Privacy Policy

Thank you for your interest in our services and for visiting our website. We take the protection of your personal data very seriously and would like to use this privacy policy to inform you about which data is collected and processed for what purpose when you use our website.

1. An Overview of Data Protection

General Information

The following information will provide you with an easy to navigate overview of what will happen with your personal data when you visit this website. The term “personal data” comprises all data that can be used to personally identify you. For detailed information about the subject matter of data protection, please consult our Data Protection Declaration, which we have included in the text below.

Data Collection on this Website

Who is the responsible party for the data collection on this website (i.e., the “controller”)?

The data on this website is processed by the operator of the website, whose contact information is available under section “Information about the responsible party (referred to as the “controller” in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR))” in this privacy policy.

How do we collect your data?

Your data is collected in part when you provide it to us. This may include, for example, data you enter into our contact form.

Other data is collected automatically or with your consent when you visit the website through our IT systems. This primarily includes technical data (e.g., internet browser, operating system, or time of page access). The collection of this data happens automatically as soon as you visit the website.

What are the purposes we use your data for?

Some of the data is collected to ensure the proper functioning of the website. Other data may be used to analyze your user behavior.

What rights do you have regarding your data?

You have the right to obtain information about the origin, recipients, and purpose of your stored personal data at any time, free of charge. You also have the right to request the correction or deletion of this data. If you have given consent to data processing, you can withdraw this consent at any time for the future. Additionally, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data under certain circumstances. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.

You can contact us at any time for this or any other questions regarding data protection.

Analytics Tools and Third-Party Tools

When visiting this website, your browsing behavior may be analyzed for statistical purposes. This is primarily done using so-called analytics programs.

For detailed information about these analytics programs, please refer to the following privacy policy.

2. Hosting

We host the content of our website with the following provider:

Alfahosting

The provider is the Alfahosting GmbH, Edmund-von-Lippmann-Straße 13-15, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany (hereinafter referred to as: Alfahosting). When you visit our website, Alfahosting collects various log files, including your IP addresses.

For details, please consult the privacy policy of Alfahosting: https://alfahosting.de/datenschutz/.

We use Alfahosting on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.

We have a legitimate interest in presenting our website as reliably as possible. If consent has been requested, processing will only take place on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the Telecommunications and Digital Services Data Protection Act (TDDDG), insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g., for device fingerprinting) as defined by the TDDDG. The consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Data Processing Agreement (DPA)

We have concluded a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) for the use of the above-mentioned service. This is a contract required by data protection laws, ensuring that the service provider processes the personal data of our website visitors only in accordance with our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR.

3. General Information and Mandatory Information

Data Protection

The operators of this website take the protection of your personal data very seriously. We treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with the legal data protection regulations and this privacy policy.

When you use this website, various personal data is collected. Personal data are data that can be used to identify you personally. This privacy policy explains which data we collect and how we use it. It also explains how and for what purpose this occurs.

We would like to point out that data transmission over the internet (e.g., when communicating via email) may have security vulnerabilities. Full protection of the data against unauthorized access by third parties cannot be guaranteed..

Information about the Responsible Party (Referred to as the “Controller” in the GDPR)

The responsible party for data processing on this website is:

Natalie Krugiolka
Authorized Translator and Sworn Interpreter (English and Spanish)
for the Berlin Courts and Notaries
Ossietzkystraße 29
D-13187-Berlin

Phone: +49 (0)30 / 4730 4868
Email: info@komunikando.de

The responsible party is the natural or legal person who alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of processing personal data (e.g., names, email addresses, or similar).

Storage Duration

Unless a more specific storage period is stated within this privacy policy, your personal data will remain with us until the purpose for processing the data no longer applies. If you submit a legitimate request for deletion or withdraw your consent to data processing, your data will be deleted, unless we have other legally permissible reasons for storing your personal data (e.g., tax or commercial retention periods); in such cases, the data will be deleted once these reasons no longer apply.

General Information on the Legal Basis for Data Processing on this Website

If you have given your consent to data processing, we process your personal data on based on Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR, if special categories of data are processed according to Art. 9(1) GDPR. In the case of explicit consent to the transfer of personal data to third countries, data processing is also carried out based on Art. 49(1)(a) GDPR. If you have consented to the storage of cookies or access to information on your device (e.g., via device fingerprinting), data processing is additionally carried out based on Section 25(1) TDDDG. You can withdraw your consent at any time. If your data is required for the performance of a contract or to take pre-contractual measures, we process your data based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. Furthermore, we process your data if it is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation, based on Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR. Data processing may also be carried out based on our legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The specific legal basis applicable in each case will be provided in the following sections of this privacy policy.

