Data protection

Privacy Policy

We are very pleased about your interest in our company. Data protection is of particular importance to the management of AGCT Consulting GmbH. Use of the AGCT Consulting GmbH website is generally possible without providing any personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use special services provided by our company via our website, processing of personal data may be necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the consent of the data subject.

The processing of personal data, such as the name, title or academic degree, address, email address, or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and in accordance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to AGCT Consulting GmbH. By means of this data protection declaration, our company would like to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed of their rights by means of this data protection declaration.

As the controller, AGCT Consulting GmbH has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection possible for personal data processed through this website. However, internet-based data transmissions may, in principle, have security gaps, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us via alternative means, for example, by telephone.

1. Definitions

The privacy policy of AGCT Consulting GmbH is based on the terms used by the European legislator for the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy is intended to be easily readable and understandable for the public, as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terms used in advance.

In this privacy policy we use, among other things, the following terms:

a) personal data

Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter "data subject"). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

b) data subject

Data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.

c) Processing

Processing is any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.

d) Restriction of processing

Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its future processing.

e) Profiling

Profiling is any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyse or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behaviour, location or movements.

f) Pseudonymization

Pseudonymisation is the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organisational measures to ensure that the personal data are not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

g) Controller or person responsible for processing

The controller or controller responsible for processing is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.

h) Processor

Processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

i) Recipient

Recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body to which personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be considered recipients.

j) Third party

Third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or body other than the data subject, the controller, the processor and the persons authorised to process the personal data under the direct authority of the controller or processor.

k) Consent

Consent is any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject's wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data concerning him or her.

2. Name and address of the controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union and other provisions of a data protection nature is:

AGCT Consulting GmbH
Wilhelm-Canaris-Straße 18
59348 Lüdinghausen
Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 2591 948396 and +49 (0) 251 37909099
Email: info@agct-consulting.de
Website: www.agct-consulting.de

3. Cookies

The AGCT Consulting GmbH website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored on a computer system via an Internet browser.

Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier for the cookie. It consists of a character string that allows websites and servers to associate the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This enables the visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific internet browser can be recognized and identified via the unique cookie ID.

For specific information about the cookies we use in connection with the provision of our store through Shopify, please visit https://www.shopify.com/legal/cookies . We use cookies to operate and improve our site and services (including remembering your actions and preferences), perform analytics, and better understand user interactions with the services (in our legitimate interests to administer, improve, and optimize the services). We may also allow third parties and service providers to use cookies on our site to better customize the services, products, and advertising on our site and other sites.

Most browsers automatically accept cookies by default. However, you can set your browser to remove or reject cookies using the browser controls. Please note that removing or blocking cookies may impact your user experience and may prevent some of the Services, including certain features and general functionality, from working properly or becoming unavailable. Furthermore, blocking cookies may not completely prevent us from sharing information with third parties, such as our advertising partners.

By using cookies, AGCT Consulting GmbH can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the setting of cookies.

Cookies allow us to optimize the information and offers on our website for the user. As already mentioned, cookies enable us to recognize users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. For example, the user of a website that uses cookies does not have to enter their login details every time they visit the website because this is done by the website and the cookie stored on the user's computer system. Another example is the cookie for a shopping cart in an online shop. The online shop uses a cookie to remember the items a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by making the appropriate settings in the Internet browser used, thereby permanently denying the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies already set can be deleted at any time using an Internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common Internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the Internet browser used, not all functions of our website may be fully available.

4. Collection of general data and information

The AGCT Consulting GmbH website collects a series of general data and information each time the website is accessed by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information is stored in the server's log files. Collected may be (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrers), (4) the sub-websites accessed via an accessing system on our website, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an Internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serve to avert dangers in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

When using this general data and information, AGCT Consulting GmbH does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is required to (1) correctly deliver the content of our website, (2) optimize the content of our website and its advertising, (3) ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in the event of a cyberattack. This anonymously collected data and information is therefore evaluated by AGCT Consulting GmbH both statistically and with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company in order to ultimately ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data in the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

a) Children’s data

The Services are not intended for use by children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian of a child who has provided us with personal information, you may contact us using the contact information provided below and request that we delete that information.

