners.
Users.
Third parties.
Whistleblowers.
Purposes of Processing
Communication.
Security measures.
Audience measurement.
Tracking.
Conversion measurement.
Audience targeting.
Organizational and administrative procedures.
Server monitoring and error detection.
Feedback.
Marketing.
Profiles with user-related information.
Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
Information technology infrastructure.
Whistleblower protection.
Public relations.
Applicable Legal Bases
Applicable legal bases under the GDPR: The following provides an overview of the legal bases under the GDPR 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 country of residence or our country of establishment. If more specific legal bases apply in individual cases, we will inform you of these in this Privacy Policy.
Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) – The data subject has given consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes.
Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or for taking steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject.
Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) – Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject requiring protection of personal data.
National data protection regulations in Germany: In addition to the GDPR, national data protection regulations apply in Germany. These include, in particular, the German Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG). The BDSG contains, among other things, specific provisions concerning the right of access, the right to erasure, the right to object, the processing of special categories of personal data, processing for other purposes, data transfers, and automated decision-making in individual cases, including profiling. The data protection laws of the individual German federal states may also apply.
Security Meas
ures
We take appropriate technical and organizational measures in accordance with legal requirements, taking into account the state of the art, the costs of implementation, and the nature, scope, circumstances and purposes of processing, as well as the varying likelihood and severity of risks to the rights and freedoms of natural persons, in order to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk.
These measures include, in particular, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data by controlling physical and electronic access to the data, as well as access, input, disclosure, safeguarding of availability and separation of data. We have also established procedures to ensure the exercise of data subject rights, the deletion of data, and responses to threats to data. Furthermore, we take the protection of personal data into account already when developing or selecting hardware, software and procedures, in accordance with the principles of data protection by design and data protection by default.
Securing online connections through TLS/SSL encryption technology (HTTPS): To protect user data transmitted through our online services against 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 information transmitted between the website or app and the user's browser (or between two servers), thereby protecting the data against unauthorized access. TLS, as the more advanced and secure version of SSL, ensures that all data transmissions meet high security standards. When a website is secured with an SSL/TLS certificate, this is indicated by HTTPS in the URL. This serves as an indicator to users that their data is transmitted securely and in encrypted form.
Transfer of Personal Data
As part of our processing of personal data, data may be transferred to or disclosed to other entities, companies, legally independent organizational units or individuals. Recipients of such 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 the applicable legal requirements and, in particular, enter into appropriate contracts or agreements with the recipients of the data to protect your data.
International Data Transfers
Data processing in third countries: Where we transfer data to a third country (i.e. a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)), or where this occurs in the context of using third-party services or disclosing or transferring data to other individuals, entities or companies (which may be identified by the provider's postal address or where the Privacy Policy expressly refers to a transfer to third countries), this is always carried out in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
For data transfers to the United States, we primarily rely on the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), which was recognized as an adequate legal framework by an adequacy decision of the European Commission dated July 10, 2023. In addition, we have entered into Standard Contractual Clauses with the respective providers that comply with the requirements of the European Commission and establish contractual obligations to protect your data.
This dual protection provides comprehensive protection for your data: the DPF serves as the primary safeguard, while the Standard Contractual Clauses provide an additional layer of protection. Should there be changes to the DPF, the Standard Contractual Clauses serve as a fallback mechanism. This ensures that your data remains adequately protected even in the event of political or legal changes.
For individual service providers, we inform you whether they are certified under the DPF and whether Standard Contractual Clauses are in place. Further information about the DPF and a list of certified companies can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of Commerce at https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/ (in English).
For data transfers to other third countries, corresponding safeguards apply, in particular Standard Contractual Clauses, explicit consent or legally required transfers. Information on third-country transfers and applicable adequacy decisions can be found in the European Commission's information portal: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en?prefLang=de.
General Information on Data Storage and Deletion
We delete personal data that we process in accordance with statutory requirements as soon as the underlying consent is withdrawn or there are no longer any other legal grounds for processing. This applies in cases where the original purpose of processing no longer exists or the data is no longer required. Exceptions apply where statutory obligations or specific interests require longer retention or archiving of the data.