Recipients of Personal Data

In the course of our business activities, we cooperate with various external parties. In some cases, this also requires the transfer of personal data to these external parties. We only disclose personal data to external parties if this is required as part of the performance of a contract, if we are legally required to do so (e.g., disclosure of data to tax authorities), if we have a legitimate interest in the disclosure pursuant to Art. 6 (1)(f) GDPR, or if another legal basis permits the disclosure of this data. When using processors, we only disclose personal data of our customers on the basis of a valid contract on data processing. In the case of joint processing, a joint processing agreement is concluded.

Withdrawal of your Consent to Data Processing

Many data processing operations are only possible with your explicit consent. You may withdraw any consent you have already given at any time. The legality of the data processing carried out prior to the withdrawal remains unaffected.

Right to object to data collection in special cases and to direct marketing (Art. 21 GDPR)

IN THE EVENT THAT DATA ARE PROCESSED ON THE BASIS OF ART. 6(1)(E) OR (F) GDPR, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT AT ANY TIME TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA ON GROUNDS RELATING TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO ANY PROFILING BASED ON THESE PROVISIONS. TO DETERMINE THE LEGAL BASIS FOR ANY DATA PROCESSING, PLEASE REFER TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU OBJECT, WE WILL NO LONGER PROCESS YOUR AFFECTED PERSONAL DATA UNLESS WE CAN DEMONSTRATE COMPELLING LEGITIMATE GROUNDS FOR THE PROCESSING THAT OVERRIDE YOUR INTERESTS, RIGHTS, AND FREEDOMS, OR IF THE PROCESSING IS NECESSARY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, EXERCISE, OR DEFENCE OF LEGAL CLAIMS (OBJECTION PURSUANT TO ART. 21(1) GDPR).

IF YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING PROCESSED FOR THE PURPOSE OF DIRECT MARKETING, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR AFFECTED PERSONAL DATA FOR SUCH MARKETING PURPOSES AT ANY TIME. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING TO THE EXTENT THAT IT IS RELATED TO SUCH DIRECT MARKETING. IF YOU OBJECT, YOUR PERSONAL DATA WILL NO LONGER BE USED FOR DIRECT MARKETING PURPOSES (OBJECTION PURSUANT TO ART. 21(2) GDPR).

Right to Lodge a Complaint with the Competent Supervisory Authority

In the event of violations of the GDPR, data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, particularly in the member state of their habitual residence, place of work, or the location of the alleged infringement. The right to lodge a complaint is without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedies.

Right to Data Portability

You have the right to request that data we process automatically based on your consent or in the performance of a contract be provided to you or to a third party in a commonly used, machine-readable format. If you request the direct transfer of data to another controller, this will only be done insofar as it is technically feasible.

Right to Access, Rectification, and Erasure of Data

In accordance with applicable legal provisions, you have the right to request, at any time and free of charge, information about the personal data we store about you, their origin, recipients, and the purpose of the data processing, as well as, if applicable, the right to rectification or erasure of this data. For this and any other questions regarding your personal data, you can contact us at any time.

Right to Restriction of Processing

You have the right to request the restriction of processing of your personal data. You can contact us at any time to request this. The right to restriction of processing applies in the following cases:

If you dispute the accuracy of the personal data we store about you, we generally need time to verify this. During the verification period, you have the right to request the restriction of processing of your personal data.
If the processing of your personal data was/is unlawful, you may request the restriction of processing of your data instead of its erasure.
If we no longer need your personal data, but you require it for the exercise, defense, or establishment of legal claims, you have the right to request the restriction of processing of your personal data instead of its erasure.
If you have lodged an objection under Article 21(1) GDPR, a balancing between your and our interests must be carried out. As long as it is not yet determined whose interests prevail, you have the right to request the restriction of processing of your personal data.

If you have restricted the processing of your personal data, such data – aside from storage – may only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims, or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person, or for reasons of significant public interest in the European Union or a member state.

SSL and/or TLS Encryption

For security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, such as purchase orders or inquiries you submit to us as the website operator, this website uses either an SSL or a TLS encryption program. You can recognize an encrypted connection by checking whether the address line of the browser switches from “http://” to “https://” and also by the appearance of the lock icon in the browser line.

If the SSL or TLS encryption is activated, data you transmit to us cannot be read by third parties.

Objection to Marketing Emails

We hereby object to the use of contact data published in accordance with legal notice requirements for the purpose of sending unsolicited advertising and informational materials. The operators of this website expressly reserve the right to take legal action in the event of the unsolicited sending of promotional information, such as spam emails.

