Data protection

The protection of your personal data is an important concern for us.

The collection and processing of your personal data is carried out in compliance with the applicable data protection regulations, in particular the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This statement describes how and for what purpose your information is collected and used, and the choices you have regarding personal information.

By using this website, you consent to the collection, use and transfer of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

If you are redirected to other pages via links on our pages, please inform yourself there about the respective handling of your data.

The responsible body within the meaning of the GDPR and other national data protection laws as well as other data protection regulations is the

Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research Thuringia (STIFT)
Petersberg 15 | 99084 Erfurt
Phone: +49 (0)361 78923-50
E-mail: info@stiftung-innovation.de
Website: www.stiftung-innovation.de

Dr. Christiane Spieß
Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research Thuringia (STIFT)
Petersberg 15 | 99084 Erfurt
Phone: +49 (0)361 78923-50
E-mail: datenschutz@stift-thueringende
Website: www.stift-thueringen.de

a) Scope of processing of personal data
As a matter of principle, we only process personal data of our users to the extent that this is necessary to provide a functioning website as well as our content and services. As a rule, the processing of personal data of our users is only carried out after the user’s consent. An exception applies in cases in which prior consent is not possible for factual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by statutory provisions.

b) Legal basis for the processing of personal data
Insofar as we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing of personal data, Art. 6 (1) (a) of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.

In the case of the processing of personal data that is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations that are necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures.

Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary for the fulfilment of a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR serves as the legal basis.

In the event that the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person necessitate the processing of personal data, Art. 6 (1) (d) GDPR serves as the legal basis.

If the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the first-mentioned interest, Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

c) Data deletion and storage period
The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage no longer applies. Storage may also take place if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in EU regulations, laws or other regulations to which the controller is subject. The data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless there is a need for further storage of the data for the conclusion or performance of a contract.

a) Description and scope of data processing
Every time our website is accessed, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing computer.

The following data is collected:

  • Browser types and versions used
  • the operating system used by the accessing system
  • the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrers)
  • the sub-websites that are accessed via an accessing system on our website
  • the date and time of access to the website
  • an Internet Protocol (IP) address
  • the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and
  • other similar data and information that serves to avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

The data is also stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user.

b) Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

c) Purpose of data processing
The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable the website to be delivered to the user’s computer. For this purpose, the user’s IP address must be stored for the duration of the session.

The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, the data is used to optimize the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. An evaluation of the data for marketing purposes does not take place in this context.

These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

d) Duration of storage
The data will be deleted as soon as they are no longer necessary to achieve the purpose for which they were collected. If the data is stored in log files, this is the case after seven days at the latest. Storage beyond this is possible. In this case, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or alienated so that it is no longer possible to assign the calling client.

e) Possibility of objection and removal
The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of the data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, there is no possibility of objection on the part of the user.

a) Description and scope of data processing
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the Internet browser or by the Internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user visits a website, a cookie may be stored on the user’s operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string of characters that allows the browser to be uniquely identified when you return to the website.

We use cookies to make our website functional. Some elements of our website require that the accessing browser can be identified even after a page has changed.

The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:

  • Cookie Consent Choices
  • Language settings

We also use cookies on our website that enable an analysis of users’ surfing behaviour.

In this way, the following data can be transmitted:

  • Entered search terms
  • Frequency of page views
  • Use of website functions

When accessing our website, the user is informed about the use of cookies for analysis purposes and their consent to the processing of the personal data used in this context is obtained. In this context, reference is also made to this privacy policy.

b) Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies for analysis purposes is Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR if the user has consented to this.

Otherwise, the legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically necessary cookies is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

c) Purpose of data processing
The purpose of the use of technically necessary cookies is to enable users to use websites. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary that the browser is recognized even after a page change.

We need cookies for the following applications:

  • Cookie Consent Choices
  • Language settings

The user data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.

The analysis cookies are used for the purpose of improving the quality of our website and its content. The analysis cookies tell us how the website is used and can thus constantly optimise our offer.

These purposes also include our legitimate interest in the subsequent processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

d) Duration of storage, objection and removal options
Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted from the user to our site. 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 transmission of cookies. Cookies that have already been stored can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to use all functions of the website to their full extent.

e) Consent with complianz

This website uses the plugin complianz to obtain your consent to the storage of certain cookies on your device or to the use of certain technologies and to document them in compliance with data protection regulations. The provider of this technology is Complianz B.V., Kalmarweg 14-5, 9723JG Groningen, Netherlands.

