Privacy policy

Name and address of the controller

The controller in terms of the GDPR and the new Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) is the

Press and Information Office of the Federal Government
State Secretary Steffen Seibert
Dorotheenstraße 84
10117 Berlin
Telephone: 030 18 272-0
Fax: 030 18-272-2555
internetpost@bundesregierung.de

Technical implementation

]init[ AG für digitale Kommunikation

Conception, design, front-end programming

Interactive Things GmbH

Hosting

]init[ AG für digitale Kommunikation

I. Name and address of the data privacy officer

Wolfgang Schlesener
Press and Information Office of the Federal Government - data privacy officer -
Dorotheenstraße 84
10117 Berlin
Telephone: 030 18 272-0
Fax: 030 18-272-2555
datenschutzbeauftragte@bundesregierung.de

II. General information on data processing

1. Scope of processing personal data

We process personal data of our users only to the extent necessary for the presentation and optimisation of a functional website as well as our content and services.

Processing personal data in the context of this public relations work is in terms of Article 6 (1) point e of the GDPR in conjunction with Section 3 of the BDSG.

The processing of personal data of our users regularly only takes place with their consent. An exception applies in those cases where the data processing is permitted by law.

2. Legal basis for processing personal data

This website presented by the Press and Information Office of the Federal Government (Federal Press Office) and its individual components are part of the public relations work of the Federal Press Office. The legal basis for processing personal data for which we obtain consent is Article 6 (1) point e of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in conjunction with Section 3 of the BDSG.

The legal basis for processing personal data which is required for the performance of a contract to which you are a party (e.g. ordering publications and newsletters) is Article 6 (1) point b of the GDPR. This also applies to pre-contractual measures.

3. Data erasure and storage duration

Your personal data will be erased or blocked, as soon as the purpose for storage is no longer required.

III. Presentation of the website and creation of log files

1. Description and scope of data processing

Every time our website is accessed, our system automatically records information from the computer system which accesses it, logging the following data:

information about the browser type and version used
the user’s operating system
the IP address of the user
- in load balancer (for 7 days); this automatically distributes workloads across servers for optimal performance
the date and time of access
websites from which the user’s system reached our website
- stored as the referrer

The IP address is recorded in the log file of the load balancer. This method ensures smooth operations and protection against attacks. The log files are deleted after seven days.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of the data and log files is Article 6 (1) point e of the GDPR in conjunction with Section 3 of the new BDSG.

3. Purpose of data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable delivery of the website to the user's computer. This requires the user’s IP address to be saved for the duration of the session.

The IP address is recorded in the log file of the load balancer. This method ensures smooth operations and protection against attacks (e.g. DDOS). The log files are deleted after seven days.

4. Duration of storage

The log files are deleted after seven days.

5. Right to objection and deletion

The collection of data to present the website and storage of the data in log files is absolutely necessary for the website’s operation. There is therefore no right to objection for the user.

IV. Use of cookies

a) Description and scope of data processing

A cookie is used on the pages of our ordering services. This is necessary for technical reasons, so that the shopping basket works correctly. Most browsers are set to accept cookies automatically. However, you can deactivate the saving of cookies, or adjust your browser settings so that it notifies you as soon as cookies are sent.

The cookie is valid for the duration of your visit to the website. This is necessary for technical reasons, so that the shopping basket works correctly. Most browsers are set to accept cookies automatically. However, you can deactivate the saving of cookies at any time, or adjust your browser settings so that it notifies you as soon as cookies are sent.
The following data are stored in the cookies and sent:

language settings
items in a shopping basket
log-in information

b) Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing personal data using cookies is Article 6 (1) point e of the GDPR in conjunction with Section 3 of the new BDSG.

c) Purpose of data processing

The purpose of using the technically necessary cookies is to enable the shopping basket function to work properly.
The user data collected by technically necessary cookies will not be used to create user profiles.

d) Duration of storage and rights to objection and deletion

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

V. Web analytics by Matomo

1. Scope of processing personal data

On our website we use the open source software tool Matomo (formerly PIWIK) to analyse the surfing behaviour of our users. This is an open source web analysis tool. Matomo does not transfer any data to servers outside the control of the Federal Press Office.

