Privacy policy according to the GDPR

I. Name and address of the controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation and other national data protection laws of the member states as well as other data protection regulations is the

Ruhrverband, represented by the Chairman of the Executive Board Prof Dr Norbert Jardin
Kronprinzenstraße 37
45128 Essen
Essen, Germany
Phone: 0201/178-0
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ruhrverband.de

II. Name and address of the data protection officer

The data protection officer of the controller is

Angela Streit
Ruhrverband
Kronprinzenstraße 37
45128 Essen
Essen, Germany
Phone: 0201/178-1060
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ruhrverband.de

III General information on data processing

1. Scope of the processing of personal data

We only process our users' personal data to the extent necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services. The processing of our users' personal data only takes place regularly with the user's consent. An exception applies in cases where prior consent cannot be obtained for factual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by law.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

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

When processing personal data that is necessary for the fulfilment of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. 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 to fulfil a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR serves as the legal basis.

In the event that vital interests of the data subject or another natural person require the processing of personal data, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. 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 if the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the first-mentioned interest, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

3. Data erasure and storage duration

The personal data of the data subject will be erased or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage no longer applies. Data may also be stored if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in EU regulations, laws or other provisions 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 fulfilment of a contract.

IV. Provision of the website and creation of log files

1. description and scope of data processing

Each 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:
(1) Information about the browser type and version used
(2) The user's operating system
(3) The user's internet service provider
(4) The IP address of the user
(5) Date and time of access
(6) Websites from which the user's system accesses our website
(7) Websites that are accessed by the user's system via our website

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.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

3. Purpose of the 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 remain stored for the duration of the session.

The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. We also use the data to optimise the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not analysed for marketing purposes in this context.

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

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of the collection of data for the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended.

If the data is stored in log files, this is the case after seven days at the latest. Storage beyond this period is possible. In this case, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or anonymised so that it is no longer possible to identify the accessing client.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, there is no possibility for the user to object.

V. Use of cookies

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 accesses a website, a cookie may be stored on the user's operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string of characters that enables the browser to be uniquely identified when the website is called up again.

We use cookies to make our website more user-friendly. Some elements of our website require that the accessing browser can be identified even after a page change.
The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:

(1) Language settings
(2) Log-in information

We also use cookies on our website that enable an analysis of the user's surfing behaviour.

The following data can be transmitted in this way

(1) Search terms entered
(2) Frequency of page views
(3) Utilisation of website functions

The user data collected in this way is pseudonymised by technical precautions. It is therefore no longer possible to assign the data to the accessing user. The data is not stored together with other personal user data.
When accessing our website, users are informed about the use of cookies for analysis purposes by an information banner and referred to this data protection declaration. In this context, there is also a reference to how the storage of cookies can be prevented in the browser settings (see below).

b) Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

c) Purpose of the data processing

The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary for the browser to be recognised even after a page change.
The user data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.
Analysis cookies are used for the purpose of improving the quality of our website and its content. Through the analysis cookies, we learn how the website is used and can thus constantly optimise our offer.

These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

d) Duration of storage, objection and removal options

Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted by it to our website. As a user, you therefore have full control over the use of cookies. You can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies by changing the settings in your Internet browser. Cookies that have already been saved 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.

VI Contact form and email contact

1. description and scope of data processing

There is a contact form on our website that can be used to contact us electronically. If a user makes use of this option, the data entered in the input mask will be transmitted to us by e-mail.

These data are

Mandatory data:
First name, surname
e-mail address

Voluntary information:
Telephone number
Street House number
Postcode, city
Enquiry topic as selection
Message as free text

The following data is also stored when the message is sent:

(1) The IP address of the user
(2) Date and time

Your consent is obtained for the processing of the data as part of the sending process and reference is made to this privacy policy.

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

The data will not be passed on to third parties in this context. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has given consent.

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If the e-mail contact is aimed at the conclusion of a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The processing of the personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact. If you contact us by email, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data.
The other personal data processed during the sending process serves to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the input screen of the contact form and those sent by email, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified.

The additional personal data collected during the sending process will be deleted after a period of seven days at the latest.

5. Possibility of objection and cancellation

The user has the option to revoke their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.

To do so, simply send an email to: [email protected].

All personal data stored in the course of contacting us will be deleted in this case.

VII. Web analysis by Matomo (formerly PIWIK)

1. Scope of the processing of personal data

We use the open source software tool Matomo (formerly PIWIK) on our website to analyse the surfing behaviour of our users. The software places a cookie on the user's computer (for cookies, see above). If individual pages of our website are accessed, the following data is stored:

(1) Two bytes of the IP address of the user's accessing system
(2) The website accessed
(3) The website from which the user accessed the website (referrer)
(4) The subpages that are accessed from the accessed website
(5) The time spent on the website
(6) The frequency with which the website is accessed

The software runs exclusively on the servers of our website. The user's personal data is only stored there. The data is not passed on to third parties.