4. Data Collection on this Website

Cookies

Our website uses so-called “cookies”. Cookies are small data packages that do not cause any damage to your device. They are either stored temporarily for the duration of a session (session cookies) or they are permanently archived on your device (permanent cookies). Session cookies are automatically deleted once you terminate your visit. Permanent cookies remain archived on your device until you actively delete them, or they are automatically deleted by your web browser.

Cookies can be issued by us (first-party cookies) or by third-party companies (so-called third-party cookies). Third-party cookies enable the integration of certain services of third-party companies into websites (e.g., cookies for handling payment services).

Cookies have a variety of functions. Many cookies are technically essential since certain website functions would not work in the absence of these cookies (e.g., the shopping cart function or the display of videos). Other cookies may be used to analyze user behavior or for promotional purposes.

Cookies, which are required for the performance of the electronic communication transaction, for the provision of certain functions you want to use (e.g., for the shopping cart function) or those that are necessary for the optimization (necessary cookies) of the website (e.g., cookies that provide measurable insights into the web audience), shall be stored on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR, unless a different legal basis is cited. The operator of the website has a legitimate interest in the storage of necessary cookies to ensure the technically error-free and optimized provision of the operator’s services. If your consent to the storage of the cookies and similar recognition technologies has been requested, the processing occurs exclusively on the basis of the consent obtained (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25 (1) TDDDG); this cconsent may be withdrawn at any time.

You have the option to set up your browser in such a manner that you will be notified any time cookies are placed and to permit the acceptance of cookies only in specific cases. You may also exclude the acceptance of cookies in certain cases or in general or activate the delete-function for the automatic deletion of cookies when the browser closes. If cookies are deactivated, the functions of this website may be limited.

Which cookies and services are used on this website can be found in the following sections of this privacy policy.

Consent with Borlabs Cookie

Our website uses Borlabs Cookie’s consent technology to obtain your consent to store certain cookies in your browser or to use certain technologies, and to document this consent in compliance with data protection regulations. The provider of this technology is Borlabs GmbH, Hamburger Str. 11, 22083 Hamburg, Germany (hereinafter referred to as Borlabs).

When you visit our website, a Borlabs cookie is stored in your browser, which saves the consents you have given or the withdrawal of these consents.BrThis data is not shared with the provider of Borlabs Cookie.

The recorded data shall remain archived until you ask us to eradicate them, delete the Borlabs cookie on your own or the purpose of storing the data no longer exists. This shall be without prejudice to any retention obligations mandated by law. To review the details of Borlabs Cookie’s data processing policies, please visit https://borlabs.io/kb/what-information-does-borlabs-cookie-store/.

We use the Borlabs Cookie consent technology to obtain the legally required consent for the use of cookies. The legal basis for the use of such cookies is Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR.

Server Log Files

The provider of this website automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser communicates to us automatically. The information comprises:

Browser type and browser version
Operating system used
Referrer URL
Hostname of the accessing computer
Time of the server request
IP address

These data will not be merged with other data sources.

This data is recorded on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The operator of the website has a legitimate interest in the technically error-free display and the optimization of the operator’s website. In order to achieve this, server log files must be recorded.

Contact Form

If you submit requests to us via our contact form, the information provided in the request form, including the contact details you have entered, will be stored by us for the purpose of processing the request and in case of follow-up questions. We do not share this data without your consent.

The processing of these data is based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR, if your request is related to the execution of a contract or if it is necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, the processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective processing of the requests directed to us (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), if it has been requested; consent may be withdrawn at any time.

The data you enter in the contact form will remain with us until you request its deletion, withdraw your consent to store it, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies (e.g., after the completion of processing your request). Mandatory legal provisions – particularly retention periods – remain unaffected.

File Uploads via the Contact Form

If you upload files via our contact form (e.g. to request a translation quote or to commission a translation), these files are processed together with the information you provide for the purpose of handling your inquiry. The processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures) or – in the case of voluntary submission – on the basis of your consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR.

Your data is transmitted in encrypted form (SSL/TLS). This also protects file uploads against unauthorized access during transmission. Uploaded files are treated confidentially and are not shared with third parties without your explicit consent.

Request by Email, Phone, or Fax

If you contact us by email, phone, or fax, your request, including all resulting personal data (name, request) will be stored and processed by us for the purpose of processing your request. We do not pass these data on without your consent.

These data are processed on the basis of Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR if your inquiry is related to the performance of a contract or is required for the performance of pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, the data are processed on the basis of our legitimate interest in the effective handling of inquiries submitted to us (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on the basis of your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) if it has been obtained; the consent may be withdrawn at any time.

The data you send to us via contact requests will remain with us until you request its deletion, withdraw your consent to store it, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies (e.g., after the completion of processing your request). Mandatory legal provisions – particularly statutory retention periods – remain unaffected.

