Use of cookies
The term “cookies” refers to functions that store information on and read it from users’ devices. Cookies can also be used for various purposes, such as ensuring the functionality, security, and user-friendliness of online services, as well as analyzing visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with legal regulations. Where necessary, we obtain users’ consent beforehand. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies when storing and reading information is essential to providing explicitly requested content and functions. This includes, for example, saving settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online services. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. We clearly inform users about the scope of this consent and which cookies are used.
Information on the legal basis for data protection: Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on consent. If consent has been given, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, which are explained above in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.
Storage duration: The following types of cookies are distinguished with regard to storage duration:
- Temporary cookies (also known as session cookies): Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest after a user leaves an online service and closes their device (e.g., browser or mobile application).
- Persistent cookies: Persistent cookies remain stored even after the user closes their device. This allows, for example, login status to be saved and preferred content to be displayed directly when the user revisits a website. User data collected via cookies can also be used for audience measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g., when obtaining consent), they should assume that these cookies are persistent and can be stored for up to two years.
General information on revocation and objection (opt-out): Users can revoke their consent at any time and also object to the processing in accordance with legal requirements, including via their browser’s privacy settings.
- Types of data processed: Metadata, communication data and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, persons involved).
- Affected persons: Users (e.g., website visitors, users of online services).
- Legal basis: Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f) GDPR). Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).
Further information on processing procedures, methods and services:
- Processing of cookie data based on consent: We use a consent management solution to obtain user consent for the use of cookies or for the processes and providers mentioned within the consent management solution. This process serves to obtain, log, manage, and revoke consent, particularly regarding the use of cookies and similar technologies that are used to store, read, and process information on users’ devices. Within this process, user consent for the use of cookies and the associated processing of information, including the specific processing activities and providers mentioned in the consent management process, is obtained. Users also have the option to manage and revoke their consent. The declarations of consent are stored to avoid repeated requests and to provide proof of consent in accordance with legal requirements. Storage takes place server-side and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or using comparable technologies to assign the consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information is available regarding the providers of consent management services, the following general guidelines apply: Consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created, which is stored along with the time of consent, details of the scope of consent (e.g., categories of cookies and/or service providers concerned), and information about the browser, system, and device used; legal basis: consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a) GDPR).