As of the effective date of this Privacy Policy, we have no actual knowledge that we “share” or “sell” (as those terms are defined under applicable law) personal information of anyone under the age of 16.

b) International users

Please note that we may transfer, store, and process your personal data outside the country you live in. Your personal data will also be processed by employees and third-party service providers and partners in those countries.

When we transfer your personal data to countries outside Europe, we rely on accepted transfer mechanisms such as the European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent contracts from the relevant UK authority, unless the data transfer is to a country determined to provide an adequate level of protection.

5. Registration on our website

The data subject has the option of registering on the controller's website by providing personal data. The personal data transmitted to the controller in this process is determined by the input mask used for registration. The personal data entered by the data subject are collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the controller and for its own purposes. The controller may arrange for the data to be transferred to one or more processors, such as a parcel service provider, who will also use the personal data exclusively for internal use attributable to the controller.

By registering on the website of the controller, the IP address assigned to the data subject by the Internet service provider (ISP), the date, and the time of registration are also stored. This data is stored because it is the only way to prevent misuse of our services and, if necessary, to enable the investigation of committed crimes. Therefore, the storage of this data is necessary to protect the controller. As a general rule, this data will not be passed on to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to do so or the transfer serves the purposes of criminal prosecution.

The registration of the data subject with the voluntary provision of personal data allows the controller to offer the data subject content or services that, due to their nature, can only be offered to registered users. Registered persons are free to change the personal data provided during registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the controller's database.

The controller shall provide each data subject with information, upon request, at any time about which personal data concerning the data subject is stored. Furthermore, the controller shall correct or delete personal data at the request or notification of the data subject, unless otherwise required by law. All employees of the controller shall be available to the data subject as contact persons in this regard.

6. Subscription to our newsletter

On the AGCT Consulting GmbH website, users are given the opportunity to subscribe to our company's newsletter. The input form used for this purpose determines which personal data is transmitted to the controller when ordering the newsletter.

AGCT Consulting GmbH regularly informs its customers and business partners about company offers via a newsletter. Our company newsletter can generally only be received by the data subject if (1) the data subject has a valid email address and (2) the data subject registers for the newsletter. For legal reasons, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address entered by the data subject for the first time for newsletter delivery using the double opt-in procedure. This confirmation email serves to verify whether the owner of the email address, as the data subject, has authorized receipt of the newsletter.

When registering for the newsletter, we also store the IP address assigned by the Internet service provider (ISP) of the computer system used by the data subject at the time of registration, as well as the date and time of registration. The collection of this data is necessary to be able to trace the (possible) misuse of the e-mail address of a data subject at a later date and therefore serves to legally protect the controller.

The personal data collected when registering for the newsletter will be used exclusively to send our newsletter. Furthermore, newsletter subscribers may be informed by email if this is necessary for the operation of the newsletter service or a related registration, as could be the case in the event of changes to the newsletter offer or changes to technical circumstances. The personal data collected as part of the newsletter service will not be passed on to third parties. The subscription to our newsletter can be canceled by the data subject at any time. The consent to the storage of personal data that the data subject has given us for sending the newsletter can be revoked at any time. A corresponding link can be found in every newsletter for the purpose of revoking the consent. Furthermore, it is possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time directly on the website of the controller or to communicate this to the controller in another way.

7. Newsletter tracking

AGCT Consulting GmbH's newsletters contain so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a miniature graphic embedded in emails sent in HTML format to enable log file recording and analysis. This allows for statistical evaluation of the success or failure of online marketing campaigns. Using the embedded tracking pixel, AGCT Consulting GmbH can determine whether and when an email was opened by a data subject, and which links in the email were accessed by the data subject.

