1. Introduction
In the following, we provide information about the collection of personal data when using
Personal data is any data that can be related to a specific natural person, such as their name or IP address.
1.1. Contact details
The controller within the meaning of Art. 4 para. 7 EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is aware THE PLATFORM GmbH, Köpenicker Chaussee 3a, 10317 Berlin, Deutschland, email: bepartof@tobeaware.de. We are legally represented by Lena Marie Schrum, Kim Natalie Fischer.
Our data protection officer can be reached via heyData GmbH, Schützenstraße 5, 10117 Berlin, www.heydata.eu, E-Mail: datenschutz@heydata.eu.
1.2. Scope of data processing, processing purposes and legal bases
We detail the scope of data processing, processing purposes and legal bases below. In principle, the following come into consideration as the legal basis for data processing:
1.3. Data processing outside the EEA
Insofar as we transfer data to service providers or other third parties outside the EEA, the security of the data during the transfer is guaranteed by adequacy decisions of the EU Commission, insofar as they exist (e.g. for Great Britain, Canada and Israel) (Art. 45 para. 3 GDPR).
If no adequacy decision exists (e.g. for the USA), the legal basis for the data transfer are usually, i.e. unless we indicate otherwise, standard contractual clauses. These are a set of rules adopted by the EU Commission and are part of the contract with the respective third party. According to Art. 46 para. 2 lit. b GDPR, they ensure the security of the data transfer. Many of the providers have given contractual guarantees that go beyond the standard contractual clauses to protect the data. These include, for example, guarantees regarding the encryption of data or regarding an obligation on the part of the third party to notify data subjects if law enforcement agencies wish to access the respective data.
1.4. Storage duration
Unless expressly stated in this privacy policy, the data stored by us will be deleted as soon as they are no longer required for their intended purpose and no legal obligations to retain data conflict with the deletion. If the data are not deleted because they are required for other and legally permissible purposes, their processing is restricted, i.e. the data are blocked and not processed for other purposes. This applies, for example, to data that must be retained for commercial or tax law reasons.
1.5. Rights of data subjects
Data subjects have the following rights against us with regard to their personal data:
Data subjects also have the right to complain to a data protection supervisory authority about the processing of their personal data. Contact details of the data protection supervisory authorities are available at https://www.bfdi.bund.de/EN/Service/Anschriften/Laender/Laender-node.html.
1.6. Obligation to provide data
Within the scope of the business or other relationship, customers, prospective customers or third parties need to provide us with personal data that is necessary for the establishment, execution and termination of a business or other relationship or that we are legally obliged to collect. Without this data, we will generally have to refuse to conclude the contract or to provide a service or will no longer be able to perform an existing contract or other relationship.
Mandatory data are marked as such.
1.7. No automatic decision making in individual cases
As a matter of principle, we do not use a fully automated decision-making process in accordance with article 22 GDPR to establish and implement the business or other relationship. Should we use these procedures in individual cases, we will inform of this separately if this is required by law.
1.8. Making contact
When contacting us, e.g. by e-mail or telephone, the data provided to us (e.g. names and e-mail addresses) will be stored by us in order to answer questions. The legal basis for the processing is our legitimate interest (Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR) to answer inquiries directed to us. We delete the data accruing in this context after the storage is no longer necessary or restrict the processing if there are legal retention obligations.
1.9. Competitions
Occasionally, we offer competitions via our website or in other ways. We process the data requested in these competitions in order to determine and notify the winners. Afterwards, we delete the data. It may also be that we only offer competitions for existing customers. In this case, we only process the name to determine the winners and the contact data to notify the winners. It is our legitimate interest to offer competitions to attract customers or to interact with our existing customers. The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR.
1.10. Customer surveys
From time to time, we conduct customer surveys to get to know our customers and their wishes better. In doing so, we collect the data requested in each case. It is our legitimate interest to get to know our customers and their wishes better, so that the legal basis for the associated data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit f GDPR. We delete the data when the results of the surveys have been evaluated.
2. Newsletter
We reserve the right to inform customers who have already used services from us or purchased goods from time to time by e-mail or other means electronically about our offers, if they have not objected to this. The legal basis for this data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR. Our legitimate interest is to conduct direct advertising (recital 47 GDPR). Customers can object to the use of their e-mail address for advertising purposes at any time without incurring additional costs, for example via the link at the end of each e-mail or by sending an e-mail to our above-mentioned e-mail address.
Interested parties have the option to subscribe to a free newsletter. We process the data provided during registration exclusively for sending the newsletter. Subscription takes place by selecting the corresponding field on our website, by ticking the corresponding field in a paper document or by another clear action, whereby interested parties declare their consent to the processing of their data, so that the legal basis is Art. 6 para. p. 1 lit. a GDPR. Consent can be revoked at any time, e.g. by clicking the corresponding link in the newsletter or notifying our e-mail address given above. The processing of the data until revocation remains lawful even in the event of revocation.
