Data Privacy

Thank you for your interest in our website. The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) takes the protection of personal data very seriously. It is possible to use our website without providing any personal data. This privacy policy relates to our website and our online presence on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing).

General data processing information

Scope of processing personal data

We process the personal data of our users only to the extent required for providing a functional website as well as our content and services. The processing of our users' personal data on a regular basis only takes place with consent of the user. Exceptions are such cases in which prior consent cannot be obtained for practical reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by legal regulations.

Legal basis for the processing of personal data

If we obtain the consent from the data subject for the processing of personal data, the legal basis is Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR.

For the processing of personal data that is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party, the legal basis is Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. This also applies to processing that is required for the implementation of pre-contractual measures.

Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation of our company, the legal basis is Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR.

In the case that processing personal data is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person, the legal basis is Article 6(1)(d) of the GDPR.

If processing is necessary for the purpose of a legitimate interest pursued by our company or by a third party, and the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not override the above interest, then the legal basis for the processing is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

Data erasure and storage period

The personal data of the data subject is erased or blocked as soon as the purpose of the storage no longer applies. Storage beyond this point may take place if it is required by European or national legislation through Union regulations, laws or other directives with which the controller must comply. The data is also blocked or erased when a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless further storage of the data is necessary for conclusion or performance of a contract.

Provision of the website and creation of log files

Description and scope of data processing

Upon each visit to our website, our system automatically collects data and information from the system of the visiting computer. The following data is collected:

1. Information about the browser type and version
2. The operating system of the user
3. The Internet service provider of the user
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 accessed by the user's system through 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.

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of the data and log files is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR (legitimate interest).

Purpose of data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable delivery of the website to the user's PC. The IP address of the user must remain stored for the duration of the session.
Storage in the log files is necessary to ensure the functionality of the website. This data is also used to optimise the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not evaluated for marketing purposes in this context.

These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing pursuant to Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

Storage period

Data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for achieving the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of data collection for provision of the website, this is done when the respective session ends.

If the data is stored in log files, this is done after seven days at the latest. Extended storage is possible. In this case, the IP addresses of the users are erased or modified so that these cannot be assigned to the client that accessed the site.

Objection and removal option

Collection of the data for provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is mandatory for the operation of the website. Therefore, the user does not have the option of objecting.

Use of Cookies

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. If a user accesses a website, a cookie can be stored on the user's operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string of characters that allows for the clear identification of the browser when the website is accessed again.

We use cookies to make our website more user-friendly. Some elements of our website require the accessing browser to continue to be identified after switching to another page.

The following data is stored in and transmitted by the cookies:

1. Language settings

We also use cookies on our website that enable us to analyse users' surfing behaviour.

The user data collected in this manner is anonymised through technological measures. This ensures that it is no longer possible to assign the data to the user who accessed the site. The data is not stored together with any other personal data of the users.

When visiting our website, users are informed about the use of cookies for analytical purposes and their consent is obtained for the processing of the personal data used in this context. This also includes a reference to this privacy policy.

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies that are technically necessary is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR (legitimate interest).

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies for analytical purposes is the consent of the user pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR.

Purpose of 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 functions, it is necessary that the browser is recognised even after switching pages.

We require cookies for the following applications:

1.  Adopting language settings

The user data collected by the technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles. The analysis cookies are used for the purpose of improving the quality of our website and its contents. The analysis cookies provide information about how the website is used, allowing us to continually optimise our site.

These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in processing the personal data pursuant to Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

Storage period, objection and removal option

Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted from there to our website. This means that you, as the user, also 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. Previously stored cookies can be deleted at any time. This can also take place automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it is possible that the full functionality of the website may not be available.

Press Distribution List

Description and scope of data processing

The HZI offers free delivery of press releases via email. The following information is collected for this purpose:

1. Last name
2. First name
3. Email address
4. Journalistic medium
5. Department
6. Telephone number
7. Business address

Data is not shared with third parties. The data is used solely for the dispatch of press releases and for editorial communication.

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is the consent of the user pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR. The legal basis for the processing of the data without the consent of the user is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. In this case, our legitimate interest is public relations for our research institute.

Purpose of data processing

User email addresses are collected for the purposes of dispatching press releases. Collecting any other personal data serves to enable personal contact.

Storage period

Data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for achieving the purpose for which it was collected, or if the user withdraws consent for the delivery of press releases.

Objection and removal option

The user may withdraw consent for the delivery of press releases at any time. Users may withdraw their consent by writing to:

Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH
Data protection officer
Subject: Press distribution list
Inhoffenstraße 7
38124 Braunschweig, Germany

When consent is withdrawn, the data is deleted immediately.

