How long and where is the data stored? Google has its servers spread all over the world. Most servers are located in America and therefore your data is mostly stored on American servers. You can read exactly where the Google data centers are located here: https://www.google.com/about/datacenters/inside/locations/?hl=de Your data is distributed on different physical storage media. This has the advantage that the data can be accessed more quickly and is better protected against manipulation. Every Google data center has appropriate emergency programs for your data. For example, if Google's hardware fails or natural disasters paralyze servers, the risk of service disruption at Google remains low. The retention period of the data depends on the properties used. When using the newer Google Analytics 4 properties, the retention period for your user data is set to 14 months. For other so-called event data, we have the option of choosing a retention period of 2 months or 14 months. For Universal Analytics properties, Google Analytics has a standardized retention period of 26 months for your user data. Your user data will then be deleted. However, we have the option to choose the retention period of user data ourselves. We have five variants available to us: Deletion after 14 months Deletion after 26 months Deletion after 38 months Deletion after 50 months No automatic deletion.

In addition, there is also the option that data will only be deleted if you no longer visit our website within the period chosen by us. In this case, the retention period will be reset each time you visit our website again within the specified period. Once the specified period has expired, the data will be deleted once a month. This retention period applies to your data linked to cookies, user recognition and advertising IDs (e.g. cookies from the DoubleClick domain). Report results are based on aggregated data and are stored independently of user data. Aggregated data is a fusion of individual data into a larger unit. How can I delete my data or prevent data storage? Under European Union data protection law, you have the right to access, update, delete or restrict your data. Use the Google Analytics JavaScript Opt-out Browser Add-on (ga.js, analytics.js, dc.js) to prevent Google Analytics from using your data. You can download and install the browser add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de. Please note that this add-on only deactivates data collection by Google Analytics. If you generally want to deactivate, delete or manage cookies, you will find the relevant links to the relevant instructions for the most popular browsers under the “Cookies” section. Legal basis

The use of Google Analytics requires your consent, which we obtained with our cookie popup. According to Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter a of the GDPR (consent), this consent represents the legal basis for the processing of personal data, as may occur when it is collected by web analytics tools. In addition to consent, we have a legitimate interest in analyzing the behavior of website visitors and thus improving our offering technically and economically. With the help of Google Analytics, we detect errors on the website, identify attacks and improve profitability. The legal basis for this is Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use Google Analytics if you have given your consent. Google also processes your data in the USA, among other places. We would like to point out that, according to the European Court of Justice, there is currently no adequate level of protection for data transfer to the USA. This can pose various risks to the lawfulness and security of data processing. As the basis for data processing for recipients based in third countries (outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, i.e. in particular in the USA) or for data transfer there, Google uses so-called standard contractual clauses (= Article 46, Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are templates provided by the EU Commission and are intended to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards even if it is transferred to third countries (such as the USA) and stored there. Through these clauses, Google undertakes to comply with European data protection standards when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the resolution and the corresponding standard contractual clauses here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2021/914/oj?locale=de The Google Ads Data Processing Terms, which correspond to the standard contractual clauses and also apply to Google Analytics, can be found at https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/. We hope we were able to provide you with the most important information about data processing by Google Analytics. If you want to find out more about the tracking service, we recommend these two links: https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics/terms/de/ and https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/ 6004245?hl=de.

