Imprint and privacy policy

Imprint & Privacy Policy

The responsible party, as defined by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other national data protection laws of the member states, as well as other data protection regulations, is:

I. Name and address of the data protection officer.

The data protection officer of the person responsible is:

II. General information on data processing.

Scope of processing personal data

We generally process personal data of our users only to the extent necessary for providing a functional website, as well as our content and services. The processing of personal data of our users is regularly done with the user’s consent. An exception applies in cases where obtaining prior consent is not possible due to factual reasons and the processing of data is permitted by legal regulations.

Legal basis for the processing of personal data

If we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing personal data, Article 6(1)(a) of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.

For the processing of personal data necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Article 6(1)(b) GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations necessary for the performance of pre-contractual measures.

If the processing of personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Article 6(1)(c) GDPR serves as the legal basis.

If the processing of personal data is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person, Article 6(1)(d) GDPR serves as the legal basis.

If the processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our company or by a third party, and if the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not override the first-mentioned interests, Article 6(1)(f) GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

Data erasure and storage duration

The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage ceases to exist. Storage may also take place if provided for by the European or national legislator in Union regulations, laws, or other provisions to which the controller is subject. Data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the mentioned norms expires, unless there is a necessity for further storage of the data for concluding or fulfilling a contract.

III. Provision of the website and creation of log files

Description and scope of data processing

When you access our website, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing device.

The following data is collected:

• Information about the browser type and version
• The user’s operating system
• The user’s internet service provider
• The user’s IP address
• Date and time of access
• Websites from which the user’s system accesses our website
• Websites accessed by the user’s system through our website

The data is also stored in log files on our system. The IP addresses or other data that could enable the data to be associated with an individual user are not affected. The storage of this data together with other personal data of the user does not take place.

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

Purpose of data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to deliver the website to the user’s device. For this purpose, the user’s IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.

These purposes also represent our legitimate interest in data processing pursuant to Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

Data retention period

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary for the purpose of its collection. In the case of data collected to provide the website, this occurs when the respective session ends.

Objection and removal options

The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files are essential for the operation of the website. Therefore, there is no option for users to object to this.

IV. Use of Cookies

Description and scope of data processing

Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the internet browser or by the internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user accesses a website, a cookie may be stored on the user’s operating system. This cookie contains a unique character string that enables the browser to be identified when the website is accessed again.

We use cookies to make our website more user-friendly. Some elements of our website require the calling browser to be identified even after a page change.

The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:

• Language settings
• Log-in information

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing personal data using technically necessary cookies is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

The legal basis for processing personal data using cookies for analytical purposes is Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR, provided that the user has given their consent.

Purpose of data processing

The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. It is necessary for the browser to be recognized even after a page change for these functions.

We require cookies for the following applications:

• Language settings
• Remembering search terms

The user data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.

These purposes also represent our legitimate interest in processing personal data under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

Storage duration, objection, and removal options

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted to our site. As a user, you have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your internet browser, you can disable or restrict the transmission of cookies. Previously stored cookies can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are disabled for our website, not all functions of the website may be fully usable.

The transmission of Flash cookies cannot be prevented through browser settings, but it can be blocked by changing the settings of the Flash Player.

Web analytics with Matomo (formerly PIWIK)

Scope of processing personal data

We use the open-source software tool Matomo (formerly PIWIK) to analyze the browsing behavior of our users on our website. The software sets a cookie on the user’s computer (see above for cookies). When individual pages of our website are accessed, the following data is stored:

• The first two bytes of the user’s IP address
• The accessed webpage
• The website from which the user accessed the current webpage (referrer)
• The subpages visited from the accessed webpage
• The duration of the visit on the webpage
• The frequency of webpage visits

The software runs exclusively on our website’s servers. The personal data of users is only stored there and is not shared with third parties.

Legal basis for processing personal data

The legal basis for processing the personal data of users is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

Purpose of data processing

Processing the personal data of users enables us to analyze their browsing behavior. By evaluating the collected data, we can compile information about the usage of various components of our website. This helps us continuously improve our website and its user-friendliness. Our legitimate interest in processing the data, pursuant to Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, also lies in these purposes. The anonymization of IP addresses adequately addresses users’ interest in protecting their personal data.

Data retention period

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer needed for our recording purposes. In our case, this occurs after 10 days.

Objection and removal options

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted to our site. Therefore, as a user, you have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your internet browser, you can disable or restrict the transmission of cookies. Already stored cookies can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are disabled for our website, not all functions of the website may be fully usable.

We offer users the option to opt out of the analytics process on our website. To do so, you need to follow the corresponding link. This sets another cookie on your system that signals to our system not to store your data. If the user deletes the respective cookie from their system in the meantime, they will need to set the opt-out cookie again.

For more information on the privacy settings of the Matomo software, please refer to the following link: https://matomo.org/docs/privacy/.

Rights of the data subject

If personal data concerning you is processed, you are a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR, and you have the following rights vis-à-vis the controller:

Right to information

You can request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by us.

If such processing is taking place, you can request the controller to provide you with the following information:

(1) the purposes for which the personal data are processed;

(2) the categories of personal data being processed;

(3) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed;

(4) the planned duration of storage of the personal data concerning you, or if specific information on this is not possible, the criteria for determining the storage period;

(5) the existence of the right to rectification or erasure of the personal data concerning you, the right to restriction of processing by the controller, or the right to object to such processing;

(6) the existence of the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;

(7) all available information on the origin of the data if the personal data were not collected from the data subject;

(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 envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to obtain information as to whether the personal data concerning you is transferred to a third country or to an international organization. In this context, you may request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 of the GDPR relating to the transfer.