Based on the consent of the recipients (Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. a GDPR), we also measure the opening and click-through rate of our newsletters to understand what is relevant for our audience.
We send newsletters with the tool Mailchimp of the provider Rocket Science Group LLC, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Suite 5000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA (privacy policy: https://mailchimp.com/legal/privacy/). The provider processes content, usage, meta/communication data and contact data in the process in the USA.
We send newsletters with the tool HubSpot of the provider HubSpot, Inc., 25 1st Street Cambridge, MA 0214, USA (privacy policy: https://legal.hubspot.com/privacy-policy). The provider processes content, usage, meta/communication data and contact data in the process in the EU.
3. Data processing on our website
3.1. Informative use of our website
During the informative use of the website, i.e. when site visitors do not separately transmit information to us, we collect the personal data that the browser transmits to our server in order to ensure the stability and security of our website. This is our legitimate interest, so that the legal basis is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR.
These data are:
This data is also stored in log files. They are deleted when their storage is no longer necessary, at the latest after 14 days.
3.2. Web hosting and provision of the website
Our website is hosted by Xneelo. The provider is xneelo (Pty) Ltd, F Belvedere Office Park, Bella Rosa St, Bellville, Cape Town, 7550, South Afrika. In doing so, the provider processes the personal data transmitted via the website, e.g. content, usage, meta/communication data or contact data, in the EU. Further information can be found in the provider’s privacy policy at https://xneelo.co.za/legal/privacy-policy/.
It is our legitimate interest to provide a website, so the legal basis of the described data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR.
3.3. Contact form
When contacting us via the contact form on our website, we store the data requested there and the content of the message.
The legal basis for the processing is our legitimate interest in answering inquiries directed to us. The legal basis for the processing is therefore Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR.
We delete the data accruing in this context after the storage is no longer necessary or restrict the processing if there are legal retention obligations.
3.4. Vacant positions
We publish positions that are vacant in our company on our website, on pages linked to the website or on third-party websites.
The processing of the data provided as part of the application is carried out for the purpose of implementing the application process. Insofar as this is necessary for our decision to establish an employment relationship, the legal basis is Art. 88 para. GDPR in conjunction with Sec. 26 para. 1 of the German Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz). We have marked the data required to carry out the application process accordingly or refer to them. If applicants do not provide this data, we cannot process the application.
Further data is voluntary and not required for an application. If applicants provide further information, the basis is their consent (Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. a GDPR).
We ask applicants to refrain from providing information on political opinions, religious beliefs and similarly sensitive data in their CV and cover letter. They are not required for an application. If applicants nevertheless provide such information, we cannot prevent their processing as part of the processing of the resume or cover letter. Their processing is then also based on the consent of the applicants (Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR).
Finally, we process the applicants’ data for further application procedures if they have given us their consent to do so. In this case, the legal basis is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. a GDPR.
We pass on the applicants’ data to the responsible employees in the HR department, to our data processors in the area of recruiting and to the employees otherwise involved in the application process.
If we enter into an employment relationship with the applicant following the application process, we delete the data only after the employment relationship has ended. Otherwise, we delete the data no later than six months after rejecting an applicant.
If applicants have given us their consent to use their data for further application procedures as well, we will not delete their data until one year after receiving the application.
3.5. Customer account
Site visitors can open a customer account on our website. We process the data requested in this context based on the consent of the site visitor. Legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. a GDPR.
The consent may be revoked at any time by contacting us, for example, using the contact details provided in our privacy policy. The revocation does not affect the lawfulness of the processing until the revocation. If the consent is revoked we will delete the data insofar as we are not obliged or have a right to retain it further.
3.6. Our Services
3.6.1. Academy
For the participation in our Academy, we collect the following data:
In order to track and display the learning progress, we process information on the completed or not yet completed courses of the Academy and, if applicable, the time spent on the respective course. The company may also have access to this data.
We may contact participants by email to alert them to courses they have started but not yet completed, as well as updates on new courses.
Participants also have the ability to request courses on a “Watchlist” so we can see which courses you would most like to attend.
They also have the option of downloading a certificate after completing a course or receiving it from us via email.
We conduct these activities to fulfill our contractual obligation with the Company or because of our legitimate interests.
3.6.2. Events
If you purchase tickets to an event, we use the information collected in this context for the planning and execution of the respective event.
In the case of paid events, we also use this information to bill you, if necessary to transmit the data to the event organizer, to personalize tickets for access to events, to block tickets in the event of non-payment and to make photo and sound recordings during events.
We carry out these activities for the performance of a contract concluded with you, on the basis of your consent or our legitimate interest.