Google Analytics reports on demographics and interests We have activated the advertising reporting functions in Google Analytics. Demographics and interests reports include information about age, gender, and interests. This allows us to get a better picture of our users - without being able to assign this data to individual people. You can find out more about the advertising features at https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/3450482?hl=de_AT&utm_id=ad. You can stop the use of the activities and information from your Google account under “Advertising Settings” at https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated by checking the box. Google Analytics deactivation link If you click on the following deactivation link, you can prevent Google from recording further visits to this website. Attention: Deleting cookies, using the incognito/private mode of your browser, or using a different browser will result in data being collected again. Deactivate Google Analytics Google Analytics IP anonymization We have implemented IP address anonymization from Google Analytics on this website. This function was developed by Google so that this website can comply with the applicable data protection regulations and recommendations of the local data protection authorities if they prohibit the storage of the full IP address. The anonymization or masking of the IP takes place as soon as the IP addresses arrive in the Google Analytics data collection network and before the data is stored or processed. You can find more information about IP anonymization at https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/2763052?hl=de. Google Analytics addition to data processing We have entered into a direct customer agreement with Google for the use of Google Analytics by accepting the “Data Processing Addendum” in Google Analytics. You can find out more about the addition to data processing for Google Analytics here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/3379636?hl=de&utm_id=ad Web Analytics Introduction Web Analytics Privacy Policy Summary 👥 Affected: Visitors to the website 🤝 Purpose: Evaluation of visitor information to optimize the website. 📓 Data processed: Access statistics, which include data such as access locations, device data, access duration and time, navigation behavior, click behavior and IP addresses. You can find more details about this in the web analytics tool used. 📅 Storage period: depends on the web analytics tool used ⚖️ Legal basis: Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests) What is Web Analytics?

We use software on our website to evaluate the behavior of website visitors, known as web analytics for short. Data is collected, which the respective analytical tool provider (also called tracking tool) stores, manages and processes. The data is used to create analyzes of user behavior on our website and make them available to us as the website operator. In addition, most tools offer various testing options. For example, we can test which offers or content are best received by our visitors. We will show you two different offers for a limited period of time. After the test (so-called A/B test), we know which product or content our website visitors find more interesting. For such test procedures, as well as for other analytics procedures, user profiles can also be created and the data can be stored in cookies. Why do we do web analytics? We have a clear goal in mind with our website: we want to provide the best web offering on the market for our industry. In order to achieve this goal, we want to offer the best and most interesting offer on the one hand and, on the other hand, make sure that you feel completely comfortable on our website. With the help of web analysis tools, we can take a closer look at the behavior of our website visitors and then improve our website accordingly for you and us. For example, we can see how old our visitors are on average, where they come from, when our website is most visited or which content or products are particularly popular. All of this information helps us to optimize the website and thus best adapt it to your needs, interests and wishes. Which data is processed?

Of course, exactly which data is stored depends on the analysis tools used. However, it is usually stored, for example, what content you view on our website, what buttons or links you click on, when you access a page, what browser you use, what device (PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.) you use website you visit or what computer system you use. If you agreed that location data may also be collected, this can also be processed by the web analysis tool provider. Your IP address is also stored. According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), IP addresses are personal data. However, your IP address is usually stored pseudonymously (i.e. in an unrecognizable and shortened form). For the purpose of testing, web analysis and web optimization, no direct data such as your name, age, address or email address is stored. All of this data, if collected, is stored pseudonymously. This means you cannot be identified as a person. The following example shows schematically how Google Analytics works as an example of client-based web tracking with Java script code. How long the respective data is stored always depends on the provider. Some cookies only store data for a few minutes or until you leave the website, other cookies can store data for several years. Duration of data processing We will inform you below about the duration of data processing if we have further information. In general, we only process personal data for as long as it is absolutely necessary to provide our services and products. If required by law, for example in the case of accounting, this storage period can also be exceeded. Right to object