Such personal data collected via the tracking pixels contained in the newsletters are stored and evaluated by the controller in order to optimize newsletter delivery and to better tailor the content of future newsletters to the interests of the data subject. This personal data will not be passed on to third parties. Data subjects are entitled to revoke the separate declaration of consent given via the double opt-in procedure at any time. After revocation, this personal data will be deleted by the controller. AGCT Consulting GmbH automatically interprets unsubscribing from the newsletter as a revocation.

8. Contact options via the website

Due to legal regulations, the AGCT Consulting GmbH website contains information that enables quick electronic contact with our company and direct communication with us, which also includes a general address for so-called electronic mail (email address). If a data subject contacts the controller by email or via a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject will be automatically stored. Such personal data transmitted voluntarily by a data subject to the controller will be stored for the purposes of processing or contacting the data subject. This personal data will not be passed on to third parties.

9. Subscription to comments in the blog on the website

The comments posted on the AGCT Consulting GmbH blog can generally be subscribed to by third parties. In particular, a commentator may subscribe to the comments following their comment on a specific blog post.

If a data subject chooses to subscribe to comments, the controller will send an automatic confirmation email to verify, using the double opt-in procedure, whether the owner of the specified email address has actually chosen this option. The option to subscribe to comments can be canceled at any time.

10. Routine deletion and blocking of personal data

The controller shall process and store the personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or as far as this is provided for by the European legislator or other legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.

If the storage purpose no longer applies or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the statutory provisions.

11. Rights of the data subject

a) Right to confirmation

Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her are being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of confirmation, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

b) Right to information

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller free information about the personal data concerning him or her stored at any time and a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject the right to obtain the following information:

  • the processing purposes
  • the categories of personal data being processed
  • the recipients or categories of recipients 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, where not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
  • the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning them or to restriction of processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing
  • the existence of a right of complaint to a supervisory authority
  • if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: all available information about the origin of the data
  • the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22 (1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject

Furthermore, the data subject has the right to information as to whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. Where this is the case, the data subject also has the right to receive information about the appropriate safeguards related to the transfer.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to information, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

c) Right to rectification

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to request the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning him or her. Furthermore, taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject has the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay, where one of the following grounds applies and where processing is not necessary:

  • The personal data were collected or otherwise processed for purposes for which they are no longer necessary.
  • The data subject withdraws his or her consent on which the processing is based according to point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR or point (a) of Article 9(2) of the GDPR, and there is no other legal ground for the processing.
  • The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) GDPR.
  • The personal data was processed unlawfully.
  • The erasure of personal data is necessary to fulfil a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
  • The personal data were collected in relation to information society services offered in accordance with Article 8 (1) GDPR.

If one of the aforementioned reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by AGCT Consulting GmbH, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee of AGCT Consulting GmbH will ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately.

If the personal data was made public by AGCT Consulting GmbH and our company as the controller pursuant to Art. 17 Para. 1 GDPR is obliged to erase the personal data, AGCT Consulting GmbH shall take appropriate measures, including technical ones, taking into account the available technology and the implementation costs, in order to inform other data controllers which process the published personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of all links to these personal data or of copies or replications of these personal data, unless processing is required. The employee of AGCT Consulting GmbH will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.

e) Right to restriction of processing

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to request the controller to restrict processing if one of the following conditions 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, the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of the use of the personal data instead.
  • The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but the data subject needs them to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.
  • The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

If one of the aforementioned conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of the processing of personal data stored by AGCT Consulting GmbH, he or she may contact any employee of the controller at any time. The employee of AGCT Consulting GmbH will arrange the restriction of processing.

f) Right to data portability

Every data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which was provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. He or she shall also have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data was provided, as long as the processing is based on consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR or point (a) of Article 9(2) of the GDPR or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6(1) of the GDPR and the processing is carried out by automated means, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

Furthermore, in exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) GDPR, the data subject shall have the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and when doing so does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

To assert the right to data portability, the data subject may contact an employee of AGCT Consulting GmbH at any time.

g) Right to object

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning him or her, which is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) of the GDPR, for reasons related to his or her particular situation. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

In the event of an objection, AGCT Consulting GmbH will no longer process the personal data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which outweigh the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

If AGCT Consulting GmbH processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data for such advertising purposes. This also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to AGCT Consulting GmbH processing for direct marketing purposes, AGCT Consulting GmbH will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.

