Skip to main content

Privacy Policy

We greatly appreciate your interest in our company. Data protection is of particular importance to the management of robot-lawn-mower.net. The use of the robot-lawn-mower.net website is generally possible without providing any personal data. However, if an affected person wishes to use special services of our company via our website, the processing of personal data may be required. 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 the name, address, email address, or telephone number of an affected person, always takes place in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in compliance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to robot-lawn-mower.net. 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, data subjects are informed about their rights through this privacy policy.

robot-lawn-mower.net has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures as the data controller to ensure the most comprehensive protection possible of the personal data processed through this website. However, internet-based data transmissions can generally have security gaps, so that absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, it is freely up to any data subject to transmit personal data to us through alternative means, such as by telephone.

1. Definitions

The privacy policy of robot-lawn-mower.net is based on the terminologies used by the European legislator when enacting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy is intended to be easily readable and understandable for the public, as well as our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminologies used in this privacy policy.

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

  • a) Personal data

    Personal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter referred to as “data subject”). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or one or more special characteristics that express the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.

  • b) Data subject

    A data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.

  • c) Processing

    Processing is any operation or set of operations which is 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, dissemination, or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction.

  • d) Restriction of processing

    Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its processing in the future.

  • e) Profiling

    Profiling is any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyze or predict aspects concerning work performance, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or movements of that natural person.

  • f) Pseudonymization

    Pseudonymization is the processing of personal data in such a way 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

    Controller or data 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 the processing of personal data. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union law or the law of a Member State, the controller or the specific criteria for their nomination may be provided for by Union law or the law of a Member State.

  • h) Processor

    A processor is a natural or legal person, authority, organization or other entity that processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

  • i) Recipient

    A recipient is a natural or legal person, authority, organization or other entity to whom personal data is disclosed, whether or not it is a third party. However, authorities that may receive personal data in the context of a specific investigation assignment 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, authority, organization or other entity other than the data subject, the controller, the processor, and the persons authorized to process personal data under the direct responsibility of the controller or the processor.

  • k) Consent

    Consent is any voluntary, informed, and unequivocal expression of will by the data subject for the specific case, in the form of a statement or other clear affirmative action, by which the data subject indicates that they agree to the processing of their personal data.

2. Name and address of the controller responsible for processing

The entity responsible for data protection in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), other data protection laws applicable in the member states of the European Union, and other provisions with data protection character is:

Rene Itrich

Breslauer Str. 8

47623 Kevelaer

Germany

E-Mail: admin  [at]  robot – lawn – mower  [dot]  net

Website: robot-lawn-mower.net

3. Cookies

The website of robot-lawn-mower.net uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored and saved on a computer system through an internet browser.

Many websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a unique identifier called a cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique string of characters that can be used to associate internet pages and servers with the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This allows the visited internet pages and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the person concerned from other internet browsers that contain different cookies. A particular internet browser can be recognized and identified again through the unique cookie ID.

By using cookies, robot-lawn-mower.net can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without setting the cookies.

Through a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimized for the benefit of the user. As mentioned above, cookies allow us to recognize the 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 enter their access data again with every visit to the website because this information is taken over from the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the cookie of a shopping cart in an online shop. The online shop remembers the items that a customer has added to the virtual shopping cart through a cookie.

The person concerned can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Cookies that have already been set can also be deleted at any time via an internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common internet browsers. If the person concerned deactivates the setting of cookies in the internet browser used, not all functions of our website may be fully usable.

