Cookie Policy

COOKIES AND DATA PROTECTION

As the provider of this website, we are obliged to inform users about the use of cookies and to obtain their consent. It is important to comply with European data-protection guidelines and to provide transparent information about the type and extent of data processing. In this Cookie Policy we inform our users about the types of cookies we use and the purposes for which we use them. We declare that we only use technically necessary cookies to ensure the functionality of the website and to collect statistical data. We do not use cookies for advertising purposes or to create user profiles.

Use of cookies

Cookies are small text files or other storage entries that store information on end devices and read information from the end devices. They can, for example, save the login status in a user account, the contents of a shopping cart in an online shop, the content accessed or the functions used in an online service. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, such as the functionality, security and convenience of online services and the creation of analyses of visitor flows.

We use cookies in accordance with legal requirements. We therefore obtain prior consent from users, unless this is not required by law. In particular, consent is not necessary if storing and reading the information — including cookies — is strictly necessary in order to provide users with a telemedia service they have expressly requested (i.e. our online offering). The revocable consent is clearly communicated to users and contains information on the respective cookie use.

The data-protection legal basis on which we process users’ personal data using cookies depends on whether we ask users for consent. If users consent, the legal basis for processing their data is their declared consent. Otherwise, the data processed using cookies is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests (e.g. in the commercial operation of our online offering and improving its usability) or, where applicable, in order to fulfil our contractual obligations, if the use of cookies is necessary for that purpose. We explain the purposes for which we process cookies in the course of this data-protection declaration or as part of our consent and processing procedures.

Storage period

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

Temporary cookies (session cookies) are deleted at the latest after a user has left an online service and closed their device (e.g. browser or mobile application).

Permanent cookies remain stored even after the device is closed. For example, the login status can be saved or preferred content can be displayed directly when the user visits a website again. User data collected using cookies can also be used to measure reach. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage period of cookies (e.g. when obtaining consent), users should assume that cookies are permanent and that the storage period can be up to two years.

Revocation and objection (opt-out)

Users can revoke the consent they have given at any time and can also object to the processing in accordance with the legal requirements in Article 21 GDPR. Users can also declare their objection via their browser settings, for example by deactivating the use of cookies (which may also limit the functionality of our online services). An objection to the use of cookies for online-marketing purposes can also be declared via the websites https://optout.aboutads.info and https://www.youronlinechoices.com/.

Processing of cookie data on the basis of consent: we use a cookie-consent-management process in which users’ consent to the use of cookies — or to the processing and providers mentioned within the consent-management process — can be obtained, managed and revoked. The declaration of consent is saved so that it does not have to be requested again and so that consent can be evidenced in accordance with the legal obligation. Storage may take place server-side and/or in a cookie (a so-called opt-in cookie or comparable technology) in order to assign the consent to a user or their device. The duration of the storage of consent can be up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored together with the time of consent, information about the scope of consent (e.g. which categories of cookies and/or service providers) as well as the browser, system and device used.