In particular, data that must be retained for commercial or tax purposes, or whose storage is necessary for the enforcement of legal claims or the protection of the rights of other natural or legal persons, must be archived accordingly.
Our Privacy Policy contains additional information regarding the retention and deletion of data applicable to specific processing activities.
Where several retention periods or deletion deadlines apply to a particular item of data, the longest period shall always apply. Data that is retained for reasons other than the original purpose, such as statutory requirements or other reasons, will be processed exclusively for the purposes justifying its retention.
Data retention and deletion: The following general retention and archiving periods apply under German law:
10 years – Retention period for books and records, annual financial statements, inventories, management reports, opening balance sheets, and the instructions and other organizational documents required to understand them (§ 147(1) No. 1 in conjunction with § 147(3) AO; § 257(1) No. 1 in conjunction with § 257(4) HGB).
8 years – Accounting records, such as invoices and expense receipts (§ 147(1) Nos. 4 and 4a in conjunction with § 147(3) sentence 1 AO; § 14b(1) UStG; § 257(1) No. 4 in conjunction with § 257(4) HGB).
6 years – Other business records: received commercial or business correspondence, reproductions of correspondence sent, and other documents relevant for taxation, such as timesheets, operating cost calculations, calculation documents, price lists, payroll documents where they are not already accounting records, and cash register records (§ 147(1) Nos. 2, 3 and 5 in conjunction with § 147(3) AO; § 257(1) Nos. 2 and 3 in conjunction with § 257(4) HGB).
3 years – Data required to consider potential warranty and damages claims or similar contractual claims and rights, as well as related inquiries, based on previous business experience and standard industry practices, is stored for the duration of the regular statutory limitation period of three years (§§ 195, 199 BGB).
Commencement of periods at the end of the calendar year: Where a period does not expressly begin on a specific date and is at least one year long, 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 triggering event is the date on which the termination or other ending of the legal relationship becomes effective.
Rights of Data Subjects
Rights of data subjects under the GDPR: As a data subject, you have various rights under the GDPR, in particular under Articles 15 to 21 GDPR:
Right to object: You have the right, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to object at any time to the processing of your personal data based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions. Where personal data is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of your personal data for such marketing purposes; this also applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.
Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
Right of access: You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed and, where applicable, access to such data and further information and a copy of the data in accordance with statutory requirements.
Right to rectification: You have the right, in accordance with statutory requirements, to request completion of your personal data or correction of inaccurate personal data.
Right to erasure and restriction of processing: You have the right, subject to statutory requirements, to request that personal data concerning you be erased without undue delay or, alternatively, to request restriction of processing.
Right to data portability: You have the right to receive personal data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format or to request that it be transmitted to another controller, subject to statutory requirements.
Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority: Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of your personal data infringes the GDPR.
Provision of the Online Offering and Web Hosting
We process users' data in order 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 (e.g. page views and duration of visits, 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, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved); log data (e.g. log files relating to logins, data retrieval or access times).
Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; information technology infrastructure (operation and provision of information systems and technical equipment such as computers and servers); security measures; audience measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); conversion measurement (measuring the effectiveness of marketing activities); server monitoring and error detection.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Storage and Deletion”.
Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Further information on processing activities, procedures and services:
Provision of the Online Offering on rented storage space: To provide our online offering, we use storage space, computing capacity and software that we rent or otherwise obtain from an appropriate server provider (also known as a “web host”); Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Collection of access data and log files: Access to our online offering is recorded in so-called “server log files”. Server log files may include the address and name of the websites and files accessed, date and time of access, amount of data transferred, notification of successful retrieval, 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, for example to prevent server overload, particularly in the event of abusive attacks such as DDoS attacks, and to ensure server capacity and stability; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Deletion of data: Log file information is stored for a maximum period of 30 days and then deleted or anonymized. Data whose continued retention is necessary for evidentiary purposes is exempt from deletion until the respective incident has been finally clarified.