4. Collection of general data and information

The website of robot-lawn-mower.net collects a number of general data and information with each call to the website by a person concerned or an automated system. This general data and information are stored in the log files of the server. The following data can be collected: (1) types and versions of browsers used, (2) operating system used by the accessing system, (3) website from which an accessing system accesses our website (so-called referrer), (4) sub-websites that are accessed via an accessing system on our website, (5) date and time of access to the website, (6) an internet protocol address (IP address), (7) 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, robot-lawn-mower.net does not draw any conclusions about the person concerned. Rather, this information is needed to (1) correctly deliver the contents of our website, (2) optimize the contents of our website as well as the advertising for it, (3) ensure the permanent functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement agencies with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyber attack. This anonymously collected data and information are evaluated by robot-lawn-mower.net statistically on the one hand and with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company, in order to ultimately ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data processed by us. The anonymous data of the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a person concerned.

5. Contact options through the website

The website robot-lawn-mower.net provides information, as required by law, that enables quick electronic contact with our company and direct communication with us, including a general email address. If an individual contacts the data controller via email or a contact form, the personal data provided by the individual will be automatically stored. Such voluntarily provided personal data by an individual to the data controller will be stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the individual. These personal data will not be shared with third parties.

In the context of using our online contact form, certain personal data is collected, the extent of which is visible in the input mask at robot-lawn-mower.net/contact. This data is stored and used exclusively for the purpose of responding to your inquiry or for contacting you and the associated technical administration. The legal basis for processing this data is our legitimate interest in responding to your inquiry in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If your contact aims at concluding a contract, additional legal basis for processing is Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. b GDPR. Your data will be deleted after final processing of your request. This is the case when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter concerned has been conclusively clarified and provided that there are no statutory retention obligations.

6. Comment function in the blog on the website

The robot-lawn-mower.net offers users the opportunity to leave individual comments on specific blog posts on the website of the data controller. A blog is a publicly accessible portal typically hosted on a website, where one or more individuals, known as bloggers or web bloggers, can post articles or write down their thoughts in blog posts. Blog posts can usually be commented on by third parties.

If an individual leaves a comment on the blog published on this website, the comments left by the individual, as well as the time of the comment and the username (pseudonym) chosen by the individual, will be stored and published. In addition, the IP address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) of the individual will be logged. This storage of the IP address is done for security reasons and in case the individual violates the rights of third parties or posts illegal content through a comment. The storage of this personal data is therefore in the legitimate interest of the data controller, in order to potentially exculpate themselves in the event of a legal violation. These collected personal data will not be shared with third parties, unless required by law or for the legal defense of the data controller.

7. Routine deletion and blocking of personal data

The entity responsible for processing only processes and stores personal data of the affected person for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or as provided for by the European directive and regulatory authority or another legislator in laws or regulations to which the entity responsible for processing is subject.

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

8. Rights of the affected person

  • a) Right to confirmation

    Every affected person has the right granted by the European directive and regulatory authority to request confirmation from the entity responsible for processing as to whether personal data concerning them is being processed. If an affected person wishes to exercise this right to confirmation, they can contact an employee of the entity responsible for processing at any time.

  • b) Right to information

    Every person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European directive and regulatory authority to obtain free information at any time from the entity responsible for processing about the personal data stored about them and to receive a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European directive and regulatory authority has granted the affected person information on the following:

    1. Purposes of processing
    2. Categories of personal data being processed
    3. Recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, particularly recipients in third countries or international organizations
    4. Where possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored, or, if this is not possible, the criteria used to determine that duration
    5. The existence of the right to rectify or erase the personal data concerning the data subject or to restrict the processing by the controller or the right to object to such processing
    6. The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
    7. Where the personal data are not collected from the data subject, any available information about the source of the data
    8. The existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, at least in these cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.

    Furthermore, the data subject has the right to know whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject also has the right to obtain information about the appropriate safeguards in connection with the transfer.

    If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to information, they can contact an employee of the controller responsible for processing at any time.

  • c) Right to rectification

    Any person whose personal data is processed has the right, as granted by the European Directive and Regulation, to request the immediate rectification of any inaccurate personal data concerning them. Furthermore, the data subject has the right, taking into account the purposes of the processing, to request the completion of incomplete personal data, including by means of a supplementary statement.

