Privacy Policy

Name and address of the responsible persons

Responsible person according to DGSVO

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 provisions is the:

Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
Universitätsstr 1
40225 Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf

Tel: +49 211 81-11

Further information and contact details in the imprint of the Heinrich Heine University

Data Protection Officer

Dr. Ursula Hilgers

Building: 16.11
Floor/Room: 01.88

+49 211 81-13060

Write an E-Mail

General information on data processing

a) Scope of the processing of personal data

As a matter of principle, we only process personal data of our users to the extent that this is necessary for the provision of a functional website as well as our content and services. The processing of personal data of the users is regularly carried out only after their consent. An exception applies in those cases where obtaining prior consent is not possible for actual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by legal regulations.

b) Legal basis for the processing of personal data

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

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

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

In the event that vital interests of the data subject or another natural person make it necessary to process personal data, Art. 6 (1) lit. d DSGVO serves as the legal basis.

If the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not override the former interest, Art. 6 (1) lit. f DSGVO serves as the legal basis for the processing.

c) Data deletion and storage period

The personal data of the data subject shall be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of the storage no longer applies. Storage may also take place if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in Union regulations, laws or other provisions to which the controller is subject. 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.

Provision of the website and creation of log files

a) Description and scope of data processing

Bei jedem Aufruf einer Seite unseres Internetauftritts erfasst unser System automatisiert Daten und Informationen vom Computersystem des aufrufenden Rechners.Each time a page of our website is called up, our system automatically records data and information from the computer system of the calling computer.

The following data is collected: Information about the browser type and the version used, the operating system used, the IP address of the user, the date and time of access, websites from which a page of our website is accessed, websites that are accessed via our website.

The data is also stored in the log files of our system. A storage of this data together with other personal data does not take place.

b) Legal basis for data processing

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

c) Purpose of the data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable delivery of the website to the user’s computer. For this purpose, the user’s IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.

The storage in log files is done to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, we use the data 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 are also our legitimate interest in data processing according to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO.

d) Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve 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.

In the case of storage of data 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 alienated, so that an assignment of the calling client is no longer possible.

e) Objection and elimination options

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 our website. Consequently, there is no possibility for the user to object.

Cookies use

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 website is accessed, 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 calling browser can be identified even after a page change.

b) Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Art. 6 (1) lit. f DSGVO.

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 that the browser is recognized even after a page change.

The user data collected through technically necessary cookies are not used to create user profiles.

In these purposes also lies our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data according to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO.

d) Duration of storage, possibility of objection and elimination

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted from it to our site. Therefore, you 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 fully use all functions of the website.

Contact form and e-mail contact

a) Description and scope of data processing

On some pages of our website there are contact forms which offer the possibility of electronic contact. If a user makes use of this option, the data entered in the form will be transmitted to us and stored.

The following data is also stored at the time the message is sent: The IP address of the calling computer, date and time of registration.

For the processing of the data, your consent is obtained during the submission process and reference is made to this privacy policy.

Alternatively, it is possible to contact us via the e-mail address provided. In this case, the 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.

b) Legal basis for the processing of personal data

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

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

d) Duration of data storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the input mask of the contact form and those sent by e-mail, this is the case when the respective conversation has ended. The conversation is ended when it is clear 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.

e) Possibilities of objection and removal

The user has the possibility to revoke his/her consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the contact is made by e-mail contact, he / she can object to the storage of personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation can not be continued.

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

Rights of the data subjects

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 to information

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

If there is such processing, you can request information from the controller about the following:

(1) the purposes for which the personal data are processed;

(2) the categories of personal data which are processed;

(3) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed;

(4) the planned duration of the storage of the personal data concerning you or, if concrete information on this is not possible, criteria for determining the storage duration;

(5) the existence of a right to rectify or erase the personal data concerning you, a right to have the controller restrict the processing, or a right to object to such processing;

(6) the existence of a right of appeal to a supervisory authority;

(7) any available information on the origin of the data, if the personal data are not collected from the data subject;

(8) the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, at least in these cases, meaningful information about the logic involved and the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to request information about whether the personal data concerning you is transferred to a third country or to an international organization. In this context, you may request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 DSGVO 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 achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

b) Right to rectification

You have a right to rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the controller, insofar as the processed personal data concerning you are inaccurate or incomplete. The controller shall carry out the rectification without undue delay.