GoDaddy: Services relating to the provision of information technology infrastructure and associated services, such as web hosting, storage space and/or computing capacity; Service provider: GoDaddy.com, LLC; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website: https://www.godaddy.com; Privacy Policy: https://www.godaddy.com/en/legal/agreements/privacy-policy; Data Processing Agreement: https://www.godaddy.com/de/legal/agreements/data-processing-addendum; Basis for third-country transfers: EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) and, where applicable, Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).
Squarespace: Squarespace provides software-as-a-service for creating and hosting websites; Service provider: Squarespace Ireland Ltd., Le Pole House, Ship Street Great, Dublin 8, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Website:https://www.squarespace.com; Privacy Policy:https://www.squarespace.com/privacy; Data Processing Agreement:https://www.squarespace.com/dpa. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://www.squarespace.com/dpa).
Use of Cookies
The term “cookies” refers to functions that store information on users' devices and read information from them. Cookies may be used for various purposes, including ensuring the functionality, security and convenience of online offerings, as well as analyzing visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Where required, we obtain users' consent in advance. Where consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies where the storage and reading of information is strictly necessary to provide content and functions explicitly requested by the user. This includes, for example, storing settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online offering. Consent may be withdrawn at any time. We provide clear information about the scope of consent and which cookies are used.
Notes on legal bases under data protection law: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on whether consent is required. Where consent has been given, it constitutes the legal basis for processing. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, which are explained above in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.
Storage duration: With regard to storage duration, the following types of cookies are distinguished:
Temporary cookies (also known as session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest when a user leaves an online offering and closes their device, such as a browser or mobile application.
Persistent cookies: Persistent cookies remain stored even after the device has been closed. They may, for example, be used to store login status and display preferred content directly when the user revisits a website. User data collected through cookies may also be used for audience measurement. Unless users are explicitly informed about the type and storage duration of cookies, for example as part of obtaining consent, they should assume that the cookies are persistent and may be stored for up to two years.
General information on withdrawal and objection (opt-out): Users may withdraw consent they have given at any time and may also object to processing in accordance with statutory requirements, including through their browser's privacy settings.
Types of data processed: Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR).
Further information on processing activities, procedures and services:
Processing of cookie data based on consent: We use a consent management solution in which users' consent to the use of cookies or to the procedures and providers specified as part of the consent management solution is obtained. This procedure serves to obtain, record, manage and withdraw consent, particularly with regard to the use of cookies and similar technologies used to store, read and process information on users' 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 activities and providers specified in the consent management procedure. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consent. Consent declarations are stored in order to avoid requesting consent again and to provide evidence of consent as required by law. Storage takes place on the server side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or using comparable technologies in order to associate consent with a specific user or device. Unless specific information about the providers of consent management services is available, the following general information applies: Consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored together with the time of consent, details of the scope of consent (e.g. relevant cookie categories 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 contacting us (e.g. by post, contact form, email, telephone or via social media) and in the context of existing user and business relationships, the details provided by the persons making the inquiry are processed to the extent necessary to respond to the inquiries and any requested measures.
Types of data processed: 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); meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
Data subjects: Communication partners.
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; organizational and administrative procedures; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online forms); provision of our online offering and user-friendliness.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Storage and Deletion”.
Legal bases: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR).
Further information on processing activities, procedures and services:
Contact form: When contacting us via our contact form, email or other means of communication, we process the personal data provided to us in order to respond to and handle the respective inquiry. This generally includes information such as name, contact details and, where applicable, additional information provided by the user that is necessary for appropriate handling of the inquiry. We use this data exclusively for the stated purpose of contacting and communicating with us; Legal bases: Performance of a contract and pre-contractual inquiries (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Web Analytics, Monitoring and Optimization
Web analytics (also referred to as “audience measurement”) is used to analyze visitor traffic to our online offering and may include information about visitors' behavior, interests or demographic characteristics, such as age or gender, in pseudonymous form. Audience measurement enables us, for example, to determine when our online offering or its functions or content are used most frequently or to encourage users to return. It also allows us to identify areas requiring optimization.
In addition to web analytics, we may use testing procedures, for example to test and optimize different versions of our online offering or parts thereof.