    If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of rectification, they can contact an employee of the data controller at any time.

  • d) Right to erasure (Right to be forgotten)

    Any person whose personal data is processed has the right, as granted by the European Directive and Regulation, to request the data controller to immediately erase the personal data concerning them, if one of the following reasons applies and the processing is not necessary:

    1. The personal data was collected or otherwise processed for purposes for which it is no longer necessary.
    2. The data subject withdraws their consent on which the processing is based according to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal ground for the processing.
    3. The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(2) GDPR.
    4. The personal data has been unlawfully processed.
    5. The erasure of personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the data controller is subject.
    6. The personal data was collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Art. 8(1) GDPR.

    If one of the above-mentioned reasons applies and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored with robot-lawn-mower.net, they can contact an employee of the data controller at any time. The employee of robot-lawn-mower.net will arrange for the erasure request to be complied with immediately.

    If the personal data has been made public by robot-lawn-mower.net and our company, as the data controller, is obliged to erase the personal data pursuant to Art. 17(1) GDPR, robot-lawn-mower.net will take appropriate measures, including technical measures, taking into account the available technology and implementation costs, to inform other data controllers processing the published personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure of all links to, copies or replications of such personal data, unless the processing is necessary. The employee of robot-lawn-mower.net will arrange for the necessary measures on a case-by-case basis.

  • e) The right to restriction of processing

    Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right, as granted by the European Directive and Regulation, to request from the controller the restriction of processing in the following situations:

    1. The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period of time that allows the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
    2. The processing is unlawful, and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and instead requests the restriction of their use.
    3. The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but the data subject requires them for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.
    4. The data subject has objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) of the GDPR, and it is not yet clear whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

    If one of the above conditions is met and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored with robot-lawn-mower.net, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee of robot-lawn-mower.net will arrange for the restriction of processing.

  • f) Right to Data Portability

    Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right, as granted by the European Directive and Regulation, to receive the personal data concerning them, which they have provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. They also have the right to transmit these data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data have been provided, where the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) of the GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) of the GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, unless the processing is 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, in 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, where technically feasible and provided that this 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 robot-lawn-mower.net at any time.

  • g) The right to object

    Any individual whose personal data is being processed has the right, as granted by the European legislator, to object at any time, for reasons arising from their particular situation, to the processing of their personal data based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

    In case of objection, robot-lawn-mower.net 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 serves the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

    If robot-lawn-mower.net processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of their personal data for such marketing purposes, including profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to robot-lawn-mower.net’s processing for direct marketing purposes, robot-lawn-mower.net will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.

    Furthermore, the data subject has the right, for reasons arising from their particular situation, to object to the processing of their personal data carried out by robot-lawn-mower.net 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 directly contact any employee of robot-lawn-mower.net or another employee. The data subject is also free to exercise their right to object in the context of the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, using automated means using technical specifications.

  • h) Automated individual decisions, including profiling

    Any individual whose personal data is being processed has the right, as granted by the European legislator, not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning them or similarly significantly affects them, unless the decision (1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the data controller, or (2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the data 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 data controller, or (2) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent, robot-lawn-mower.net will implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, which includes at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the data controller, to express their point of view, and to contest the decision.

    If the person concerned wishes to exercise rights with regard to automated decisions, they can contact an employee of the data controller at any time.

  • i) Right to withdraw consent for data protection

    Any person whose personal data is processed has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulatory Authority, to withdraw consent for the processing of personal data at any time.

    If the person concerned wishes to exercise their right to withdraw consent, they can contact an employee of the data controller at any time.

9. Privacy Policy on the use and application of Facebook

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

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

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

By accessing any of the individual pages of this website operated by the data controller and on which a Facebook component (Facebook plug-in) has been integrated, the internet browser on the IT system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Facebook component to download a representation of the corresponding Facebook component from Facebook. An overview of all Facebook plug-ins can be found at https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/?locale=en_US. As part of this technical process, Facebook becomes aware of which specific subpage of our website is visited by the data subject.