You also have the right and the opportunity to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or third-party providers at any time. This works either via our cookie management tool or via other opt-out functions. For example, you can also prevent data collection through cookies by managing, deactivating or deleting cookies in your browser. Legal basis The use of web analytics requires your consent, which we obtained with our cookie popup. According to Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter a of the GDPR (consent), this consent represents the legal basis for the processing of personal data, as may occur when it is collected by web analytics tools. In addition to consent, we have a legitimate interest in analyzing the behavior of website visitors and thus improving our offering technically and economically. With the help of web analytics, we detect website errors, identify attacks and improve profitability. The legal basis for this is Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use the tools if you have given your consent. Since cookies are used in web analytics tools, we also recommend that you read our general privacy policy on cookies. To find out exactly which of your data is stored and processed, you should read the data protection declarations of the respective tools. Information about special web analytics tools, if available, can be found in the following sections. Google Tag Manager privacy policy Google Tag Manager Privacy Policy Summary 👥 Affected: Visitors to the website 🤝 Purpose: Organization of individual tracking tools 📓 Processed data: Google Tag Manager does not store any data itself. The data is recorded by the tags of the web analytics tools used. 📅 Storage period: depends on the web analytics tool used ⚖️ Legal basis: Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests) What is Google Tag Manager?

For our website we use the Google Tag Manager from Google Inc. For the European region, Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street Dublin 4, Ireland) is responsible for all Google services. This Tag Manager is one of Google's many helpful marketing products. Using Google Tag Manager, we can centrally install and manage code sections from various tracking tools that we use on our website. In this data protection declaration we would like to explain to you in more detail what Google Tag Manager does, why we use it and in what form data is processed. Google Tag Manager is an organizational tool that allows us to integrate and manage website tags centrally and via a user interface. Tags are small sections of code that, for example, record (track) your activities on our website. For this purpose, JavaScript code sections are inserted into the source code of our site. The tags often come from Google's internal products such as Google Ads or Google Analytics, but tags from other companies can also be integrated and managed via the manager. Such tags perform different tasks. You can collect browser data, feed marketing tools with data, embed buttons, set cookies and also track users across multiple websites.

Why do we use Google Tag Manager for our website? As the saying goes: organization is half the battle! And of course this also applies to the maintenance of our website. In order to make our website as good as possible for you and all people who are interested in our products and services, we need various tracking tools such as Google Analytics. The data collected by these tools shows us what interests you most, where we can improve our services and which people we should show our offers to. And in order for this tracking to work, we have to integrate appropriate JavaScript code into our website. In principle, we could incorporate each code section of the individual tracking tools separately into our source code. However, this takes a relatively long time and it is easy to lose track. That's why we use Google Tag Manager. We can easily install the necessary scripts and manage them from one place. In addition, the Google Tag Manager offers an easy-to-use user interface and no programming knowledge is required. This is how we manage to keep order in our daily jungle.

What data is stored by Google Tag Manager? The Tag Manager itself is a domain that does not set cookies and does not store any data. It acts as a mere “manager” of the implemented tags. The data is recorded by the individual tags of the different web analysis tools. The data is essentially passed through to the individual tracking tools in Google Tag Manager and is not stored. However, things look completely different with the integrated tags of the various web analysis tools, such as Google Analytics. Depending on the analysis tool, various data about your web behavior is usually collected, stored and processed with the help of cookies. To do this, please read our data protection texts on the individual analysis and tracking tools that we use on our website. In the Tag Manager account settings, we have allowed Google to receive anonymized data from us. However, this only concerns the use and use of our tag manager and not your data, which is stored via the code sections. We enable Google and others to receive selected data in anonymized form. We therefore agree to the anonymous transfer of our website data. Despite extensive research, we were unable to find out exactly which summarized and anonymous data is forwarded. In any case, Google deletes all information that could identify our website. Google combines the data with hundreds of other anonymous website data and creates user trends as part of benchmarking measures. Benchmarking involves comparing your own results with those of your competitors. Processes can be optimized based on the information collected. How long and where is the data stored?