The software is set so that the IP addresses are not stored in full, 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.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for the processing of users' personal data is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The processing of users' personal data enables us to analyse the surfing behaviour of our users. By analysing 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. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in processing the data in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. By anonymising the IP address, the interest of users in the protection of their personal data is sufficiently taken into account.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for our recording purposes. In our case, this period is six months.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

We offer our users the option of opting out of the analysis process on our website. To do this, you must follow the corresponding link. In this way, another cookie is set on your system, which signals to our system not to save the user's data. If the user deletes the corresponding cookie from their own system in the meantime, they must set the opt-out cookie again.

Your visit to this website is currently recorded by Matomo (formerly Piwik) web analytics.

Web analysis by Matomo (formerly PIWIK)

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

VIII. Google Web Fonts

This site uses so-called web fonts to display the font. These are provided by Google(http://www.google.com/webfonts/). For this purpose, your browser loads the required web font into your browser cache when you access our site. This is necessary so that your browser can also display a visually improved presentation of our texts. If your browser does not support this function, a standard font from your computer will be used for display.
You can find further information on Google web fonts at https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq?hl=de-DE&csw=1
General information on data protection at Google can be found at http://www.google.com/intl/de-DE/policies/privacy/

IX. Data protection provisions about the application and use of YouTube

The controller has integrated YouTube components on this website. YouTube is an Internet video portal that enables video publishers to post 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 complete film and television programmes as well as music videos, trailers or videos made by users themselves can be accessed via the Internet portal.

The operating company of YouTube is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. YouTube, LLC is a subsidiary of Google Inc, 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351, USA.

Each time one of the individual pages of this website is accessed, which is operated by the data controller and on which a YouTube component (YouTube video) has been integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the person concerned is automatically prompted by the respective YouTube component to download a representation of the corresponding YouTube component from YouTube. Further information about YouTube can be found at www.youtube.com/yt/about/de/ can be accessed. During the course of this technical procedure, YouTube and Google gain knowledge of what specific sub-page of our website was visited by the data subject.

If the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time, YouTube recognises which specific sub-page of our website the data subject is visiting when they access a sub-page that contains 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 if the data subject is logged in to YouTube at the same time as accessing our website; this takes place 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 the transmission by logging out of their YouTube account before accessing our website.

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

X. Rights of the data subject

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

1. Right to information

You can request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by us.
If such processing is taking place, you can request the following information from the controller

(1) the purposes for which the personal data are processed;
(2) the categories of personal data being processed
(3) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed
(4) the envisaged period for which the personal data concerning you will be stored, or, if specific information on this is not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
(5) 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
(6) the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
(7) all available information about the origin of the data if the personal data is not collected from the data subject
(8) 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 on the logic involved and 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 transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. In this context, you may request to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 GDPR in connection with the transfer.

This right of access may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the realisation of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

2. Right to rectification

You have a right to rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the controller if the processed personal data concerning you is incorrect or incomplete. The controller must make the rectification without undue delay.

Your right to rectification may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the realisation of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

3. Right to restriction of processing

Under the following conditions, you may request the restriction of the processing of your personal data:

(1) if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
(2) the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of their use instead
(3) the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by you for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; or
(4) if you have objected to processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override your grounds.

If the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, this data - apart from its storage - 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.

Your right to restriction of processing may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the realisation of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

4. Right to erasure

a) Obligation to erase

You have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning you without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:

(1) The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
(2) You revoke your consent on which the processing was based pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
(3) You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing.
(4) The personal data concerning you has been processed unlawfully.
(5) The deletion of personal data concerning you is necessary to fulfil a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
(6) The personal data concerning you have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) GDPR.

b) Information to third parties

Where the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged pursuant to Art. 17 (1) GDPR to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers which are processing the personal data that you as the data subject have requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data.

c) Exceptions

The right to erasure does not apply if the processing is necessary

(1) to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information
(2) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller
(3) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health pursuant to Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h and i and Art. 9 para. 3 GDPR;
(4) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with 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 objectives of that processing, or
(5) for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

5. Right to information

If you have asserted the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to notify 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 a disproportionate effort.

You have the right to be informed of these recipients by the controller.

6. Right to data portability

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you, which 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 which the personal data has been provided, where

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

In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. The freedoms and rights of other persons must not be affected by this.

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

7. Right to object

You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions.

The controller will no longer process the personal data concerning you unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
If the personal data concerning you are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.

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

You have the possibility to exercise your right to object in relation to the use of information society services - notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC - by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.

You also have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 (1) GDPR.

Your right to object may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the realisation of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

8. Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law

You have the right to withdraw your declaration of consent under data protection law at any time. The withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

9. Automated decision-making in individual cases, 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

(1) is necessary for the conclusion or fulfilment of a contract between you and the controller
(2) is authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests; or
(3) with your express consent.

However, these decisions may not be based on special categories of personal data pursuant to Art. 9 para. 1 GDPR, unless Art. 9 para. 2 lit. 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 cases referred to in (1) and (3), the data controller shall implement suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express your point of view and to contest the decision. 10.

10. 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 habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the GDPR.
The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant on the progress and the outcome of the complaint including the possibility of a judicial remedy pursuant to Art. 78 GDPR.