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

Facebook always receives information through the Facebook component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged in to Facebook at the time of accessing our website, regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the Facebook component or not. If the data subject does not want such transmission of this information to Facebook, they can prevent this by logging out of their Facebook account before accessing our website.

The data policy published by Facebook, which can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/, provides information about the collection, processing, and use of personal data by Facebook. Furthermore, it explains the privacy settings that Facebook offers to protect the privacy of the data subject. In addition, there are various applications available that allow data transmission to Facebook to be suppressed. Such applications can be used by the data subject to suppress data transmission to Facebook.

10. Privacy Policy regarding the use and implementation of features of the Amazon Partner Program

As a participant in the Amazon Partner Program, the data controller has integrated Amazon components on this website. These Amazon components are designed by Amazon to advertise and promote products from the Amazon group, including Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.co.uk, Local.Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, BuyVIP.com, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, and Amazon.es, on various websites in exchange for a commission. The operator of these Amazon components is Amazon EU S.à.r.l, located at 5 Rue Plaetis, L-2338 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

Amazon places a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject, as explained above. Each time an individual page of this website, operated by the data controller and containing an integrated Amazon component, is accessed, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Amazon component to transmit data to Amazon for the purpose of online advertising and commission accounting. As part of this technical process, Amazon becomes aware of personal data that is used to trace the origin of orders placed on Amazon and subsequently enable commission accounting. Amazon may, among other things, track that the data subject clicked on a partner link on our website.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as explained above, at any time by adjusting the settings of the internet browser used and thereby permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Amazon from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, cookies already set by Amazon can be deleted at any time through an internet browser or other software programs.

Further information and the applicable data protection regulations of Amazon can be accessed at https://www.amazon.de/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=3312401.

11. Privacy Policy for the Use of Google AdSense

The data controller has integrated Google AdSense on this website. Google AdSense is an online service that enables advertising to be displayed on third-party websites. Google AdSense uses an algorithm that selects ads displayed on third-party websites based on the content of the respective third-party site. Google AdSense allows for interest-based targeting of internet users, which is implemented through the generation of individual user profiles.

The operator of the Google AdSense component is Alphabet Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The purpose of the Google AdSense component is to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense places a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. The use of cookies has been explained above. By placing the cookie, Alphabet Inc. is enabled to analyze the use of our website. Each time one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a Google AdSense component has been integrated, is called up, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Google AdSense component to transmit data to Alphabet Inc. for the purpose of online advertising and commission settlement. As part of this technical process, Alphabet Inc. becomes aware of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves, among other things, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently enable commission settlements.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as described above, at any time by means of a corresponding setting of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Alphabet Inc. from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, cookies already set by Alphabet Inc. can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs.

Google AdSense also uses so-called web beacons. A web beacon is a miniature graphic embedded in websites to enable log file recording and log file analysis, which allows for statistical evaluation. By means of the embedded web beacon, Alphabet Inc. can recognize whether and when a website was accessed by a data subject and which links were clicked by the data subject. Web beacons are used, among other things, to evaluate visitor flow on a website.

Personal data and information, including the IP address, which is necessary for the collection and billing of displayed advertisements, are transmitted to Alphabet Inc. in the United States of America via Google AdSense. This personal data is stored and processed in the United States of America. Alphabet Inc. may disclose this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

Google AdSense is further explained at this link: https://www.google.com/intl/en/adsense/start/.

12. The privacy policy regarding the use of Google Analytics (with anonymization function) is as follows

The controller responsible for processing has integrated Google Analytics (with anonymization function) on this website. Google Analytics is a web analytics service that involves the collection, aggregation, and evaluation of data about the behavior of visitors to websites. A web analytics service collects data, among other things, about which website a data subject has come from (so-called referrer), which subpages of the website were accessed, how often and for how long a subpage was viewed. Web analytics is mainly used for optimizing a website and for cost-benefit analysis of online advertising.