Unless otherwise stated below, profiles may be created for these purposes, meaning data combined from a particular usage process, and information may be stored in and subsequently read from a browser or device. The information collected includes, in particular, websites visited and elements used there, as well as technical information such as the browser used, the computer system and information about usage times. If users have consented to the collection of their location data by us or by the providers of the services we use, location data may also be processed.
In addition, users' IP addresses are stored. However, we use an IP masking procedure (i.e. pseudonymization by shortening the IP address) to protect users. In general, no clear-text user data, such as email addresses or names, is stored as part of web analytics, A/B testing and optimization; instead, pseudonyms are used. This means that neither we nor the providers of the software used know the actual identity of users, but only the information stored in their profiles for the purposes of the respective procedures.
Notes on legal bases: Where we ask users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, consent constitutes the legal basis for processing. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. our interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, please also refer to the information on the use of cookies contained in this Privacy Policy.
Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visits, 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, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Audience measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); profiles with user-related information (creation of user profiles).
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Storage and Deletion”. Cookies may be 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 bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Social Media Presences
We maintain online presences within social networks and process user data in this context in order to communicate with active users there or provide information about us.
Please note that user data may be processed outside the European Union. This may create risks for users, as, for example, the enforcement of users' rights may be more difficult.
Furthermore, user data within social networks is generally processed for market research and advertising purposes. For example, user profiles may be created based on users' behavior and resulting interests. Such profiles may in turn be used to display advertisements within and outside the networks that are presumed to correspond to users' interests. Cookies are therefore generally stored on users' computers, in which usage behavior and interests are stored. User profiles may also contain data independent of the devices used by users, particularly where users are members of the respective platform and logged in.
For a detailed description of the respective processing methods and opt-out options, please refer to the Privacy Policies and information provided by the operators of the respective networks.
With regard to requests for information and the exercise of data subject rights, we also point out that these can generally be asserted most effectively directly with the providers. Only the providers have access to the relevant user data and can directly take appropriate measures or provide information. If you nevertheless require assistance, you may contact us.
Types of data processed: 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); usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visits, click paths, intensity and frequency of use, device types and operating systems used, interactions with content and functions).
Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Communication; feedback (e.g. collecting feedback via online forms); public relations.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Storage and Deletion”.
Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Further information on processing activities, procedures and services:
Instagram: Social network that enables the sharing of photos and videos, commenting on and liking posts, sending messages, and subscribing to profiles and pages; 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/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
Facebook Pages: Profiles within the Facebook social network. The controller is jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited for the collection and transmission of data of visitors to our Facebook Page (“Fanpage”). This includes, in particular, information about user behavior (e.g. content viewed or interacted with and actions taken) and device information (e.g. IP address, operating system, browser type, language settings and cookie data). Further information can be found in Facebook's Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/. Facebook also uses this data to provide us with statistical evaluations through the “Page Insights” service, providing information about how people interact with our page and its content. This is based on an agreement with Facebook (“Information about Page Insights”: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum), which regulates, among other things, security measures and the exercise of data subject rights. Further information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data. Users may therefore submit requests for information or deletion directly to Facebook. Users' rights, in particular access, deletion, objection and complaints to a supervisory authority, remain unaffected. Joint responsibility is limited exclusively to the collection of data by Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (EU). Meta Platforms Ireland Limited is solely responsible for further processing, including any transfer to Meta Platforms Inc. in the United States; 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/. Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF), Standard Contractual Clauses (https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum).
YouTube: Social network and video platform; Service provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland; Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR); Privacy Policy:https://business.safety.google/privacy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-out option:https://myadcenter.google.com/.
Plugins 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 maps (hereinafter collectively referred to as “content”).
The integration always requires the third-party providers of this content to process users' IP addresses, as without the IP address they would not be able to send the content to the users' browsers. The IP address is therefore required for the display of this content or functionality. We endeavor to use only content whose respective providers use the IP address solely for the purpose of delivering the content. Third-party providers may also use so-called pixel tags (invisible graphics, also known as “web beacons”) for statistical or marketing purposes. Pixel tags can be used to analyze information such as traffic to the pages of this website. The pseudonymous information may also be stored in cookies on users' devices and may include technical information about the browser and operating system, referring websites, time of visit and other information about the use of our online offering. Such information may also be combined with information from other sources.