Matomo uses cookies. These text files are saved on your computer and enable the Federal Press Office to analyse how its website is used. The information provided by the cookie is transferred to the Federal Press Office server and saved there, to enable us to analyse user behaviour. Your IP address will be immediately anonymised; users are thus anonymous. The information generated by the cookie regarding how you use the website will not be passed on to third parties.

The Federal Press Office sees this analysis as an integral part of its online service. This information helps to consistently improve the website and optimise it according to user needs.

You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies at any time. This might, however, mean that you are not able to use all of the website’s functions.

If you do not agree to the data generated by your visit to the website being saved and analysed, you can object to the saving and utilisation with a mouse click below. A so-called deactivation cookie will then be saved in your browser. As a result, Matomo will not record any data relating to your session (Please note: if you delete your cookies, you will also delete the deactivation cookie, which you will then have to save again at your next visit to the site).

i Bytes of the IP address of the user’s accessing system
the website accessed
the website from which the user reached the website accessed here (referrer)
the other web pages visited from the main website accessed
the time spent looking at the website
the frequency with which the website is accessed

The analysis software runs exclusively on the servers of our website. Storage of the user’s personal data only takes place there. The data are not passed on to third parties.

You can decide here whether or not a web analysis cookie may be stored in your browser, to enable the Federal Press Office to gather and analyse statistical data.

If individual pages of our website are accessed, the following data are stored:

2. Legal basis for processing personal data

The legal basis for processing personal data of users is Article 6 (1) point e of the GDPR in conjunction with Section 3 of the new BDSG.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data of users enables an analysis of the surfing behaviour of our users. By evaluating the collected data, we are able to generate information about the use of the individual components of our website. This helps us to continually improve our website and its user-friendliness. By anonymising the IP address, the interests of the users regarding protection of personal data are sufficiently taken into account.

4. Duration of storage

The data are deleted as soon as they are no longer needed for our record-keeping purposes. The generated statistics and underlying data are not deleted.

5. Right to objection and deletion

Please see the following link for more information about the privacy settings of the Matomo software: https://matomo.org/docs/privacy/.

You are hereby reminded of your rights to rectification, erasure and objection in terms of Articles 16, 17 and 21 GDPR; see Chapter VIII for more details.

VI. Newsletter

1. Description and scope of data processing

You have the opportunity to subscribe to free newsletters on our website. When you register to receive a newsletter, the data from the input form are sent to us. This is your e-mail address, together with your choice of newsletter format.

In addition, the following data are recorded when you subscribe:

the IP address of the accessing computer
the date and time of registration

During the newsletter registration process, your consent is obtained for processing the data for this purpose, and you are referred to this privacy policy.

There is no disclosure of data to third parties during the data processing required for dispatching newsletters. The data are used solely for sending the newsletter.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing data after registration for the newsletter by the user, once their consent has been obtained, is Article 6 (1) point a of the GDPR. In addition, the newsletter subscription is based on a contractual relationship, so Article 6 (1) point b of the GDPR also applies.

3. Purpose of data processing

The collection of the user’s e-mail address is for the purpose of delivering the newsletter.

The collection of other personal data in the context of the registration process is to prevent abuse of the services or the e-mail address.

4. Duration of storage

The data are deleted as soon as the purpose of storage is no longer required. The e-mail address of the user is therefore stored as long as the subscription is active.

The newsletter is delivered based on registration by the user at the website:

The other personal data collected as part of the registration process are usually deleted after a period of seven days.

5. Right to objection and deletion

The user can cancel the subscription to the newsletter at any time. There is a corresponding link in every newsletter for this purpose.

This also enables a withdrawal of the consent to the storage of personal data collected during the registration process.
You can have the data stored about you modified at any time.

VII. Contact form and e-mail contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

There is a contact form on our website which can be used for contacting us online. If you make use of this opportunity, the data entered in the input form are sent to us and stored. These data are:
subject
your message
title, first name and surname, e-mail address, street and house number, postal code, city

At the time of sending the message, the following additional data are stored:

the IP address of the user
the date and time of registration

During the sending process, your consent is obtained for processing the data for this purpose, and you are referred to this privacy policy.