The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The controller responsible for processing uses the “_gat._anonymizeIp” add-on for web analysis through Google Analytics. With this add-on, the IP address of the internet connection of the data subject is shortened and anonymized by Google when accessing our websites from a member state of the European Union or another contracting state of the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze the visitor flows on our website. Google uses the data and information obtained, among other things, to evaluate the use of our website, to compile online reports that show the activities on our websites, and to provide further services related to the use of our website.

Google Analytics sets a cookie on the IT system of the data subject. Cookies were explained above. By setting the cookie, Google enables an analysis of the use of our website. With each visit to one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller responsible for processing and on which a Google Analytics component has been integrated, the internet browser on the IT system of the data subject 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 becomes aware of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which Google uses, among other things, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently enable commission settlements.

Personal information, such as access time, location from which access originated, and frequency of visits to our website by the data subject, is stored by means of the cookie. With each visit to our websites, this personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, 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 disclose this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time, as explained above, by adjusting the settings of the internet browser used and thus permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the IT system of the data subject. In addition, a cookie that has already been set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, you have the option to object to the collection of data generated by Google Analytics related to the use of this website and the processing of this data by Google, and to prevent such collection. To do so, you need to 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 about website visits should be transmitted to Google Analytics. The installation of the browser add-on is considered as an objection by Google. If your information technology system is deleted, formatted, or reinstalled at a later time, you will need to reinstall the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by you or another person within your control, you have the option to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on.

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

13. Privacy Policy for the use of Google Remarketing

The data controller has integrated Google Remarketing services on this website. Google Remarketing is a feature of Google AdWords that allows a company to display advertisements to internet users who have previously visited the company’s website. The integration of Google Remarketing allows a company to create user-specific advertisements and display relevant ads to internet users based on their interests.

The operator of Google Remarketing services is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The purpose of Google Remarketing is to display relevant advertisements. Google Remarketing allows us to display advertisements on the Google advertising network or on other websites that are tailored to the individual needs and interests of internet users.

Google Remarketing sets a cookie on the information technology system of the person concerned. The concept of cookies has been explained above. The setting of the cookie enables Google to recognize the visitor of our website when the visitor calls up other websites that are also members of the Google advertising network. With each visit to a website on which Google Remarketing services have been integrated, the internet browser of the person concerned automatically identifies itself with Google. As part of this technical process, Google becomes aware of personal data, such as the IP address or browsing behavior of the user, which Google uses, among other things, for the display of interest-based advertising.

Personal information, such as the websites visited by the person concerned, is stored by means of the cookie. Therefore, with each visit to our website, personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the person concerned, 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 also disclose this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

The person concerned can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time, as described above, by adjusting the settings of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Google from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the person concerned. In addition, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the person concerned has the option to object to interest-based advertising by Google. To do so, the person concerned must call up the link www.google.com/settings/ads from each of the internet browsers used by him/her and make the desired settings there.

Further information and the applicable data protection provisions of Google can be found at https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/.

14. Privacy policy regarding the use of Google AdWords

The data controller has integrated Google AdWords on this website. Google AdWords is an internet advertising service that allows advertisers to display ads in Google search results and in the Google advertising network. Google AdWords enables an advertiser to predefine certain keywords, based on which an ad will be displayed in Google search results only when the user retrieves a keyword-relevant search result with the search engine. In the Google advertising network, the ads are distributed on topic-relevant websites using an automatic algorithm and taking into account the predefined keywords.

The operator of Google AdWords services is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

The purpose of Google AdWords is to promote our website by displaying interest-based ads on third-party websites and in Google search results, as well as displaying third-party ads on our website.