Notes on legal bases: Where we ask users for their consent to the use of third-party providers, consent constitutes the legal basis for processing. Otherwise, user data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. our interest in efficient, economical and recipient-friendly services). In this context, please also refer to the information on the use of cookies in this Privacy Policy.
Types of data processed: Usage data (e.g. page views and duration of visits, 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, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved); location data (information about the geographic location of a device or person).
Data subjects: Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
Purposes of processing and legitimate interests: Provision of our online offering and user-friendliness; audience measurement (e.g. access statistics, recognition of returning visitors); tracking (e.g. interest- or behavior-based profiling, use of cookies); audience targeting; marketing.
Retention and deletion: Deletion in accordance with the information provided in the section “General Information on Data Storage and Deletion”. Cookies may be 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 bases: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
Further information on processing activities, procedures and services:
Google Maps: We integrate maps from the “Google Maps” service provided by Google. The data processed may include, in particular, users' IP addresses and location data; Service provider: Google Cloud EMEA Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR); Website:https://mapsplatform.google.com/; Privacy Policy:https://business.safety.google/privacy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF).
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.com; Privacy Policy:https://business.safety.google/privacy/; Basis for third-country transfers: Data Privacy Framework (DPF). Opt-out option: Opt-out plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de; advertising personalization settings: https://myadcenter.google.com/personalizationoff.
We use Donorbox to provide and process donations through our website. When users make a donation, Donorbox may process personal data such as name, email address, donation amount and payment or transaction information.
Service provider: Rebel Idealist Inc., doing business as Donorbox
Purpose: Processing and administration of donations.
Types of data processed: Contact details, donation information, payment and transaction data, and technical data required for the processing of the donation.
Legal basis: Depending on the specific processing activity, performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR), legal obligations (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR), or consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), where applicable.
Data processor: Donorbox acts as a data processor for relevant processing activities.
International data transfers: Personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the EU/EEA. Appropriate safeguards are applied in accordance with applicable data protection law.Further information can be found in Donorbox’s Privacy Policy and Data Processing Agreement.
Changes and Updates
We ask you to regularly review the content of this Privacy Policy. We will update this Privacy Policy whenever changes to the processing activities we carry out make this necessary. We will inform you as soon as the changes require any action on your part, such as consent, or another form of individual notification.
Where we provide addresses and contact information of companies and organizations in this Privacy Policy, please note that such information may change over time and verify the information before contacting the respective entity.
Definitions of Terms
This section provides an overview of the terminology used in this Privacy Policy. Where terms are legally defined, their legal definitions apply. The following explanations are intended primarily to facilitate understanding.
Employees: Employees are persons who are in an employment relationship, whether as staff, employees or in similar positions. An employment relationship is a legal relationship between an employer and an employee established by an employment contract or agreement. It involves the employer's obligation to pay remuneration to the employee in return for the employee's performance of work. An employment relationship comprises various stages, including its establishment through the conclusion of an employment contract, its execution through the employee's work activities, and its termination through dismissal, a termination agreement or otherwise. Employee data is all information relating to these persons in the context of their employment. This includes personal identification data, identification numbers, salary and bank details, working hours, vacation entitlements, health data and performance evaluations.
Master data: Master data comprises essential information necessary for identifying and managing contractual partners, user accounts, profiles and similar assignments. This data may include personal and demographic information such as names, contact information (addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses), dates of birth and specific identifiers (user IDs). Master data forms the basis for formal interaction between individuals and services, organizations or systems by enabling unique assignment and communication.
Content data: Content data includes information generated in the course of creating, editing and publishing content of all kinds. This category of data may include texts, images, videos, audio files and other multimedia content published on various platforms and media. Content data is not limited to the content itself, but also includes metadata that provides information about the content, such as tags, descriptions, author information and publication dates.