If Google stores data, this data is stored on Google's own servers. The servers are distributed all over the world. Most are in America. You can read exactly where the Google servers are located at https://www.google.com/about/datacenters/locations/?hl=de. You can find out how long the individual tracking tools store your data in our individual data protection texts for the individual tools. How can I delete my data or prevent data storage? The Google Tag Manager itself does not set cookies, but rather manages tags from various tracking websites. In our data protection texts for the individual tracking tools, you will find detailed information on how you can delete or manage your data. Please note that when using this tool, your data may also be stored and processed outside the EU. Most third countries (including the USA) are not considered safe under current European data protection law. Data may therefore not simply be transferred to unsafe third countries, stored there and processed unless there are appropriate guarantees (such as EU standard contractual clauses) between us and the non-European service provider. Legal basis The use of the Google Tag Manager requires your consent, which we obtained with our cookie popup. According to Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter a of the GDPR (consent), this consent represents the legal basis for the processing of personal data, as may occur when it is collected by web analytics tools. In addition to consent, we have a legitimate interest in analyzing the behavior of website visitors and thus improving our offering technically and economically. With the help of Google Tag Managers you can improve profitability. The legal basis for this is Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f GDPR (legitimate interests). However, we only use Google Tag Manager if you have given your consent. Google also processes your data in the USA, among other places. We would like to point out that, according to the European Court of Justice, there is currently no adequate level of protection for data transfer to the USA. This can pose various risks to the lawfulness and security of data processing.

As the basis for data processing for recipients based in third countries (outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, i.e. in particular in the USA) or for data transfer there, Google uses so-called standard contractual clauses (= Article 46, Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are templates provided by the EU Commission and are intended to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards even if it is transferred to third countries (such as the USA) and stored there. Through these clauses, Google undertakes to comply with European data protection standards when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the resolution and the corresponding standard contractual clauses here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2021/914/oj?locale=de The Google Ads Data Processing Terms, which correspond to the standard contractual clauses and also apply to Google Tag Manager, can be found at https://business.safety.google/adsprocessorterms/. If you want to find out more about Google Tag Manager, we recommend the FAQs at https://support.google.com/tagmanager/?hl=de#topic=3441530

 

Facebook privacy policy Facebook privacy policy summary 👥 Affected: Visitors to the website 🤝 Purpose: Optimization of our service 📓 Data processed: Data such as customer data, user behavior data, information about your device and your IP address. You can find more details about this in the data protection declaration below. 📅 Storage period: until the data is no longer useful for Facebook's purposes ⚖️ Legal basis: Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests) What are Facebook tools? We use selected tools from Facebook on our website. Facebook is a social media network of the company Meta Platforms Inc. or for the European area of ​​the company Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland. These tools enable us to offer you and people who are interested in our products and services the best possible offer. If data is collected and forwarded from you via our embedded Facebook elements or via our Facebook page (fan page), both we and Facebook Ireland Ltd. responsible for. Facebook is solely responsible for the further processing of this data. Our shared commitments have also been enshrined in a publicly available agreement at https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum. This states, for example, that we must clearly inform you about the use of Facebook tools on our site. Furthermore, we are also responsible for ensuring that the tools are integrated into our website in a secure manner in accordance with data protection law. Facebook, on the other hand, is responsible for the data security of Facebook products, for example. If you have any questions about data collection and data processing by Facebook, you can contact the company directly. If you ask us a question, we are obliged to forward it to Facebook.

IBelow we provide an overview of the various Facebook tools, what data is sent to Facebook and how you can delete this data. In addition to many other products, Facebook also offers the so-called “Facebook Business Tools”. This is the official name of Facebook. Since the term is hardly known, we have decided to just call them Facebook tools. These include, among others: Facebook pixel social plug-ins (such as the “Like” or “Share” button) Facebook login Account kit APIs (programming interface) SDKs (collection of programming tools) Platform integrations Plugins Codes Specifications Documentations Technologies and services Through these tools, Facebook expands services and has the opportunity to obtain information about user activities outside of Facebook. Why do we use Facebook tools on our website? We only want to show our services and products to people who are really interested in them. With the help of advertisements (Facebook Ads) we can reach exactly these people. However, in order to show users appropriate advertising, Facebook needs information about people's wishes and needs. The company is provided with information about user behavior (and contact details) on our website. This means that Facebook collects better user data and can show interested people the appropriate advertising about our products or services. The tools thus enable tailor-made advertising campaigns on Facebook. Facebook calls data about your behavior on our website “event data”. These are also used for measurement and analysis services. This allows Facebook to create “campaign reports” on our behalf about the impact of our advertising campaigns. We also use analyzes to gain a better insight into how you use our services, website or products. This allows us to use some of these tools to optimize your user experience on our website. For example, you can use the social plug-ins to share content on our site directly on Facebook. What data are stored by Facebook tools?