3.6.3. Fulfillment of our business purpose
We perform the following activities to manage our contractual relationship, to comply with a legal obligation, and/or based on our legitimate interest or consent:
3.7. Technically necessary cookies
Our website sets cookies. Cookies are small text files that are stored in the web browser on the end device of a site visitor. Cookies help to make the offer more user-friendly, effective and secure. Insofar as these cookies are necessary for the operation of our website or its functions (hereinafter “Technically Necessary Cookies”), the legal basis for the associated data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in providing customers and other site visitors with a functional website.
Specifically, we set technically necessary Flash cookies that are set to play media content.
3.8. Third parties
3.8.1. UpdraftPlus
We use UpdraftPlus as backup. The provider is Updraft WP Software Ltd., 11 Barringer Way, Saint Neots PE19 1LW, Großbritannien. The provider processes content data (e.g. entries in online forms) and meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses) in the EU.
The legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in ensuring the availability of data via backups.
The data will be deleted when the purpose for which it was collected no longer applies and there is no obligation to retain it. Further information is available in the provider’s privacy policy at https://updraftplus.com/data-protection-and-privacy-centre/.
3.8.2. Elementor
We use Elementor to create websites. The provider is Elementor LTD., Tuval St 40, Ramat Gan, Israel. The provider processes usage data (e.g. web pages visited, interest in content, access times) and meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses) in the EU.
The legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in setting up and maintaining a website and thus presenting ourselves to the outside world.
The data will be deleted when the purpose for which it was collected no longer applies and there is no obligation to retain it. Further information is available in the provider’s privacy policy at https://elementor.com/terms/.
3.8.3. wordpress.com
We use wordpress.com to create websites. The provider is Aut O’Mattic A8C Ireland Ltd., 25 Herbert Pl, Dublin, D02 AY86, Ireland. The provider processes contact data (e.g. e-mail addresses, telephone numbers), meta/communication data (e.g. device information, IP addresses), and master data (e.g. names, addresses) in the USA.
The legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in setting up and maintaining a website and thus presenting ourselves to the outside world.
The legal basis for the transfer to a country outside the EEA are standard contractual clauses. The security of the data transferred to the third country (i.e. a country outside the EEA) is guaranteed by standard data protection clauses (Art. 46 para. 2 lit. c GDPR) adopted by the EU Commission in accordance with the examination procedure under Art. 93 para. 2 of the GDPR, which we have agreed to with the provider.
The data will be deleted when the purpose for which it was collected no longer applies and there is no obligation to retain it. Further information is available in the provider’s privacy policy at https://automattic.com/privacy/.
4. Data processing on social media platforms
We are represented in social media networks in order to present our organization and our services there. The operators of these networks regularly process their users’ data for advertising purposes. Among other things, they create user profiles from their online behavior, which are used, for example, to show advertising on the pages of the networks and elsewhere on the Internet that corresponds to the interests of the users. To this end, the operators of the networks store information on user behavior in cookies on the users’ computers. Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that the operators merge this information with other data. Users can obtain further information and instructions on how to object to processing by the site operators in the data protection declarations of the respective operators listed below. It is also possible that the operators or their servers are located in non-EU countries, so that they process data there. This may result in risks for users, e.g. because it is more difficult to enforce their rights or because government agencies access the data.
If users of the networks contact us via our profiles, we process the data provided to us in order to respond to the inquiries. This is our legitimate interest, so that the legal basis is Art. 6 para. 1 s. 1 lit. f GDPR.
4.1. Facebook
We maintain a profile on Facebook. The operator is Facebook Ireland Ltd, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland. The privacy policy is available here: https://www.facebook.com/policy.php. A possibility to object to data processing arises via settings for advertisements: https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=ads.
We are joint controllers for processing the data of visitors to our profile on the basis of an agreement within the meaning of Art. 26 GDPR with Facebook. Facebook explains exactly what data is processed at https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/information_about_page_insights_data. Data subjects can exercise their rights both against us and against Facebook. However, according to our agreement with Facebook, we are obliged to forward requests to Facebook. Data subjects will therefore receive a faster response if they contact Facebook directly.
4.2. Instagram
We maintain a profile on Instagram. The operator is Facebook Ireland Ltd, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland. The privacy policy is available here: https://help.instagram.com/519522125107875.
4.3. Tiktok
We maintain a profile on Tiktok. The operator is musical.ly Inc, 10351 Santa Monica Blvd #310, Los Angeles, CA 90025 USA. The privacy policy is available here: https://www.tiktok.com/de/privacy-policy.
4.4. LinkedIn
We maintain a profile on LinkedIn. The operator is LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. The privacy policy is available here: https://https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy?_l=de_DE. One way to object to data processing is via the settings for advertisements: https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls/retargeting-opt-out.
5. Changes to this privacy policy
We reserve the right to change this privacy policy with effect for the future. A current version is always available here.
6. Questions and comments
If you have any questions or comments regarding this privacy policy, please feel free to contact us using the contact information provided above.