No data will be transferred to Complianz B.V.

a) Description and scope of data processing
On our website, it is possible to subscribe to a free newsletter. The “Brevo” tool from Seninblue GmbH is used to send the newsletter. The Brevo Declaration of Protection can be found here. When registering for the newsletter, the data from the input mask is transmitted to us:

  • Title
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • E-mail address

In addition, the following data is collected during registration:

  • Date of registration
  • IP address of the accessing computer

Your consent will be obtained for the processing of the data as part of the registration process and reference will be made to this privacy policy.

In connection with data processing for the sending of newsletters, the data will not be passed on to third parties. The data will be used exclusively for sending the newsletter.

b) Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the processing of data after registration for the newsletter by the user is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has consented.

c) Purpose of data processing
The collection of the user’s e-mail address serves to deliver the newsletter.

The collection of other personal data as part of the registration process serves to prevent misuse of the services or the e-mail address used.

d) Duration of storage
The data will be deleted as soon as they are no longer necessary to achieve the purpose for which they were collected. The data referred to in No. 6a) will therefore be stored for as long as the subscription to the newsletter is active.

e) Possibility
of objection and removal The subscription to the newsletter can be cancelled by the affected user at any time. For this purpose, there is a corresponding link in every newsletter. This also enables a revocation of consent to the storage of personal data collected during the registration process.

It is possible to contact us via our website via the e-mail address provided. In this case, the user’s personal data transmitted with the e-mail will be stored. In this context, the data will not be passed on to third parties. The data is used exclusively for the processing of the conversation

a) Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the processing of the data is Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR if the user has consented. The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

b) Purpose of data processing
The processing of personal data serves us solely to process the contact. In the event of contact by e-mail, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in the processing of the data.

c) Duration of storage
The data will be deleted as soon as they are no longer necessary to achieve the purpose for which they were collected. This is the case for the data collected during the registration process if the registration on our website is cancelled or modified.

d) Possibility of objection and removal
The user has the option of revoking his consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, he can object to the storage of his personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued. The user can revoke consent and object to the storage by telephone or e-mail using the contacts listed under no. 1 and/or no. 2. In this case, all personal data stored in the course of contacting us will be deleted.

On our website you will find some cross-references (hyperlinks) to other websites that do not belong to STIFT. The respective providers are responsible for content and data processing on linked websites.

Social plugins (“plugins”) are used on our website, through which personal data can be sent to the service providers (also to non-European countries) and may be used by them. We ourselves do not collect any additional personal data via the plugins for our own purposes.
We have configured the social plugins in such a way that no personal data is initially passed on to the providers of the individual social plugins when you visit our website. Only when you click on one of the social plugins can data be transferred to the service provider and stored there. You can also completely prevent the loading of the plugins with add-ons for your browser, e.g. with the script blocker “NoScript” (https://noscript.net/).

We have no influence on whether and to what extent the service providers collect personal data. We also do not know the scope, purpose and storage period of the data collection. It must be assumed that at least the IP address and device-related information are collected and used. It is also possible that the service providers use cookies. For the purpose and scope of the data collection and the further processing and use of the data by the respective service providers, as well as your rights in this regard and setting options to protect your privacy, please refer to the corresponding data protection notice.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/policy.php
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy
YouTube: www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/

a) Scope of processing of personal data
On our website, we use the open-source software tool Matomo (formerly PIWIK) to analyse the surfing behaviour of our users. The software places a cookie on the user’s computer (see above for cookies). When individual pages of our website are accessed, the following data is stored:

  • Two bytes of the IP address of the user’s calling system
  • The website accessed
  • The website from which the user came to the accessed website (referrer)
  • The subpages that are accessed from the accessed website
  • The time spent on the website
  • The frequency of access to the website

The software runs exclusively on the servers of our website. The personal data of the users is only stored there. The data will not be passed on to third parties.

The software is set up in such a way that the IP addresses are not completely stored, but 2 bytes of the IP address are masked (e.g. 192.168.xxx.xxx). In this way, it is no longer possible to assign the shortened IP address to the calling computer.

b) Legal basis for the processing of personal data
The legal basis for the processing of users’ personal data is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

c) Purpose of data processing
The processing of users’ personal data allows us to analyse the browsing behaviour of our users. By evaluating the data obtained, we are able to compile information about the use of the individual components of our website. This helps us to constantly improve our website and its user-friendliness. In these purposes, our legitimate interest also lies in the processing of the data in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. The anonymisation of the IP address sufficiently takes into account the interest of users in the protection of their personal data.

d) Duration of storage
The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer needed for our recording purposes. In our case, this is the case after 6 months.

e) Objection and removal options
Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted to our site by the user. 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 transmission of cookies. Cookies that have already been stored can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to use all functions of the website to their full extent.

