Privacy Policy

Data Protection General

I. Controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (hereinafter “GDPR”) and other national data protection laws of EU countries and other data protection laws is:

Dittmar Notar & Rechtsanwälte
Warmbüchenstraße 16
30159 Hannover
Germany
T +49 (0)511.39 08 97 70
F +49 (0)511.39 08 97 99
E info@dittmar-law.com

II. Data protection officer

Board-certified specialist in information technology law
Dr. Christian Rauda
GRAEF Rechtsanwälte Digital PartG mbB
Jungfrauenthal 8
20149 Hamburg, Germany
T + 49 (0)40.80 6000 90
E Datenschutzbeauftragter@dittmar-law.com
www.graef.eu

II. General information about data processing

  1. Extent of processing personal data
    We will generally collect and use personal data of our users only if and to the extent necessary to make available a functional website and/or to provide our content and services. Personal data of our users generally will be collected and/or used only with the prior consent of the user. An exception applies in cases where obtaining prior consent is practically impossible and where data processing is permitted by applicable law. The types of data we process are as follows:
    – master data (e.g., names, addresses)
    – contact data (e.g., email addresses, telephone numbers)
    – content data (e.g., text entries, photographs, videos)
    – user data (e.g., visited websites, interest in content, access times)
    – meta/communication data (e.g., device information, IP addresses).
  2. Legal basis for processing personal data
    If we obtain the consent of a data subject for processing personal data, the legal basis for processing such personal data is Art. 6 para. 1 let. a) EU General Data Protection Regulation. If we process personal data that are necessary to perform a contract to which the data subject is a party, the legal basis for processing such personal data is Art. 6 para. 1 b) GDPR. The same applies if processing personal data is necessary to perform pre-contractual measures. If processing personal data is necessary to perform a legal obligation of our company, the legal basis for such data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 c) GDPR. If processing personal data is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and the interests, fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh that legitimate interest, the legal basis for such data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 let. f) GDPR.
  3. Erasure of data and duration of data storage
    Personal data of a data subject will be erased or blocked as soon as they are no longer needed for the purposes for which they are stored. Data may also be blocked if provided for by EU or national regulations, laws, or other provisions to which the controller is subject. Data will also be blocked or erased if recordkeeping obligations under the aforementioned norms expire, unless continued storage of such data is necessary to enter into or perform a contract.

IV. Making available the Website and creating log files

Description and extent of data processing
When our Website is accessed, our system will automatically collect data and information from the computer system of the terminal device accessing the Website.
In this connection the following data will be collected for a limited time period:
– information about the type and version of the browser used
– the operating system of the user
– the Internet service provider of the user
– the IP address of the user
– the date and time of access
– the websites from which the system of the user arrived on our Website (referrer URL)
Such data will be stored in log files of our system. Such data are needed only to analyze any malfunctions and will be erased at the latest within seven days. The legal basis for temporarily storing data in log files is Art. 6 para. 1 let. f) GDPR. Temporary storage of the IP address for the system is necessary for making the Website available to the terminal device of the user. For this purpose the IP address of the user must be stored for the duration of the session. Data are stored in log files to ensure the functionality of our Website. In addition, such data are used to optimize the Website and to ensure the security of our IT systems. Data will not be analyzed for marketing purposes in this connection, and we will draw no inferences as to your identity. The aforementioned purposes also provide the basis of our legitimate interest in data processing within the meaning of Art. 6 para. 1 let. f) GDPR. Collecting data to make available the Website and storing data in log files is necessary for operating the Website. Consequently, users have no right to object to the collection or use of such data for the aforementioned purposes.

V. Data protection for job applications and during job application process

We collect and process personal data of job applicants for purposes of managing the job application process. Data may also be processed electronically. This is the case in particular if a job applicant submits job application documents electronically, for example by email. If we enter into an employment agreement with a job applicant, the data that have been provided by the job applicant will be stored for purposes of managing the employment relationship in compliance with applicable law. If we do not enter into an employment agreement with a job applicant, the job application documents will be automatically deleted after we have announced our decision not to hire the job applicant, unless erasure would conflict with other legitimate interests of the controller. Another legitimate interest within the meaning of the foregoing provision may, for example, be a legal obligation to furnish evidence in a proceeding under the German General Non-Discrimination Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz).

VI. Google Maps

Our Website uses maps of Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. If you click on a map on our Website, map data on servers of Google will be accessed. If you are logged into your Google account, Google will be able to associate your browsing behavior with other data. We use Google Maps in the interest of a clear presentation of our services. This is a legitimate interest within the meaning of Art. 6 para. 1 let. f) GDPR. The data privacy policy of Google applies: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de&gl=de.