By using individual Facebook tools, personal data (customer data) can be sent to Facebook. Depending on the tools used, customer data such as name, address, telephone number and IP address may be sent. Facebook uses this information to compare the data with the data it has about you (if you are a Facebook member). Before customer data is transmitted to Facebook, so-called “hashing” takes place. This means that a data set of any size is transformed into a character string. This also serves to encrypt data. In addition to the contact details, “event data” is also transmitted. “Event data” means the information that we receive about you on our website. For example, which subpages you visit or which products you buy from us. Facebook does not share the information it receives with third parties (such as advertisers) unless the company has explicit permission or is legally required to do so. “Event data” can also be linked to contact details. This allows Facebook to offer better personalized advertising. After the matching process already mentioned, Facebook deletes the contact data again. In order to deliver advertisements in an optimized manner, Facebook only uses the event data if it has been combined with other data (which was collected by Facebook in other ways). Facebook also uses this event data for security, protection, development and research purposes. Much of this data is transferred to Facebook via cookies. Cookies are small text files that are used to store data or information in browsers. Depending on the tools used and whether you are a Facebook member, different numbers of cookies are created in your browser. In the descriptions of the individual Facebook tools we go into more detail about individual Facebook cookies. You can also find out general information about the use of Facebook cookies at https://www.facebook.com/policies/cookies. How long and where is the data stored?

Basically, Facebook stores data until it is no longer needed for its own services and Facebook products. Facebook has servers around the world where its data is stored. However, customer data will be deleted within 48 hours after it has been compared with your own user data. How can I delete my data or prevent data storage? In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation, you have the right to information, correction, portability and deletion of your data. The data will only be completely deleted if you completely delete your Facebook account. Here's how deleting your Facebook account works: 1) On the right side of Facebook, click Settings. 2) Then click on “Your Facebook information” in the left column. 3) Now click “Deactivation and deletion”. 4) Now select “Delete Account” and then click “Next and Delete Account” 5) Now enter your password, click “Continue” and then click “Delete Account” The data that Facebook receives via our site is stored, among other things, via cookies (e.g. social plugins). You can deactivate, delete or manage individual or all cookies in your browser. Depending on which browser you use, this works in different ways. Under the “Cookies” section you will find the corresponding links to the relevant instructions for the most popular browsers. If you generally do not want cookies, you can set your browser so that it always informs you when a cookie is to be set. This means you can decide for each individual cookie whether you allow it or not. Legal basis If you have agreed that your data can be processed and stored by integrated Facebook tools, this consent is considered the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR). In principle, your data will also be stored and processed on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR) in quick and good communication with you or other customers and business partners. However, we only use the tools if you have given your consent. Most social media platforms also set cookies on your browser to store data. We therefore recommend that you read our data protection text about cookies carefully and view Facebook's data protection declaration or cookie guidelines.