Job advertisements / Application procedures

Description and scope of data processing

In our job advertisements in various media and on our website, we offer users the opportunity to apply for open positions by providing their personal data. Interested parties send us their data via post or email, or enter these online in a form. In the latter case, the data is uploaded, transmitted to us and stored.

Recipients of personal data

In addition to the Human Resources department, the head of the HZI unit (e.g. research group, department, staff unit) in which the position is offered also has access to the application documents.

The relevant Works Committee and/or the representative for people with disabilities may also access application documents. Data is not shared with third parties.

The HZI is obliged not to make economic resources available, neither directly nor indirectly, to persons covered by certain EU provisions (e.g. EU measures to combat terrorism, or compliance with embargo regulations). An employment relationship would fulfil these criteria and should therefore be avoided. For this reason, a comparison is made against lists of these persons.

The applicant selection procedure is based on the criteria of aptitude, qualification and professional performance.

The following data is collected during the registration process:

1. Salutation
2. First name
3. Last name
4. Email address
5. Other application data and documents, e.g. CV, references, photograph

The following data is also stored at the time of registration:

1. IP address
2. Date and time of access
3. Operating system
4. Browser type and version

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is Article 88(1) of the GDPR, in conjunction with Section 26 of the BDSG (Federal Data Protection Act) for the purpose of implementing pre-contractual measures as part of the application procedure. The legal bases for comparison with lists of persons are EC Regulation 2580/2001 and EC Regulation 881/2002, as well as all embargo regulations implemented by the EU. The legal basis for the processing of the data by the relevant Works Committee is Section 80 of the Betriebsverfassungsgesetz (Works Constitution Act). The legal basis for the processing of the data by the representative for people with disabilities is Sections 81 and 95 of the Sozialgesetzbuch Viertes Buch (Fourth Book of the German Social Code).
If the application documents contain information and data that are not necessary for evaluation according to these criteria, the applicant provides these to the HZI explicitly on a voluntary basis – pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR (consent) – (see "Declaration of consent for the application procedure" below). If the application indicates racial and ethnic origin, political opinion, religious or ideological convictions or union membership, or contains genetic or biometric data, health status or information regarding sexual life or orientation, the voluntary nature of this information also explicitly applies here.

Declaration of consent for the application procedure

If you apply via post or email, please enclose the following declaration of consent with your application:

“I, ………………………, hereby consent to all personal data provided by me during the application procedure being processed by the HZI.
I have read the HZI privacy policy and am informed about my rights."

Consent is given on a voluntary basis and can be withdrawn at any time with effect for the future. Your data will not be further processed after receipt of the withdrawal of consent and will be deleted immediately. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out up until that point.

The information will be kept strictly confidential and encrypted during electronic transmission.

Purpose of data processing

Data is processed for the purpose of deciding whether to establish an employment relationship and is required for participation in the application procedure.

If you do not provide the minimum required personal data, this may lead to exclusion from the application procedure.

Storage period

All submitted application documents will be completely deleted six months after the completion of the application procedure and dispatch of a rejection.

Objection and removal option

You may modify any data stored about you or withdraw your application at any time. Users may withdraw their consent by writing to:

Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH
Data protection officer
Subject: Application
Inhoffenstraße 7
38124 Braunschweig, Germany
E-Mail

Contact form and email contact

Description and scope of data processing

Our website provides a contact form that can be used for electronic communication. If a user utilises this option, the data entered into the form is transmitted to us and stored. This data consists of:

1. Salutation/title
2. First name
3. Last name
4. Email

The following data is also stored at the time the message is sent:

1. The IP address of the user
2. Date and time of the registration

During the transmission process your consent will be obtained for the processing of the data, and reference will be made to this privacy policy.

Alternatively, contact can be made using the email address provided. In this case, the user's personal data that is transmitted with the email is stored.

Data is not shared with third parties in this context. The data is used solely for processing the conversation.

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is the consent of the user pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR (consent).

The legal basis for the processing of the data transmitted while sending an email is Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. If the purpose of the email contact is to conclude a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR.

Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data from the form is intended exclusively for us to process the communication. Contact via email also constitutes the required legitimate interest in the processing of the data.

The other personal data processed during the transmission process serves to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

Storage period

Data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for achieving the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the contact form and that which was sent by email, this is the case when the relevant conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when the circumstances indicate that the relevant matter has been conclusively clarified.

Any other personal data collected during the transmission process is deleted after a period of seven days at the latest.

Objection and removal option

The user has the option of withdrawing consent to the processing of personal data at all times. If the user contacts us via email, he/she can object to the storage of personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.

You may withdraw consent or object to the storage of your data at any time by sending an email.

In this case, all personal data that was stored in the course of communications is deleted.