VII. Google Analytics

On the basis of our legitimate interests (i.e. interest in the analysis, optimization and economic operation of our website) within the meaning of Art. 6 para. 1 let. f. GDPR, we employ Google Analytics, a web analysis service of Google LLC (“Google”). Google uses cookies. The information generated by the cookie about the use of the online presence by users is generally transferred to a Google server in the USA and stored there.

Google is certified under the Privacy Shield and thus offers a guarantee to comply with European data protection law (https://www.privacyshield.gov/participant?id=a2zt000000001L5AAI&status=Active).
Google will use this information on our behalf to evaluate the use of our online presence by users, to compile reports on the activities within this online presence and to provide us with further services associated with the use of this online presence and the use of the Internet. Pseudonymous user profiles can be created from the processed data.

We use Google Analytics only with IP anonymization enabled. This means that Google will shorten the IP address of users within Member States of the European Union or in other member states of the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and shortened there.

The IP address transmitted by the user’s browser is not merged with other Google data. Users can prevent the storage of cookies by setting their browser software accordingly; users can also prevent Google from collecting the data generated by the cookie and relating to their use of the online offer and the processing of this data by Google by downloading and installing the browser plug-in available under the following link: http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en.

Further information on data use by Google, possible settings and objections can be found on Google’s websites: https://www.google.com/intl/de/policies/privacy/partners (“Data use by Google when using our partners’ websites or apps”), http://www.google.com/policies/technologies/ads (“Data use for advertising purposes”), http://www.google.de/settings/ads (“Manage information that Google uses to display advertising”).

VIII. Online presence in social media

We maintain an online presence on social networks and platforms to communicate with clients, interested parties, and users who are active on those networks, and to be able to inform clients, interested parties, and users of our services. Our Website therefore links to the website of XING AG, Dammtorstr. 29, 20354 Hamburg (hereinafter “XING”), as well as to the website of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland (hereinafter “LinkedIn”). Otherwise no data are exchanged with XING/LinkedIn on our Website. When you access the aforementioned networks or platforms, the terms and conditions and data processing policies of the companies that operate those networks or platforms will apply. Unless otherwise provided in our data privacy policy, we will process data of users if they communicate with us through social networks or platforms, e.g., if they post on our XING/LinkedIn pages, or send us messages.

IX. Rights of data subjects

If we process your personal data, you will be a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR and you will have the following rights against the controller:

  1. Right to information
    You may demand that the controller confirm whether or not personal data about you are processed by us. If we do process such data, you may demand the following information from the controller:
    – the purposes for which your personal data are processed;
    – the categories of personal data that are processed;
    – the recipients or categories of recipients to whom your personal data have been or will be disclosed;
    – how long we plan to store your personal data or, if that time period cannot be ascertained yet, the criteria used to determine how long we will store your personal data;
    – whether you have a right to rectification or erasure of your personal data, a right to restricted processing by the controller, or a right to object to such processing;
    – whether you have a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
    – any available information about the origin of data if they were not collected directly from the data subject; and
    – whether your personal data will be transferred to any third country or international organization; in connection with such transfers you may demand to be informed of appropriate safeguards within the meaning of Art. 46 GDPR.
  2. Right to rectification
    You have a right against the controller to have incorrect personal data rectified and/or to have incomplete personal data completed if the personal data we process are incorrect or incomplete. The controller must rectify data without undue delay.
  3. Right to restricted processing
    Under the following conditions you may demand restricted processing of your personal data:
    – if you dispute the correctness of your personal data for a time period that allows the controller to review whether your personal data are correct;
    – if processing is unlawful and you decline to have your personal data erased and instead demand restricted use of your personal data;
    – if the controller no longer needs your personal data for the purposes for which they are processed, but you need such data to assert, exercise, or defend legal rights or claims, or
    – if you have objected to processing of your personal data in accordance with Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR and it has not yet been determined whether there are overriding legitimate reasons of the controller.
    If processing of your personal data is restricted, such data may – except for their storage – be processed only with your consent, or to assert, exercise, or defend legal rights or claims, to protect the rights of another natural person or legal entity, or for reasons related to an important public interest of the European Union or any member state.
    If processing of your personal data has been restricted under the aforementioned conditions, you will be notified by the controller before the restriction is lifted.
  4. Right to erasure
    a) Erasure obligation
    You may demand that the controller erase your personal data without undue delay and the controller has an obligation to do so if one of the following reasons applies:
    – your personal data are no longer needed for the purposes for which they were collected or are otherwise processed;
    – you have revoked your consent on which the processing of your data is based in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 let. a) or Art. 9 para. 2 let. a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for processing your personal data;
    – you have objected to processing of your personal data in accordance with Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for processing your personal data, or you object to processing in accordance with Art. 21 para. 2 GDPR;
    – your personal data have been processed unlawfully;
    – erasing your personal data is necessary to comply with a legal obligation under European law or member state law to which the controller is subject; or
    – your personal data were collected with respect to offered information society services within the meaning of Art. 8 para. 1 GDPR.