This right to information may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes, and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of research or statistical purposes.

Right to rectification

You have the right to have the controller rectify and/or complete any personal data concerning you that is inaccurate or incomplete. The controller shall make the rectification without undue delay.

Your right to rectification may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes, and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of research or statistical purposes.

Right to restriction of processing

Under the following conditions, you may request the restriction of processing of the personal data concerning you:

(1) if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;

(2) if the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of their use instead;

(3) if the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but you require them for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims; or

(4) if you have objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR pending the verification of whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override your grounds.

Where processing of the personal data concerning you has been restricted, except for storage, such personal data shall only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or of a Member State.

If processing has been restricted under the above conditions, you shall be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.

Your right to restriction of processing may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes, and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of research or statistical purposes.

Right to erasure

Obligation to erase

You can request the controller to erase the personal data concerning you without undue delay, and the controller is obliged to erase this data without undue delay if one of the following reasons applies:

(1) The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.

(2) You withdraw your consent on which the processing pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR was based, and there is no other legal ground for the processing.

(3) You object to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR.

(4) The personal data concerning you have been unlawfully processed.

(5) The erasure of the personal data concerning you is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.

(6) The personal data concerning you have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) of the GDPR.

a) Information to third parties
Where the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) of the GDPR to erase them, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers processing the personal data that you have requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data.

b) Exceptions
The right to erasure does not apply to the extent that processing is necessary

(1) for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;

(2) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;

(3) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health pursuant to Article 9(2)(h) and (i) and Article 9(3) of the GDPR;

(4) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in Section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing, or

(5) for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

Right to notification

If you have exercised your right to rectification, erasure, or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to communicate any rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing to each recipient to whom the personal data have been disclosed, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.

You have the right to be informed about those recipients by the controller.

Right to data portability

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you, which you have provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, where:

(1) the processing is based on consent pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR

or on a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, and

(2) the processing is carried out by automated means.

In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. This must not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

The right to data portability does not apply to processing necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

Right to object

You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions.

The controller shall no longer process the personal data concerning you unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights, and freedoms, or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

Where personal data concerning you are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.

If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you shall no longer be processed for such purposes.

You have the possibility to exercise your right to object in relation to the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, by automated means using technical specifications.

You also have the right to object to the processing of personal data concerning you for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.

Your right to object may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes, and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of research or statistical purposes.

Right to withdraw consent under data protection law

You have the right to withdraw your consent to the processing of your personal data at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Automated individual decision-making, including profiling

You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This does not apply if the decision:

(1) is necessary for entering into, or performance of, a contract between you and the controller;

(2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests; or

(3) is based on your explicit consent.

However, these decisions must not be based on special categories of personal data referred to in Article 9(1) of the GDPR, unless Article 9(2)(a) or (g) of the GDPR applies and suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests are in place.

With regard to the cases referred to in (1) and (3), the controller shall implement suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express your point of view, and to contest the decision.

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 place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant on the progress and the outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy pursuant to Article 78 of the GDPR.

Links with Advertisement

Links may contain advertisements. If you make a purchase through such a link, we may receive a small commission. There are no costs or additional charges for you as a buyer.

Copyright and disclaimer

Notes on liability

All documents and files, which you can find in the internet offer of our block, were created by us with the greatest possible care. We ask for your understanding that we can nevertheless not guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the information deposited in the offer. We exclude liability for damages that may result directly or indirectly from the use of the website and the information contained therein. This excludes liability for intent or gross negligence.

All offers are subject to change and non-binding. We expressly reserve the right to change, supplement or delete parts of the pages or the entire offer without prior notice or to discontinue the publications temporarily or permanently.

Our offer contains links to external websites of third parties, on whose contents we have no influence. Therefore, we cannot assume any liability for these external contents. The respective provider or operator of the pages is always responsible for the content of the linked pages. The linked pages were checked for possible legal violations at the time of linking. Illegal contents were not recognizable at the time of linking. However, a permanent control of the contents of the linked pages is not reasonable without concrete evidence of a violation of the law.
Should you become aware of illegal content on websites of other providers that you can visit via our offer by hyperlink, please inform us so that we can remove the reference to the corresponding offer.

We also cannot guarantee that our pages, our link references or link collections or the linked pages themselves do not contain viruses. As a matter of principle, we reject any liability for material or non-material damage, in particular also for consequential damage, caused by the use of the information provided by us, insofar as it was not caused by intentional or grossly negligent conduct.

Copyright and trademark law

Our Internet pages are protected by copyright and are subject to USA copyright law. All rights to the content and design are the sole property of the IHK Erfurt. The complete or partial reproduction, distribution, transmission (electronically or otherwise), modification or use of our Internet pages for public or commercial purposes is prohibited without our prior written consent. All brands and trademarks mentioned within the Internet offer and possibly protected by third parties are subject without restriction to the provisions of the applicable trademark law and the ownership rights of the respective registered owners.
Insofar as the content on this site was not created by the operator, the copyrights of third parties are respected. In particular, third-party content is identified as such. Should you nevertheless become aware of a copyright infringement, please inform us accordingly. If we become aware of any infringements, we will remove such content immediately.

Legal validity of this disclaimer

This disclaimer is to be regarded as part of the internet publication which you were referred from. If sections or individual terms of this statement are not legal or correct, the content or validity of the other parts remain uninfluenced by this fact.