In addition, the data subject has the right to object, for reasons related to his or her particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning him or her which is carried out by AGCT Consulting GmbH for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 (1) GDPR, unless such processing is necessary to perform a task carried out in the public interest.

To exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of AGCT Consulting GmbH or another employee directly. Furthermore, in connection with the use of information society services, the data subject is free to exercise his or her right of objection by means of automated procedures using technical specifications, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC.

h) Automated decisions in individual cases, including profiling

Every data subject shall have the right granted by the European legislator not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning him or her or similarly significantly affects him or her, unless the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is not based on the data subject’s explicit consent.

If the decision (1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller or (2) is made with the data subject’s explicit consent, AGCT Consulting GmbH shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, including at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and to contest the decision.

If the data subject wishes to exercise rights with regard to automated decisions, he or she may contact any employee of the controller at any time.

i) Right to withdraw consent under data protection law

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European legislator to withdraw his or her consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

If the data subject wishes to exercise his or her right to withdraw consent, he or she may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

12. Data protection in applications and during the application process

The controller collects and processes the personal data of applicants for the purpose of processing the application procedure. Processing may also be carried out electronically. This is particularly the case if an applicant submits corresponding application documents to the controller electronically, for example by email or via a web form on the website. If the controller concludes an employment contract with an applicant, the transmitted data will be stored for the purpose of processing the employment relationship in compliance with the statutory provisions. If the controller does not conclude an employment contract with the applicant, the application documents will be automatically deleted two months after notification of the rejection decision, provided that no other legitimate interests of the controller conflict with deletion. Other legitimate interests in this sense include, for example, the burden of proof in proceedings under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).

13. Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Google AdSense

The controller has integrated Google AdSense on this website. Google AdSense is an online service that enables advertising on third-party websites. Google AdSense is based on an algorithm that selects the advertisements displayed on third-party websites based on the content of the respective third-party website. Google AdSense allows interest-based targeting of Internet users, which is implemented by generating individual user profiles.

The operator of the Google AdSense component is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland.

The purpose of the Google AdSense component is the integration of advertisements on our website. Google AdSense sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has already been explained above. By setting the cookie, Alphabet Inc. is enabled to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and on which a Google AdSense component was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted through the respective Google AdSense component to transmit data to Alphabet Inc. for the purpose of online advertising and the settlement of commissions. As part of this technical procedure, Alphabet Inc. gains knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which serves Alphabet Inc., inter alia, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently enable commission settlements.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the Internet browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Alphabet Inc. from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Alphabet Inc. can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Google AdSense also uses so-called tracking pixels. A tracking pixel is a miniature graphic embedded in websites to enable log file recording and analysis, which can be used for statistical evaluation. Using the embedded tracking pixel, Alphabet Inc. can determine whether and when a website was opened by a data subject and which links were clicked by the data subject. Tracking pixels are used, among other things, to evaluate the flow of visitors to a website.

Through Google AdSense, personal data and information, including the IP address, which is necessary for the collection and billing of the displayed advertisements, is transferred to Alphabet Inc. in the United States of America. This personal data is stored and processed in the United States of America. Alphabet Inc. may transfer this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

Google AdSense is explained in more detail at this link https://www.google.de/intl/de/adsense/start/.

14. Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Google Analytics (with anonymization function)

The controller has integrated the Google Analytics component (with anonymization function) on this website. Google Analytics is a web analysis service. Web analysis is the collection, gathering, and evaluation of data about the behavior of website visitors. A web analysis service collects, among other things, data about the website from which a data subject came to a website (so-called referrers), which subpages of the website were accessed, and how often and for how long a subpage was viewed. Web analysis is primarily used to optimize a website and for the cost-benefit analysis of online advertising.

The operator of the Google Analytics component is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland.