Facebook also processes your data in the USA, among other places. We would like to point out that, according to the European Court of Justice, there is currently no adequate level of protection for data transfer to the USA. This can pose various risks to the lawfulness and security of data processing. As a basis for data processing for recipients based in third countries (outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, i.e. in particular in the USA) or for data transfer there, Facebook uses so-called standard contractual clauses (= Article 46, Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the GDPR). Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) are templates provided by the EU Commission and are intended to ensure that your data complies with European data protection standards even if it is transferred to third countries (such as the USA) and stored there. Through these clauses, Facebook undertakes to comply with European data protection standards when processing your relevant data, even if the data is stored, processed and managed in the USA. These clauses are based on an implementing decision of the EU Commission. You can find the resolution and the corresponding standard contractual clauses here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2021/914/oj?locale=de The Facebook data processing conditions, which correspond to the standard contractual clauses, can be found at https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/dataprocessing. We hope we have given you the most important information about the use and data processing of Facebook tools. If you want to find out more about how Facebook uses your data, we recommend the data policy at https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/update. Facebook Social Plugins Privacy Policy So-called social plug-ins from Meta Platforms Inc. are installed on our website. You can recognize these buttons by the classic Facebook logo, such as the “Like” button (the hand with a raised thumb) or by a clear “Facebook Plug-in” label. A social plugin is a small part of Facebook that is integrated into our site. Each plugin has its own function. The most commonly used functions are the well-known “Like” and “Share” buttons.

The following social plug-ins are offered by Facebook: “Save” button Like button, share, send and quote Page plugin Comments Messenger plugin Embedded posts and video players Group plugin Visit https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins for more information on how the individual plug-ins are used. On the one hand, we use the social plug-ins to offer you a better user experience on our site, and on the other hand because they allow Facebook to optimize our advertisements. If you have a Facebook account or have already visited https://www.facebook.com/, Facebook has already set at least one cookie in your browser. In this case, your browser sends information to Facebook via this cookie as soon as you visit our site or interact with social plug-ins (e.g. the “Like” button). The information received will be deleted or anonymized within 90 days. According to Facebook, this data includes your IP address, which website you visited, the date, time and other information relating to your browser. In order to prevent Facebook from collecting a lot of data during your visit to our website and combining it with Facebook data, you must log out of Facebook while visiting our website. If you are not logged in to Facebook or do not have a Facebook account, your browser sends less information to Facebook because you have fewer Facebook cookies. However, data such as your IP address or which website you visit can be transferred to Facebook. We would like to expressly point out that we do not know exactly the exact contents of the data. However, based on our current state of knowledge, we try to inform you as much as possible about data processing. You can also read how Facebook uses the data in the company's data policy at https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/update. The following cookies are at least set in your browser when you visit a website with social plug-ins from Facebook: Name: dpr Value: not specified Purpose: This cookie is used to enable the social plugins to work on our website. Expiry date: after the end of the session Name: fr Value: 0jieyh4111947275c2GnlufEJ9..Bde09j…1.0.Bde09j Purpose: The cookie is also necessary for the plug-ins to function properly. Expiry date: after 3 months

Note: These cookies were set after a test, even if you are not a Facebook member. If you are logged in to Facebook, you can change your advertising settings yourself at https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences/advertisers/. If you are not a Facebook user, you can generally manage your usage-based online advertising at https://www.youronlinechoices.com/de/praferenzmanagement/?tid=111947275. There you have the option to deactivate or activate providers. If you would like to learn more about Facebook's data protection, we recommend the company's own data policies at https://www.facebook.com/policy.php?tip=111947275. Social media introduction Social Media Privacy Policy Summary 👥 Affected: Visitors to the website 🤝 Purpose: Presentation and optimization of our services, contact with visitors, interested parties, etc., advertising 📓 Data processed: Data such as telephone numbers, email addresses, contact details, user behavior data, information about your device and your IP address. You can find more details about this in the respective social media tool used. 📅 Storage period: depends on the social media platforms used ⚖️ Legal basis: Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent), Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests) What is Social Media? In addition to our website, we are also active on various social media platforms. User data can be processed so that we can specifically address users who are interested in us via social networks. In addition, elements of a social media platform may also be embedded directly into our website. This is the case, for example, if you click on a so-called social button on our website and are redirected directly to our social media presence. So-called social media or social media are websites and apps through which registered members can produce content, exchange content openly or in specific groups and network with other members. Why do we use social media? For years, social media platforms have been the place where people communicate and connect online. With our social media presence we can bring our products and services closer to interested parties. The social media elements integrated on our website help you to switch to our social media content quickly and without complications.