5. Analytics Tools and Advertising

Google Tag Manager

We use Google Tag Manager. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland

Google Tag Manager is a tool that allows us to integrate tracking or statistical tools and other technologies on our website. Google Tag Manager itself does not create any user profiles, does not store cookies, and does not carry out any independent analyses. It only manages and runs the tools integrated via it. However, Google Tag Manager does collect your IP address, which may also be transferred to Google’s parent company in the United States.

Google Tag Manager is used on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the quick and uncomplicated integration and administration of various tools on his website. If appropriate consent has been obtained, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25 (1) TDDDG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g., device fingerprinting) as defined by the TDDDG. This consent may be withdrawn at any time.

The company is certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF). The DPF is an agreement between the European Union and the United States intended to ensure compliance with European data protection standards for data processing carried out in the U.S. Each company certified under the DPF is obligated to comply with these data protection standards. You can find more information about Google’s participation in the DPF at the following link: https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/participant/5780.

Google Analytics

This website uses functions of the web analyticss service Google Analytics. The provider of this service is Google Ireland Limited (“Google”), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Google Analytics enables the website operator to analyze the behavior patterns of website visitors. To that end, the website operator receives a variety of user data, such as pages accessed, time spent on the page, the operating system used and the user’s origin. This data is summarized in a user-ID and assigned to the respective device of the website visitor.

Furthermore, Google Analytics allows us to record your mouse and scroll movements and clicks, among other things. Google Analytics uses various modeling approaches to augment the collected data sets and uses machine learning technologies in data analysis.

Google Analytics uses technologies that facilitate the recognition of the user for the purpose of analyzing the user behavior patterns (e.g., cookies or device fingerprinting). The information collected by Google about the use of this website is generally transmitted to a Google server in the United States and stored there.

The use of these services is based on your consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25 (1) TDDDG. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

Data transmission to the United States is based on the Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) of the European Commission. For more information, please refer to: https://business.safety.google/controllerterms/ and https://business.safety.google/controllerterms/sccs/.

IP Anonymization

We have enabled IP anonymization for Google Analytics on this website. As a result, your IP address will be shortened by Google within the member states of the European Union or in other contracting states of the European Economic Area Agreement, prior to its transmission to the United States. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to one of Google’s servers in the United States and shortened there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to analyze your use of this website to generate reports on website activities and to render other services to the operator of this website that are related to the use of the website and the Internet. The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of Google Analytics data collection will not be merged with other data from Google.

Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

You can prevent the collection and processing of your data by Google Analytics by downloading and installing the browser add-on available under the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en.

You can find more information on how Google Analytics handles user data in Google’s privacy policy at: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=en.

Google Signals

We use the Google Signals feature of Google Analytics. When you visit our website, Google Analytics collects, among other things, your location, search history, YouTube history, and demographic data (visitor data). These data may be used for personalized advertising with the help of Google Signals. If you have a Google account, the visitor data from Google Signals will be linked to your Google account and used for personalized advertising messages. The data will also be used to create anonymized statistics on user behavior of our users.

Data Processing Agreement

We have entered into a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with Google and we fully comply with the strict requirements of the German data protection authorities when using Google Analytics.

6. Plug-ins and Tools

Google Fonts (Local Embedding)

This website uses so-called Google Fonts provided by Google to ensure the uniform display of typefaces on this site. These Google fonts are locally installed so that a connection to Google’s servers will not be established in conjunction with this application.

For more information on Google Fonts, please follow this link: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq and consult Google’s privacy policy at: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en.

Google Maps

This website uses the mapping service Google Maps. The provider is Google Ireland Limited (“Google”), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

To enable the use of the Google Maps features, your IP address must be stored. As a rule, this information is transferred to one of Google’s servers in the United States, where it is archived. The operator of this website has no control over the data transfer. In case Google Maps has been activated, Google has the option to use Google Fonts for the purpose of the uniform depiction of fonts. When you access Google Maps, your browser will load the required web fonts into your browser cache, to correctly display text and fonts.

We use Google Maps to present our online content in an appealing manner and to make the locations indicated on our website easy to find. This constitutes a legitimate interest as defined in Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. If appropriate consent has been obtained, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25 (1) TTDSG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g., device fingerprinting) as defined by the TTDSG. This consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Data transmission to the U.S. is based on the Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) of the European Commission. Details can be found here: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/gdprcontrollerterms/ and https://privacy.google.com/businesses/gdprcontrollerterms/sccs/.

For more information on the handling of user data, please review Google’s privacy policy at: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en.

Adapted from: eRecht24