The controller uses the add-on "_gat._anonymizeIp" for web analysis via Google Analytics. This add-on shortens and anonymizes the IP address of the data subject's internet connection if our website is accessed from a member state of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

The purpose of the Google Analytics component is to analyze visitor traffic on our website. Google uses the data and information obtained, among other things, to evaluate the use of our website, to compile online reports for us that demonstrate website activity, and to provide other services related to website activity.

Google Analytics sets a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. What cookies are has already been explained above. By setting the cookie, Google is enabled to analyze the use of our website. With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a Google Analytics component was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective Google Analytics component to transmit data to Google for the purpose of online analysis. As part of this technical procedure, Google receives knowledge of personal data, such as the IP address of the data subject, which Google uses, among other things, to trace the origin of visitors and clicks and subsequently enable commission settlements.

The cookie is used to store personal information, such as the access time, the location from which access was made, and the frequency of visits to our website by the data subject. With each visit to our website, this personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States of America. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may transfer this personal data collected via the technical process to third parties.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by making the appropriate settings in the Internet browser used, thereby permanently denying the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from placing a cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google Analytics can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option of objecting to the collection of data generated by Google Analytics relating to the use of this website and the processing of this data by Google and of preventing such collection and processing. To do so, the data subject must download and install a browser add-on available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This browser add-on informs Google Analytics via JavaScript that no data and information relating to website visits may be transmitted to Google Analytics. Google will regard the installation of the browser add-on as an objection. If the information technology system of the data subject is deleted, formatted, or reinstalled at a later date, the data subject must reinstall the browser add-on to deactivate Google Analytics. If the browser add-on is uninstalled or deactivated by the data subject or another person under their sphere of control, it is possible to reinstall or reactivate the browser add-on.

Further information and Google's applicable privacy policy can be found at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/ and at http://www.google.com/analytics/terms/de.html. Google Analytics is explained in more detail at this link: https://www.google.com/intl/de_de/analytics/.

15. Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Google AdWords

The controller has integrated Google AdWords on this website. Google AdWords is an internet advertising service that allows advertisers to place ads both in Google's search engine results and in the Google advertising network. Google AdWords enables an advertiser to pre-define specific keywords, using which an ad is displayed in Google's search engine results only when the user retrieves a keyword-relevant search result using the search engine. In the Google advertising network, the ads are distributed on topic-relevant websites using an automatic algorithm and taking into account the previously defined keywords.

The operator of the Google AdWords services is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland.

The purpose of Google AdWords is to promote our website by displaying interest-relevant advertising on the websites of third-party companies and in the search engine results of the Google search engine and by displaying third-party advertising on our website.

If a data subject reaches our website via a Google ad, a so-called conversion cookie is stored on the information technology system of the data subject by Google. What cookies are has already been explained above. A conversion cookie expires after thirty days and is not used to identify the data subject. The conversion cookie is used, provided the cookie has not yet expired, to track whether certain subpages, such as the shopping cart of an online shop system, were accessed on our website. The conversion cookie enables both us and Google to track whether a data subject who reached our website via an AdWords ad generated sales, i.e. completed or canceled a purchase.

The data and information collected through the use of the conversion cookie are used by Google to compile visit statistics for our website. We, in turn, use these visit statistics to determine the total number of users who were referred to us via AdWords ads, thus determining the success or failure of the respective AdWords ad and optimizing our AdWords ads for the future. Neither our company nor other Google AdWords advertisers receive information from Google that could be used to identify the data subject.

The conversion cookie stores personal information, such as the websites visited by the data subject. With each visit to our website, personal data, including the IP address of the internet connection used by the data subject, is transmitted to Google in the United States of America. This personal data is stored by Google in the United States of America. Google may transfer this personal data collected through the technical process to third parties.

As already described above, the data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the Internet browser used and thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Such a setting of the Internet browser used would also prevent Google from placing a conversion cookie on the information technology system of the data subject. Furthermore, a cookie already set by Google AdWords can be deleted at any time via the Internet browser or other software programs.

