What Are Cookies?

The term “cookies” refers to technologies that store information on users’ end devices and read information from them. Cookies can be used for various purposes, such as ensuring the functionality, security and convenience of online services, as well as analysing visitor traffic. We use cookies in accordance with legal requirements. Where necessary, we obtain users’ consent in advance. If consent is not required, we rely on our legitimate interests. This applies where the storage and retrieval of information is essential in order to provide content and functions explicitly requested by the user. This includes, for example, saving settings and ensuring the functionality and security of our online services. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. We provide clear information about its scope and the cookies used.

Information on Legal Bases for Data Protection

Ob Whether we process personal data using cookies depends on consent. Where consent has been given, it serves as the legal basis. Without consent, we rely on our legitimate interests, as outlined in this section and in the context of the respective services and procedures.

Storage Duration

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

• Temporary Cookies (Also Known as Session Cookies)
  Temporary cookies are deleted at the latest when 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 end device has been closed. For example, login status can be saved and preferred content displayed directly when the user revisits a website. Likewise, user data collected via cookies may be used for reach measurement. Unless we provide users with explicit information about the type and storage duration of cookies (e.g. as part of obtaining consent), users should assume that cookies are persistent and may be stored for up to two years.

General Information on Withdrawal and Objection (Opt-Out)

Users may withdraw their consent at any time and may also object to processing in accordance with legal requirements, including via their browser’s privacy settings.

• Categories of Data Processed 
  Meta, communication and procedural data (e.g. IP addresses, timestamps, identification numbers, involved parties).
• Data Subjects
  Users (e.g. website visitors, users of online services).
• Legal Bases
  Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1) sentence 1 lit. f GDPR). Consent (Art. 6(1) sentence 1 lit. a GDPR).

Further Information on Processing Operations, Procedures and Services

• Processing of Cookie Data Based on Consent
  We use a consent management solution to obtain users’ consent for the use of cookies and the procedures and providers specified within the solution. This procedure is used to obtain, document, manage and withdraw consent, particularly in relation to the use of cookies and similar technologies that store, read and process information on users’ end devices. As part of this process, user consent is obtained for the use of cookies and associated data processing, including specific processing activities and providers named within the consent management system. Users also have the option to manage and withdraw their consent at any time. Consent declarations are stored to avoid repeated requests and to provide proof of consent in accordance with legal requirements. Storage takes place on the server and/or in a cookie (so-called opt-in cookie) or via comparable technologies in order to assign consent to a specific user or their device. Unless specific information is provided about the providers of consent management services, the following general information applies: Consent is stored for up to two years. A pseudonymous user identifier is created and stored together with the time of consent, details of the scope of consent (e.g. categories of cookies and/or service providers), as well as information about the browser, system and device used. Legal basis: Consent (Art. 6(1) sentence 1 lit. a GDPR).
• Usercentrics
  Consent Management: Procedure for obtaining, recording, managing and withdrawing consent, particularly for the use of cookies and similar technologies used to store, read and process information on users’ end devices.
  Service Provider: Usercentrics GmbH, Sendlinger Straße 7, 80331 München, Deutschland.
  Website: https://usercentrics.com/; Privacy Policy: https://usercentrics.com/privacy-policy/.