If your personal data is processed, you are a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR and you have the following rights vis-à-vis the controller:

a) Right
of access You may request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by us.

In the event of such processing, you may request the Controller to provide the following information:

  • the purposes for which the personal data is processed;
  • the categories of personal data that are processed;
  • the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you has been or will be disclosed;
  • the planned period of storage of personal data concerning you or, if specific information is not possible, criteria for determining the storage period;
  • the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning you, a right to restriction of processing by the Controller or a right to object to such processing;
  • the existence of a right of appeal to a supervisory authority;
  • all available information about the origin of the data, if the personal data is not collected from the data subject;
  • the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, in accordance with Art. 22 (1) and (4) GDPR and – at least in these cases – meaningful information about the logic involved as well as the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to request information as to whether the personal data concerning you is being transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. In this context, you can request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards in accordance with Art. 46 GDPR in connection with the transfer.

b) Right to rectification
You have the right to rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the Data Controller if the personal data processed concerning you is inaccurate or incomplete. The controller must make the correction without delay.

c) Right to restriction of processing
You can request the restriction of the processing of personal data concerning you under the following conditions:

  • if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period of time that allows the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
  • the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request 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 you need them to establish, exercise or defend legal claims, or
  • if you have objected to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 (1) GDPR and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate reasons of the controller outweigh your reasons.

Where the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, such data may only be processed with your 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.

If the restriction of processing has been restricted in accordance with the above conditions, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.

d) Right to erasure

aa) You
may request that the controller erase the personal data concerning you without undue delay, and the controller is obliged to delete such data without undue delay if one of the following grounds applies:

  • The personal data concerning you is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed.
  • You revoke your consent on which the processing was based in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (a) or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
  • You object to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 (2) GDPR.
  • The personal data concerning you has been unlawfully processed.
  • The erasure of personal data concerning you is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
  • The personal data concerning you was collected in relation to the information society services offered in accordance with Art. 8 para. 1 GDPR.

bb) Information to third parties
If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to delete them in accordance with Article 17 (1) GDPR, it shall take appropriate measures, including technical measures, taking into account the available technology and the costs of implementation, to inform the data controllers who process the personal data that you, as the data subject, wish to be deleted by them of any links to, or copies or replications of, such personal data.

cc) Exceptions
The right to erasure does not exist if the processing is necessary

  • to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information;
  • to comply with a legal obligation requiring processing under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, or to carry out 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 field of public health in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h and i and Art. 9 para. 3 GDPR;
  • for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 para. 1 GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the purposes of this processing, or
  • to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

e) Right to information
If you have asserted the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing vis-à-vis the controller, the controller is obliged to inform all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been disclosed of this rectification or erasure of the data or restriction of processing, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.

You have the right to be informed about these recipients vis-à-vis the controller.

f) Right to data portability
You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have provided to the controller in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data has been provided, provided that:

  • the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR, and
  • the processing is carried out by automated means.

In exercising this right, you also have the right to obtain that the personal data concerning you is transferred directly from one controller to another controller, to the extent that this is technically feasible. The freedoms and rights of other persons must not be impaired by this.

The right to data portability does not apply to processing of personal data that 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.

g) Right
to object You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you that is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

The controller will no longer process the personal data concerning you unless it can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that outweigh your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

If the personal data concerning you is processed for the purpose of direct marketing, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of the personal data concerning you for the purpose of such advertising; this also applies to profiling, insofar as it is related to such direct advertising.

If you object to the processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for these purposes.

Notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, you have the option of exercising your right to object to the use of information society services by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.

h) Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection lawYou have the right to revoke your declaration of consent under data protection law at any time.
The revocation of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out on the basis of the consent before the revocation.

i) Automated individual decision-making, including profiling
You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This does not apply if the decision

  • is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between you and the controller,
  • is permitted by Union or Member State legislation to which the controller is subject, and that legislation contains appropriate measures to safeguard your rights, freedoms and legitimate interests, or
  • with your express consent.

However, these decisions may not be based on special categories of personal data pursuant to Art. 9 (1) GDPR, unless Art. 9 (2) (a) or (g) GDPR applies and appropriate measures have been taken to protect the rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests.

With regard to the first and last of the above-mentioned cases, the Controller shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms and your legitimate interests, including, at a minimum, the right to obtain the intervention of a person from the Controller, to express its own point of view and to challenge the decision.

j) Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, your place of work or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

The supervisory authority to which the complaint was lodged informs the complainant of the status and results of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Art. 78 GDPR.