Furthermore, the data subject has the option of objecting to interest-based advertising by Google. To do so, the data subject must access the link www.google.de/settings/ads from each of the Internet browsers they use and make the desired settings there.

Further information and Google’s applicable privacy policy can be found at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/.

16. Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of LinkedIn

The controller has integrated components of the LinkedIn Corporation into this website. LinkedIn is an internet-based social network that enables users to connect with existing business contacts and establish new ones. Over 400 million registered users use LinkedIn in more than 200 countries. This makes LinkedIn currently the largest platform for business contacts and one of the most visited websites in the world.

The operating company of LinkedIn is LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. LinkedIn Ireland, Privacy Policy Issues, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, is responsible for data protection matters outside the USA.

With each visit to our website, which is equipped with a LinkedIn component (LinkedIn plug-in), this component causes the browser used by the data subject to download a corresponding representation of the LinkedIn component. Further information about the LinkedIn plug-ins can be found at https://developer.linkedin.com/plugins. As part of this technical process, LinkedIn receives information about which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to LinkedIn at the same time, LinkedIn recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject visits with each visit to our website by the data subject—and for the entire duration of their stay on our website. This information is collected through the LinkedIn component and associated with the respective LinkedIn account of the data subject by LinkedIn. If the data subject clicks on a LinkedIn button integrated on our website, LinkedIn associates this information with the personal LinkedIn user account of the data subject and stores the personal data.

LinkedIn always receives information via the LinkedIn component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in to LinkedIn at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on the LinkedIn component or not. If the data subject does not wish this information to be transmitted to LinkedIn, they can prevent this by logging out of their LinkedIn account before accessing our website.

LinkedIn offers the option to unsubscribe from email messages, SMS messages, and targeted ads, as well as to manage ad settings, at https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls. LinkedIn also uses partners such as Quantcast, Google Analytics, BlueKai, DoubleClick, Nielsen, Comscore, Eloqua, and Lotame, which may set cookies. Such cookies can be rejected at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy. LinkedIn's applicable privacy policy can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy. LinkedIn's cookie policy can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy.

17. Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of YouTube

The controller has integrated YouTube components into this website. YouTube is an internet video portal that allows video publishers to upload video clips free of charge and other users to view, rate, and comment on them free of charge. YouTube allows the publication of all types of videos, which is why both complete film and television programs, as well as music videos, trailers, and videos created by users themselves, are available via the internet portal.

The operating company of YouTube is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website, which is operated by the controller and on which a YouTube component (YouTube video) has been integrated, is accessed, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted by the respective YouTube component to download a display of the corresponding YouTube component from YouTube. Further information about YouTube can be found at https://www.youtube.com/yt/about/de/. As part of this technical process, YouTube and Google receive information about which specific subpage of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time, YouTube recognizes which specific subpage of our website the data subject is visiting when they access a subpage containing a YouTube video. This information is collected by YouTube and Google and assigned to the respective YouTube account of the data subject.

YouTube and Google always receive information via the YouTube component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time as accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the data subject clicks on a YouTube video or not. If the data subject does not want this information to be transmitted to YouTube and Google, they can prevent this by logging out of their YouTube account before accessing our website.

The privacy policy published by YouTube, which can be accessed at https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/, provides information about the collection, processing and use of personal data by YouTube and Google.

18. Data protection provisions regarding the application and use of Microsoft Bookings

AGCT Consulting GmbH collects and processes personal data when using the online booking of meeting appointments.

AGCT Consulting GmbH uses the “Microsoft Bookings” service provided by Microsoft Corporation (One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA).

A connection to the "Microsoft Bookings" service is only established when you access the booking function and booking pages via buttons and links on our website and other publications. Further information on how user data is handled can be found in Microsoft's privacy policy (https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement).

The use of the "Microsoft Bookings" tool is not mandatory for you. If you do not wish to use the service, please use one of our other contact options to arrange an appointment with us. The legal basis for data transmission, storage, and processing is your consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR). Therefore, your consent is mandatory before sending the appointment request. This consent also includes appointment-related correspondence from AGCT Consulting GmbH via email and video conferencing platforms (e.g., "Microsoft Teams").