The data stored and processed through your use of a social media channel primarily serve the purpose of conducting web analytics. The goal of these analyses is to develop more accurate and personalized marketing and advertising strategies. Depending on your behavior on a social media platform, appropriate conclusions about your interests can be drawn using the evaluated data, leading to the creation of user profiles. This allows platforms to present you with tailored advertisements. Usually, cookies are set in your browser for this purpose, storing data about your usage behavior.

We generally assume that we remain responsible for data protection, even when using services of a social media platform. However, the European Court of Justice has ruled that, in certain cases, the operator of the social media platform can be jointly responsible with us under Article 26 of the GDPR. If this is the case, we will explicitly mention it and work based on a relevant agreement, the essence of which is outlined further below with the respective platform.

Please note that when using social media platforms or our embedded elements, your data may be processed outside the European Union, as many social media channels, such as Facebook or Twitter, are American companies. Consequently, enforcing your rights regarding your personal data may be more challenging.

What data is processed?

The specific data stored and processed depend on the respective social media platform provider. Typically, it includes data such as phone numbers, email addresses, information entered into a contact form, user data such as which buttons you click, whom you like or follow, when you visited certain pages, information about your device, and your IP address. Most of this data is stored in cookies. If you have a profile on the visited social media channel and are logged in, data can be linked to your profile.

All data collected through a social media platform is also stored on the providers' servers. Thus, only the providers have access to the data and can provide you with relevant information or make changes.

If you want to know exactly what data is stored and processed by social media providers and how to object to data processing, you should carefully read the respective privacy policy of the company. If you have questions about data storage and processing or want to assert corresponding rights, we recommend contacting the provider directly.

Duration of data processing

We will inform you about the duration of data processing below if we have additional information. For example, Facebook stores data until it is no longer needed for its purpose. Customer data matched with user data is deleted within two days. Generally, we process personal data only as long as necessary for providing our services and products. If, as in the case of accounting, legal regulations require it, this storage period may be exceeded.

Right to object

You also have the right and the option to revoke your consent to the use of cookies or third-party elements such as embedded social media elements. This can be done either through our cookie management tool or other opt-out functions. For example, you can prevent the collection of data through cookies by managing, disabling, or deleting cookies in your browser.

As social media tools may use cookies, we also recommend reading our general cookie privacy policy. To find out exactly what data is stored and processed about you, you should read the privacy policies of the respective tools.

Legal basis

If you have consented to the processing and storage of data through embedded social media elements, this consent serves as the legal basis for data processing (Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR). Generally, your data is also processed based on our legitimate interests (Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR) in quick and effective communication with you or other customers and business partners. However, we only use the tools if you have given your consent. Most social media platforms also use cookies in your browser to store data. Therefore, we recommend reading our cookie privacy text carefully and reviewing the privacy policy or cookie policies of the respective service provider.

Information about specific social media platforms can be found – if available – in the following sections.

Instagram Privacy Policy

Instagram Privacy Policy Summary 👥 Concerned: Visitors to the website 🤝 Purpose: Optimization of our service performance 📓 Processed data: Data such as user behavior data, information about your device, and your IP address. For more details, see the privacy policy below. 📅 Storage period: until Instagram no longer needs the data for its purposes ⚖️ Legal bases: Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR (Consent), Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR (Legitimate interests)

What is Instagram?

We have integrated features from Instagram on our website. Instagram is a social media platform owned by Instagram LLC, 1601 Willow Rd, Menlo Park CA 94025, USA. Since 2012, Instagram has been a subsidiary of Meta Platforms Inc. and is part of the Facebook products. Embedding Instagram content on our website is called embedding. This allows us to show you content such as buttons, photos, or videos from Instagram directly on our website. When you visit pages of our website that have integrated Instagram functions, data is transmitted to Instagram, stored, and processed. Instagram uses the same systems and technologies as Facebook. Thus, your data is processed across all Facebook companies.