Your right to rectification may be limited to the extent that it is likely to make impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the limitation is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

Conclusion of the contract or the fulfillment of the contract.

c) Right to restriction of processing

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

(1) if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period enabling the controller(s) to verify the accuracy of the personal data;

(2) the processing is unlawful and you object to the erasure of the personal data and request instead the restriction of the use of the personal data;

(3) the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but you need them for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims; or

(4) if you have objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) DSGVO and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate grounds of the controller(s) override your grounds.

Where the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, such data may be processed, with the exception of their storage, only 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 important public interest of the Union or 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 restrict processing may be limited to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impede the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

d) Right to deletion

1) Obligation to delete

You may request from the controller(s) that the personal data concerning you be erased without delay, and the controller is obliged to erase such data without delay, if one of the following reasons applies:

(1) The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary for 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 (1) a or Art. 9 (2) a DSGVO and there is no other legal basis for the processing.

(3) You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) DSGVO and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) DSGVO.

(4) The personal data concerning you have been processed unlawfully.

(5) The deletion of the personal data concerning you is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.

(6) The personal data concerning you was collected in relation to information society services offered pursuant to Art. 8 (1) DSGVO.

2) Information to third parties

If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to erase it pursuant to Article 17(1) of the GDPR, it shall take reasonable measures, including technical measures, having regard to the available technology and the cost of implementation, to inform data controllers which process the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested that they erase all links to or copies or replications of such personal data.

3) Exceptions

The right to erasure does not exist insofar as the processing is necessary to

(1) to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information;

(2) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing under 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(2)(h) and (i) and Art. 9(3) DSGVO;

(4) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in Section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously prejudice the achievement of the purposes of such processing, or

(5) to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

e) Right to information

Haben Sie das Recht auf Berichtigung, Löschung oder Einschränkung der Verarbeitung gegenüber dem/der Verantwortlichen geltend gemacht, ist diese(r) verpflichtet, allen Empfängern, denen die Sie betreffenden personenbezogenen Daten offengelegt wurden, diese Berichtigung oder Löschung der Daten oder Einschränkung der Verarbeitung mitzuteilen, es sei denn, dies erweist sich als unmöglich oder ist mit einem unverhältnismäßigen Aufwand verbunden.

You have the right against the responsible person to be informed about these recipients.

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 was provided, provided that

(1) the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a DSGVO or Art. 9 Para. 2 lit. a DSGVO or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. b DSGVO and

(2) the processing is carried out with the aid of automated procedures.

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

The right to data portability does not apply to 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.

Conclusion of the contract or the fulfillment of the contract.

g) Right of objection

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

The controller shall no longer process the personal data concerning you unless it can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or for the establishment, exercise or defense of 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 personal data concerning you for the purpose of such marketing; this also applies to profiling, insofar as 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, in connection with the use of information society services – notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC – to exercise your right to object by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.

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

Your right to object may be limited to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the realization of the research or statistical purposes and the limitation is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

h) Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law

You 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 until the revocation.

i) Automated decision 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 performance of a contract between you and the controller,

(2) is permitted by legislation of the Union or the Member States to which the controller is subject and that legislation contains appropriate measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and your legitimate interests; or

(3) is done with your express consent.

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

With regard to the cases referred to in (1) and (3), the controller shall take reasonable steps to safeguard the rights and freedoms of, and the legitimate interests of, the data subject, including at least the right to obtain the intervention of a person on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and to contest the decision.

j) Right to complain to 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, workplace 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 has been lodged shall inform the complainant of the status and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Article 78 GDPR.