The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. Consent to data processing can be revoked at any time, or further use of the data can be objected to. Please note that if consent to use is revoked, communication that has already begun cannot be continued.

19. Payment method: Privacy policy for Klarna as a payment method

The controller has integrated components from Klarna on this website. Klarna is an online payment service provider that enables purchase on account or flexible installment payments. Klarna also offers additional services, such as buyer protection or identity and credit checks.

The operating company of Klarna is Klarna Bank AB, Sveavägen 46, 111 34 Stockholm, Sweden.

If the data subject selects either "purchase on account" or "installment purchase" as a payment option during the ordering process in our online shop, the data subject's data will be automatically transmitted to Klarna. By selecting one of these payment options, the data subject consents to this transmission of personal data, which is necessary for processing the purchase on account or installment purchase, or for identity and credit checks.

The personal data transmitted to Klarna typically includes first name, last name, address, date of birth, gender, email address, IP address, telephone number, mobile phone number, and other data necessary to process a purchase on account or instalment purchase. Personal data related to the respective order is also necessary to process the purchase contract. In particular, this may involve a mutual exchange of payment information, such as bank details, card number, expiration date and CVC code, number of items, item number, data on goods and services, prices and taxes, information on previous purchasing behavior, or other information on the financial situation of the data subject.

The purpose of transmitting data is, in particular, identity verification, payment administration, and fraud prevention. The controller will transmit personal data to Klarna in particular if there is a legitimate interest in doing so. The personal data exchanged between Klarna and the controller will be transmitted by Klarna to credit reporting agencies. This transmission is for the purpose of identity and credit checks.

Klarna also passes on personal data to affiliated companies (Klarna Group) and service providers or subcontractors if this is necessary to fulfill contractual obligations or if the data is to be processed on behalf of Klarna.

To decide whether to establish, implement, or terminate a contractual relationship, Klarna collects and uses data and information about the data subject's previous payment behavior as well as probability values ​​for their future behavior (so-called scoring). Scoring is calculated based on scientifically recognized mathematical and statistical methods.

The data subject has the option of revoking their consent to Klarna's processing of personal data at any time. A revocation does not affect personal data that must be processed, used, or transmitted for (contractual) payment processing.

Klarna's applicable data protection regulations can be found at https://cdn.klarna.com/1.0/shared/content/policy/data/de_de/data_protection.pdf.

20. Payment method: Privacy policy for PayPal as a payment method

The controller has integrated PayPal components into this website. PayPal is an online payment service provider. Payments are processed via so-called PayPal accounts, which are virtual private or business accounts. PayPal also offers the option of processing virtual payments via credit cards if a user does not have a PayPal account. A PayPal account is managed via an email address, which is why there is no traditional account number. PayPal enables online payments to be made to third parties or to receive payments. PayPal also assumes escrow functions and offers buyer protection services.

The European operating company of PayPal is PayPal (Europe) S.à.rl et Cie, SCA, 22-24 Boulevard Royal L-2449, Luxembourg.

If the data subject selects "PayPal" as a payment option during the ordering process in our online shop, the data subject's data will be automatically transmitted to PayPal. By selecting this payment option, the data subject consents to the transmission of personal data required for payment processing.

The personal data transmitted to PayPal typically includes first name, last name, address, email address, IP address, telephone number, mobile phone number, or other data necessary for payment processing. Personal data related to the respective order is also necessary for processing the purchase contract.

The purpose of transmitting the data is to process payments and prevent fraud. The controller will transmit personal data to PayPal in particular if there is a legitimate interest in doing so. The personal data exchanged between PayPal and the controller may be transmitted by PayPal to credit reporting agencies. This transmission is for the purpose of identity and credit checks.

PayPal may share personal data with affiliated companies, service providers or subcontractors if this is necessary to fulfill contractual obligations or if the data is to be processed on their behalf.