The following provides a closer look at why Instagram collects data, the types of data collected, and how you can largely control data processing. Since Instagram is a subsidiary of Meta Platforms Inc., we obtain our information from both Instagram policies and Meta's privacy policies.

Instagram is one of the most well-known social media networks worldwide. Instagram combines the advantages of a blog with the benefits of audiovisual platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. On "Insta," as many users colloquially call the platform, you can upload photos and short videos, edit them with various filters, and share them on other social networks. And if you don't want to be active yourself, you can simply follow other interesting users.

Why do we use Instagram on our website?

Instagram has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, making it one of the most visited and appreciated platforms. Especially in our industry, Instagram is suitable because the platform is primarily known for beautiful and interesting images. Therefore, we are naturally present on Instagram and want to showcase our content beyond our website accordingly. The collected data can also be used for advertising purposes so that we can show ads to people who are genuinely interested in our services or products on Facebook. Instagram uses the collected data for measurement and analysis purposes. We receive aggregated statistics to gain more insight into your wishes and interests. It is important to mention that these reports do not identify you personally.

What data does Instagram store?

When you encounter one of our pages that have integrated Instagram features (such as Instagram images or plugins), your browser automatically connects to Instagram servers. Data is sent, stored, and processed by Instagram, regardless of whether you have an Instagram account or not. This includes information about our website, your computer, purchases made, ads you see, and how you use our offering. Additionally, the date and time of your interaction with Instagram are stored. If you have an Instagram account and are logged in, Instagram stores more data about you.

Facebook distinguishes between customer data and event data. We assume that this is also the case with Instagram. Customer data includes, for example, name, address, phone number, and IP address. This customer data is only transmitted to Instagram after being "hashed," meaning a data record is transformed into a character string, encrypting the contact details. In addition, the aforementioned "event data" is also transmitted. Facebook – and consequently Instagram – understands event data to be data about your interactions with businesses. It can also be data about your device, your settings, your activities on Instagram (e.g., liking a post), or certain behavior patterns and characteristics.

How long and where is the data stored?

Instagram shares the data between its various Facebook companies. Most data is processed and stored on Facebook's servers in the United States. In your Instagram account settings, you can manage your data and adjust it according to your wishes. If you want to completely delete your data on Instagram, you will need to permanently delete your Instagram account.

In general, Instagram keeps your data for as long as it is necessary for the provision of its services or until you delete your Instagram account. Even if you delete your account, Instagram may retain some of your data and use it for its own purposes. Facebook differentiates between your own data and information stored in backup systems. The company states in its data policy that it deletes information that you no longer need for business, legal, or security purposes.

How can I delete my data or prevent data storage?

Instagram generally stores your data and uses it for advertising purposes. If you want to have your data on Instagram completely deleted or only want to delete specific data, you can delete your Instagram account. To delete your account, go to the settings of your Instagram account. There you will find the option "Delete account." If you click on this, Instagram will start the process of deleting your data; this may take up to 90 days. During this time, neither you nor other users will have access to the data. Content such as posts and pictures remain on Instagram even after your account has been deleted.

You can also control or restrict the processing of your data by using Instagram settings. To manage your data, such as information about which ads you see, through Instagram, you can adjust your ad settings. To manage your data across the entire Facebook company, you can use the special settings provided by Facebook.

Instagram is a part of Facebook Inc. and is included in the company's data policy. By clicking on this link, you will find detailed information about data processing on Instagram.

We hope we have provided you with the most important information about data processing by Instagram. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible about the technologies we use. If you have further questions, you can contact us using the contact details provided in the imprint.

Source: Sample privacy policy for social media integration on a website. Note that this is a general template and may not cover specific legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with local laws.