    b) Information to third parties
    Where the controller has made personal data public and has an obligation under Art. 17, para. 1 to erase such personal data, the controller, taking into account available technology and the cost of implementation, must take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers which are processing such personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copies or duplicates of, such personal data.

    c) Exceptions
    There is no right to erasure if processing personal data is necessary
    – to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information;
    – to comply with a legal obligation which requires processing of your personal data under EU or member state law to which the controller subject, or to perform a task that is in the public interest, or to exercise official authority vested in the controller;
    – for reasons of the public interest in the area of public health within the meaning of Art. 9 para. 2 let. f) and i) and Art. 9 para. 3 GDPR; or
    – to assert, exercise, or defend legal rights or claims.
  5. Right to notification
    If you have exercised your right to rectification, erasure, or restricted processing against the controller, the controller has an obligation to notify all recipients to whom your personal data have been disclosed of such rectification, erasure, or restricted processing, unless this proves impossible or would be associated with unreasonable expense.
    You have a right to be informed of all such recipients by the controller.
  6. Right to data portability
    You have a right to receive personal data you have made available to the controller in a structured, standard, and machine-legible format. You also have the right to transfer your personal data to another controller without any interference by the controller to whom the personal data were made available, if
    – processing is based on consent within the meaning of Art. 6 para. 1 let. a) GDPR or Art. 9 para. 2 let. a) GDPR or on a contract within the meaning of Art. 6 para. 1 b) GDPR, and
    – data processing is automated.
    In exercising the right to data portability you further have the right to have your personal data transferred directly from one controller to another controller, if and to the extent that this is technically feasible. No rights or freedoms of any other persons may be infringed thereby.
    The right to data portability does not apply to processing of personal data that is necessary to perform a task that is in the public interest or to processing of personal data in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
  7. Right of objection
    You have the right for reasons related to your particular situation to object to processing of your personal data at any time based on Art. 6 para. 1 let. e) or f) GDPR; the same applies to any profiling based on the aforementioned provisions.
    If you object, the controller will no longer process your personal data, unless the controller can show that there are compelling protected reasons for processing your personal data that override your interests, rights and freedoms, or if your data are processed to assert, exercise, or defend legal rights or claims.
    If your personal data are processed for direct advertising purposes, you have a right to object to processing of your personal data for purposes of such advertising at any time; the same applies to any profiling associated with such direct advertising.
    If you object to processing of your personal data for purposes of direct advertising, your personal data will no longer be processed for such purposes.
    In connection with use of information society services you may exercise your right of objection – regardless of Directive 2002/58/EC – by using automated processes for which technical specifications are used. For this purpose you may send an email to our data protection officer.
  8. Right to revoke consent to data processing
    You have a right to revoke your consent to data processing at any time. If you exercise your right of revocation, the lawfulness of data processing that occurs before revocation based on your consent will remain unaffected.
  9. Automated decision in a particular case, including profiling
    You have a right not to be subjected to a decision that is made exclusively by means of automated processing – including profiling – if such a decision has legal consequences for you or otherwise substantially impairs your interests. This does not apply if the decision
    – is necessary to enter into or perform a contract between you and the controller,
    – is permitted under EU or member state law to which the controller is subject and such law provides for appropriate safeguards to protect your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests, or
    – is made with your express consent.
    However, such decisions may not be made with respect to special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 para. 1 GDPR, unless Art. 9 para. 2 let. a) or g) GDPR applies and appropriate safeguards have been implemented to protect your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests.
    In cases 1. and 3. above the controller must implement appropriate safeguards to protect your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests, which must include, at a minimum, a right to have a person acting on behalf of the controller take action, a right to present your own point of view, and a right to contest the decision.
  10. Right to lodge complaint with supervisory authority
    Without prejudice to any other available administrative or judicial remedies, you have a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular a supervisory authority located in the member state of your habitual residence, at your workplace, or at the place of the purported infringement, if in your opinion the processing of your personal data violates the GDPR.
    The supervisory authority where the complaint is lodged will then notify the complainant of the progress and outcome of the complaint, including judicial remedies available under Art. 78 GDPR.

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