The data subject has the option of revoking their consent to PayPal's processing of personal data at any time. A revocation does not affect personal data that must be processed, used, or transmitted for (contractual) payment processing.

PayPal’s applicable privacy policy can be found at https://www.paypal.com/de/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full.

21. Payment method: Data protection provisions for Sofortüberweisung as a payment method

The controller has integrated components of Sofortüberweisung (instant bank transfer) on this website. Sofortüberweisung is a payment service that enables cashless payment for products and services online. Sofortüberweisung represents a technical process through which the online merchant receives immediate payment confirmation. This enables a merchant to deliver goods, services, or downloads to the customer immediately after the order.

The operating company of Sofortüberweisung is Klarna Bank AB, Sveavägen 46, 111 34 Stockholm, Sweden.

If the data subject selects "Instant Transfer" as a payment option during the ordering process in our online shop, the data subject's data will be automatically transmitted to Sofortüberweisung. By selecting this payment option, the data subject consents to the transmission of personal data required for payment processing.

When completing a purchase via Sofortüberweisung, the buyer transmits the PIN and TAN to Sofort GmbH. Sofortüberweisung then executes a transfer to the online merchant after technically verifying the account balance and retrieving additional data to verify account coverage. The online merchant is then automatically notified of the completion of the financial transaction.

The personal data exchanged with Sofortüberweisung includes first name, last name, address, email address, IP address, telephone number, mobile phone number, or other data necessary for payment processing. The purpose of transmitting this data is payment processing and fraud prevention. The controller will also transmit other personal data to Sofortüberweisung if there is a legitimate interest in doing so. The personal data exchanged between Sofortüberweisung and the controller may be transmitted by Sofortüberweisung to credit reporting agencies. This transmission is for the purpose of identity and credit checks.

Sofortüberweisung may pass on personal data to affiliated companies and service providers or subcontractors if this is necessary to fulfill contractual obligations or if the data is to be processed on behalf of the latter.

The data subject has the option of revoking their consent to the processing of personal data by Sofortüberweisung at any time. A revocation does not affect personal data that must be processed, used, or transmitted for (contractual) payment processing.

The applicable data protection provisions of Sofortüberweisung can be found at https://www.klarna.com/sofort/datenschutz/.

22. Legal basis for processing

Art. 6 I lit. a GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company for processing operations for which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary to fulfill a contract to which the data subject is a party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations necessary for the delivery of goods or the provision of other services or consideration, the processing is based on Art. 6 I lit. b GDPR. The same applies to processing operations that are necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures, for example in cases of inquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation which requires the processing of personal data, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Art. 6 I lit. c GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured in our company and their name, age, health insurance details or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital or other third parties. In that case, the processing would be based on Art. 6 I lit. d GDPR. Ultimately, processing operations could be based on Art. 6 I lit. f GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations that are not covered by any of the aforementioned legal grounds if the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not override them. We are permitted to carry out such processing operations in particular because they were specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this respect, the legislator took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47, Sentence 2 GDPR).

23. Legitimate interests in the processing pursued by the controller or a third party

If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business activities for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and our shareholders.

24. Period for which the personal data will be stored

The criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiration of this period, the corresponding data will be routinely deleted unless it is no longer required for the fulfillment or initiation of a contract.

25. Legal or contractual provisions for the provision of personal data; necessity for the conclusion of the contract; obligation of the data subject to provide the personal data; possible consequences of non-provision

We would like to clarify that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or can also arise from contractual provisions (e.g. information on the contractual partner). Sometimes it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data in order to conclude a contract, which must then be processed by us. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data if our company concludes a contract with him or her. Failure to provide the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before the data subject provides personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will clarify to the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of the personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data and what consequences non-provision of the personal data would have.

26. Existence of automated decision-making

As a responsible company, we do not use automated decision-making or profiling.

27. Source:

Developed by the Legal Tech Specialists from Willing & Able, who also developed the system for simple procedure lists The texts of the privacy policy generator were developed by Prof. Dr. hc Heiko Jonny Maniero and lawyer Christian Solmecke created and published.