If a data subject accesses our website via a Google ad, a so-called conversion cookie is stored on the data subject’s information technology system by Google. Cookies have already been explained above. A conversion cookie loses its validity after thirty days and is not used to identify the data subject. The conversion cookie is used to determine whether certain sub-pages, such as the shopping cart of an online shop system, were accessed on our website, provided that the cookie has not expired. The conversion cookie allows us and Google to determine whether a data subject who accessed our website via an AdWords ad has generated revenue, i.e., completed or cancelled a purchase.

The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie are used by Google to create visit statistics for our website. We use these visit statistics to determine the total number of users who were referred to us through AdWords ads, i.e., to determine the success or failure of the respective AdWords ad and to optimize our AdWords ads for the future. Neither our company nor other Google AdWords advertisers receive information from Google that could be used to identify the data subject.

Personal information, such as the web pages visited by the data subject, is stored through the conversion cookie. Therefore, personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States of America every time our web pages are visited. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may also disclose this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website, as described above, at any time by adjusting the settings of the internet browser used and thereby permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Google from setting a conversion cookie on the data subject’s information technology system. In addition, a cookie that has already been set by Google AdWords can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option to object to interest-based advertising by Google. To do so, the data subject must access the link www.google.com/settings/ads from each of the internet browsers used by them and make the desired settings there.

Further information and the applicable privacy policy of Google can be accessed at https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/.

15. Privacy Policy for the use of Jetpack for WordPress

The data controller has integrated Jetpack on this website. Jetpack is a WordPress plugin that provides additional functions to the operator of a website built on WordPress. Jetpack allows the website operator, among other things, to have an overview of the site’s visitors. By displaying related posts and publications, or by enabling content sharing on the site, it is also possible to increase visitor numbers. In addition, Jetpack includes security features that help protect a Jetpack-enabled website against brute force attacks. Jetpack also optimizes and speeds up the loading of images integrated on the website.

The operating company of the Jetpack plugin for WordPress is Automattic Inc., 132 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA. The operating company uses the tracking technology of Quantcast Inc., 201 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA.

Jetpack sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. As explained above, cookies are. With each call of one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the data controller and on which a Jetpack component has been integrated, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Jetpack component to transmit data to Automattic for analysis purposes. As part of this technical process, Automattic becomes aware of data that is subsequently used to create an overview of website visits. The data obtained in this way is used to analyze the behavior of the data subject who has accessed the website of the data controller and is evaluated with the aim of optimizing the website. The data collected through the Jetpack component is not used to identify the data subject without obtaining separate express consent from the data subject. The data is also disclosed to Quantcast. Quantcast uses the data for the same purposes as Automattic.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time, as described above, by means of a corresponding setting of the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the internet browser used would also prevent Automattic/Quantcast from setting a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. In addition, cookies already set by Automattic can be deleted at any time via the internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option of objecting to the collection of data generated by the Jetpack cookie related to the use of this website and the processing of this data by Automattic/Quantcast and preventing such processing. To do this, the data subject must press the opt-out button at the link https://www.quantcast.com/opt-out/, which sets an opt-out cookie. The opt-out cookie set with the objection is stored on the information technology system used by the data subject. If the cookies on the system of the data subject are deleted after an objection, the data subject must call up the link again and set a new opt-out cookie.

However, by setting the opt-out cookie, it is possible that the websites of the data controller may no longer be fully usable for the data subject.

The applicable privacy policy of Automattic can be accessed at https://automattic.com/privacy/. The applicable privacy policy of Quantcast can be accessed at https://www.quantcast.com/privacy/.

16. Privacy policy on the use and application of YouTube

The data controller has integrated components of YouTube on this website. YouTube is an internet video portal that allows video publishers to freely upload video clips and enables other users to view, rate, and comment on these videos for free. YouTube allows the publication of all types of videos, including full-length films and TV shows, as well as music videos, trailers, or user-generated videos accessible through the internet portal.