Alternatively, you can contact us via the e-mail address provided. In this case, the user's personal data transmitted together with the e-mail are stored.

In this regard, there is no disclosure of data to third parties. The data are used solely for processing the conversation.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing data in the course of sending an e-mail is Article 6 (1) point e of the GDPR. If the aim of the e-mail contact is the conclusion of a contractual relationship, then Article 6 (1) point b of the GDPR also applies to the data processing.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data from the input form is used solely for us to handle the contact request. The other personal data processed during the sending process are intended to prevent misuse of the contact form, and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

4. Duration of storage

The data are deleted as soon as the purpose of storage is no longer required. This is the case for the personal data entered into the contact form, and the data sent by e-mail, when the related conversation with the user is finished. The conversation is considered finished if it is clear from the circumstances that the relevant matter has been fully resolved.

The other personal data collected as part of the sending process are deleted after a maximum period of seven days.

5. Right to objection and deletion

The user has the right to withdraw their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time, by various means - including by e-mail. In such cases, the conversation cannot be continued.

In this event, all personal data that has been stored in the course of the contact will be deleted.

VIII. Information on your rights

If your personal data are processed, you are affected by the GDPR and you as the data subject are entitled to the following rights from your controller:

1. Right of access by the data subject – Art. 15 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her are being processed,
and, where that is the case, access to the personal data and the following information:

the purposes of the processing;
the categories of personal data concerned;
the recipients or categories of recipient to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations;
where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period;
the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing;
the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
where the personal data are not collected from the data subject, any available information as to their source;
the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.

Where personal data are transferred to a third country or to an international organisation, the data subject shall have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 relating to the transfer. Please also see the Right to data portability, Art. 20 GDPR.

2. Right to rectification – Art. 16 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller without undue delay the rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject shall have the right to have incomplete personal data completed, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.

3. Right to restriction of processing – Art. 18 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:

the accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
the processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of their use instead;
the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims;
the data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21 (1) pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

Where processing has been restricted under paragraph 1, such personal data shall, with the exception of storage, only be processed with the data subject’s consent or for the establishment, exercise or defence 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.

A data subject who has obtained restriction of processing pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be informed by the controller before the restriction of processing is lifted.

4. Right to erasure – Art. 17 GDPR

a) (‘right to be forgotten’)

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:

the personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed;
the data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based according to point (a) of Article 6 (1), or point (a) of Article 9 (2), and where there is no other legal ground for the processing;
the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 (1) and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 (2);
the personal data have been unlawfully processed;
the personal data have to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation in Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject;
the personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8 (1).

b) Information to third parties

Where the controller has made the personal data public and is obliged pursuant to paragraph 1 to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers which are processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data.

c) Exceptions:

Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply to the extent that processing is necessary:

for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
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;
for reasons of public interest in the area of public health in accordance with points (h) and (i) of Article 9 (2) as well as Article 9 (3);
for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89 (1) in so far as the right referred to in paragraph 1 is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; or
for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

5. Notification obligation – Art. 19 GDPR

The controller shall communicate any rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing carried out in accordance with Article 16, Article 17 (1) and Article 18 to each recipient to whom the personal data have been disclosed, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.

The controller shall inform the data subject about those recipients if the data subject requests it.

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

6. Right to data portability – Art. 20 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which he or she has provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, where:

the processing is based on consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6 (1) or point (a) of Article 9 (2) or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6 (1); and
the processing is carried out by automated means.

In exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to paragraph 1, the data subject
shall have the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible.

7. Right to object – Art. 21 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to object, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning him or her which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6 (1), including profiling based on those provisions.
The controller shall no longer process the personal data unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

8. Conditions for consent – Art. 7 Paragraph 3 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to withdraw his or her consent at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

9. Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority – Art. 77 GDPR

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, every data subject shall have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of his or her habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if the data subject considers that the processing of personal data relating to him or her infringes this Regulation.
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.
Responsible supervisory authority:

Die Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit
Husarenstraße 30
53117 Bonn
Telephone: +49(0)228-997799-0
Fax: +49(0)228-997799-5550
E-mail: poststelle@bfdi.bund.de