Contact data: Contact data is essential information that enables communication with individuals or organizations. It includes telephone numbers, postal addresses and email addresses, as well as communication channels such as social media handles and instant messaging identifiers.
Conversion measurement: Conversion measurement (also referred to as “visit action evaluation”) is a process used to determine the effectiveness of marketing activities. As a rule, a cookie is stored on users' devices on websites where marketing activities take place and is subsequently accessed again on the target website. This enables us, for example, to determine whether advertisements placed by us on other websites have been successful.
Meta, communication and procedural data: Meta, communication and procedural data are categories containing information about the way data is processed, transmitted and managed. Metadata, also known as data about data, includes information describing the context, origin and structure of other data. It may include details such as file size, creation date, document author and modification history. Communication data records the exchange of information between users through various channels, such as email traffic, call logs, messages on social networks and chat histories, including the persons involved, timestamps and transmission paths. Procedural data describes processes and workflows within systems or organizations, including workflow documentation, transaction and activity logs, and audit logs used to track and review processes.
Usage data: Usage data refers to information that records how users interact with digital products, services or platforms. This data encompasses a wide range of information showing how users use applications, which functions they prefer, how long they remain on certain pages and the paths through which they navigate 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 and services. It also plays an important 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 referred to as a “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, identification number, location data, an online identifier (e.g. a cookie), or to one or more specific characteristics expressing that person's physical, physiological, genetic, psychological, economic, cultural or social identity.
Profiles with user-related information: The processing of “profiles with user-related information”, or “profiles” for short, comprises any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to analyze, evaluate or predict certain personal aspects relating to a natural person. Depending on the type of profiling, this may include demographic information, behavior and interests, such as interaction with websites and their content, etc. Examples include interests in particular content or products, click behavior on a website or a person's location. Cookies and web beacons are frequently used for profiling purposes.
Log data: Log data is information about events or activities recorded in a system or network. This data typically includes information such as timestamps, IP addresses, user actions, error messages and other details relating to system use or operation. Log data is often used to analyze system problems, monitor security or generate performance reports.
Audience measurement: Audience measurement (also referred to as web analytics) is used to analyze visitor traffic to an online offering and may include information about visitors' behavior or interests in relation to specific information, such as website content. Using audience analysis, operators of online offerings can, for example, determine when users visit their websites and which content they are interested in. This allows them to adapt website content to the needs of their visitors. Pseudonymous cookies and web beacons are frequently used for audience measurement purposes to recognize returning visitors and obtain more accurate analyses of the use of an online offering.
Server monitoring and error detection: Server monitoring and error detection are used to ensure the availability and integrity of our online offering and to use the processed data to technically optimize our online offering. The data processed includes performance, load and comparable technical values that provide information about the stability and any irregularities of our online offering. In the event of errors or irregularities, individual requests from users of our online offering may be recorded in order to identify and resolve the source of the problem.
Location data: Location data is generated when a mobile device (or another device with the technical capability for location determination) connects to a mobile network cell, Wi-Fi or similar technical means and location services. Location data indicates the geographically determinable position on Earth of the respective device. Location data may be used, for example, to display map functions or other location-dependent information.
Tracking: “Tracking” refers to the monitoring of users' behavior across multiple online offerings. As a rule, behavioral and interest-related information is stored in cookies or on the servers of providers of tracking technologies in relation to the online offerings used (so-called profiling). This information may subsequently be used, for example, to display advertisements to users that are likely to correspond to their interests.
Controller: A “controller” is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.
Processing: “Processing” means any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means. The term is broad and includes virtually any handling of data, including collection, evaluation, storage, transmission or deletion.
Audience targeting: Audience targeting (also known as “Custom Audiences”) refers to determining target groups for advertising purposes, such as displaying advertisements. For example, based on a user's interest in certain products or topics on the Internet, it may be inferred that the user is interested in advertisements for similar products or the online store in which they viewed the products. “Lookalike Audiences” refers to audiences shown content that are considered likely to have profiles or interests similar to those of users for whom profiles have been created. Cookies and web beacons are generally used for the creation of Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences.
[Created with the free Privacy Policy Generator by Dr. Thomas Schwenke]