The operating company of YouTube is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. YouTube, LLC is a subsidiary of Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the data controller and on which a YouTube component (YouTube video) has been integrated, is accessed, the internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective YouTube component to download a representation of the corresponding YouTube component from YouTube. Further information about YouTube can be found at https://www.youtube.com/yt/about/en/. As part of this technical process, YouTube and Google gain knowledge of which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time, YouTube recognizes with the call-up of a subpage that contains a YouTube video which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting. This information is collected by YouTube and Google and assigned to the respective YouTube account of the data subject.

YouTube and Google always receive information via the YouTube component that the data subject has visited our website if the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the time of calling up our website, regardless of whether the data subject clicks on a YouTube video or not. If such transmission of this information to YouTube and Google is not desired by the data subject, the data subject can prevent the transmission by logging out of their YouTube account before calling up our website.

The privacy policy published by YouTube, which can be accessed at https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/, provides information about the collection, processing, and use of personal data by YouTube and Google.

17. Legal basis for processing

Article 6, paragraph 1, point (a) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis for 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, in processing operations required for the delivery of goods or the provision of a service or consideration, the processing is based on Article 6, paragraph 1, point (b) of the GDPR. The same applies to processing operations that are necessary for the performance of pre-contractual measures, such as inquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation by which processing of personal data is required, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6, paragraph 1, point (c) of the GDPR. In rare cases, 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 to our premises were to be injured and his name, age, health insurance data or other vital information would have to be disclosed to a doctor, hospital or other third party. In that case, the processing would be based on Article 6, paragraph 1, point (d) of the GDPR.

Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6, paragraph 1, point (f) of the GDPR. Processing operations based on this legal basis are permissible if none of the aforementioned legal bases apply, and if the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh such legitimate interest. Such processing operations are particularly permissible to us because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this regard, the legislator considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the data controller (Recital 47, sentence 2, GDPR).

18. Legitimate interests 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 to conduct our business activities for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and shareholders.

19. Duration for which the personal data will be stored

The criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective legal retention period. After the expiration of the retention period, the relevant data will be routinely deleted unless they are still required for the fulfillment or initiation of a contract.

20. Legal or contractual provisions for the provision of personal data; necessity for contract conclusion; obligation of the data subject to provide personal data; possible consequences of non-provision

We inform you that the provision of personal data may be required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or may result from contractual arrangements (e.g. information about the contracting party). In some cases, it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data in order to conclude a contract with us. The data subject may be obliged, for example, to provide us with personal data when our company enters into a contract with them. Non-provision of personal data would result in the contract with the data subject not being 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, whether there is an obligation to provide personal data, and what consequences the non-provision of personal data would have.

21. Existence of automated decision-making

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

This privacy policy was created using the privacy policy generator provided by the external data protection officer den Essen (https://dg-datenschutz.de/) in cooperation with RC GmbH, a company that recycles used notebooks, and the file sharing lawyers of WBS-LAW.

Test reports

The tests are subjective evaluations of the products or providers and may contain errors despite careful examination. You are welcome to inform us about this via our contact option.

22. Privacy Policy for the Use of Matomo (formerly Piwik)

Our website uses the web analytics service Matomo. Matomo is an open-source solution. Matomo uses “cookies.” These are small text files that your web browser stores on your device and enable an analysis of website usage. Information generated by the cookie about the use of our website is stored on our server. Before storage, your IP address is anonymized.

Matomo cookies remain on your device until you delete them. The setting of Matomo cookies is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. As the operator of this website, we have a legitimate interest in the anonymized analysis of user behavior to optimize our web offering and, if necessary, advertising.

There is no transmission of the information stored in the Matomo cookie about the use of this website. The setting of cookies by your web browser can be prevented. However, some functions of our website may be restricted as a result.

You can disable the storage and use of your data here. Your browser sets an opt-out cookie, which prevents the storage of Matomo usage data. If you delete your cookies, the Matomo opt-out cookie will also be removed. When you revisit our website, you will need to set the opt-out cookie again to prevent the storage and use of your data.