Communication via e-mail, post, fax or telephone

We process personal data for the purposes of communication, which may take place via various channels, such as e-mail, telephone, post or fax, in accordance with legal requirements. The recipients have the right to object to the communication at any time.
After objection, we may store the data required for documentation for up to three years on the basis of our legitimate interests before deleting it. The processing of this data is limited to the purpose of a possible defence against claims. An individual deletion request is possible at any time.

Types of data processed:

• Inventory data (e.g. names, addresses);
• Contact data (e.g. e-mail, telephone numbers);
• Other personal data, depending on the content of the mail and the reason for sending it (e.g. order data when sending electronic order confirmations, ...).

Data subjects:

• Communication partners

Purposes of processing:

• Official communication (e.g. by e-mail or post)

Legal grounds:

• Legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 lit. f. DSGVO)

Event registration

Description and scope of data processing

On our website, we offer users the opportunity to register for events by providing their personal data. The data is entered into a form and stored. Data is not shared with third parties. The personal data that is requested for event registration varies depending on the event. The following data is generally collected during registration:

1. Title
2. Salutation
3. First name
4. Organisation
5. Country
6. Email address

The following data is also stored at the time of registration:

1. The IP address of the user
2. Date and time of the registration

During the registration process, consent from the user is obtained for processing this data.

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is the consent of the user pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR (consent).

Purpose of data processing

Collecting data as part of event registration serves the purposes of organising, planning and conducting the event, or as part of additional declarations of consent.

Storage period

Data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for achieving the purpose for which it was collected.

Data that was collected for the purposes of an event is deleted as soon as it is no longer required.

Objection and removal option

As a user, you can modify the data stored about you at any time. Users can withdraw consent by writing to the controller using the provided contact details or to the contact person specified for this event. 

Youtube

YouTube is an online video portal that allows video publishers to post video clips free-of-charge, and other users to view, rate and comment on such video clips, also free-of-charge.

Our website uses plugins from Google's YouTube site. The operator of this platform 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.

If you access one of our pages with a YouTube plugin, a connection to the YouTube servers is established. The YouTube server is informed which of our pages you have visited.

The embed code for YouTube videos was generated in the privacy-enhanced mode (more information on this is available at https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/171780).

If you are logged in to your YouTube account, you allow YouTube to link your surfing behaviour directly to your personal profile. You can prevent this by logging out of your YouTube account.

We use YouTube for the purpose of creating interesting online content. This constitutes a legitimate interest within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

For further information on the handling of user data, please see YouTube's privacy policy at: https://www.google.com/policies/privacy.

Rights of data subjects

If your personal data is processed, you are a data subject according to the GDPR, and you have the following rights in relation to the controller:

Right to access

You may request confirmation from us as to whether or not your personal data is being processed by us. If that is the case, you can ask the controller for the following information:

1. the purposes for which the personal data is processed;
2. the categories of personal data that are being processed;
3. the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data has been or will be disclosed;
4. the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if specific information cannot be provided in this regard, the criteria used to determine that period;
5. the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of your personal data, the right to restriction of processing of personal data by the controller or the right to object to such processing;
6. the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
7. any available information as to the source of the data, if the personal data is not collected from the data subject;
8. the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.
9. whether your personal data is transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. Where this is the case, you have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 of the GDPR relating to the transfer.

This right of access may be limited to the extent that this right is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of research or statistical purposes and such limit is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

Right to rectification

You have the right to obtain from the controller the rectification and/or completion of inaccurate or incomplete personal data concerning you. The controller must carry out the rectification without delay.

With regard to data processing for scientific, historical or statistical research purposes:

Your right to rectification may be limited to the extent that this right is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of research or statistical purposes and such limit is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

Right to restriction of processing

You have the right to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:

1. if you contest the accuracy of your personal data, 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 its use instead;
3. the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but it is required by you for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; or
4. if you have objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override yours.

Where processing of your personal data has been restricted, such data shall, with the exception of storage, 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 you have obtained restriction of processing pursuant to the above conditions, you shall be informed by the controller before the restriction of processing is lifted.

With regard to data processing for scientific, historical or statistical research purposes:

Your right to restriction of processing may be limited to the extent that this right is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of research or statistical purposes and such limit is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

Right to erasure

Erasure obligation

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

1. Your personal data is no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed.
2. You withdraw the consent on which the processing is based pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR, and where there is no other legal ground for the processing.
3. You object to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR.
4. The personal data has been unlawfully processed.
5. Your personal data has to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation in Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
6. Your personal data has been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) of the GDPR.

Information to third parties

Where the controller has made your personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) of the 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:

Exceptions

The right to erasure shall not apply to the extent that processing is necessary

1. for exercising the right of 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 in accordance with Article 9(2)(h) and (i) as well as Article 9(3) of the GDPR;
4. for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) of the GDPR in so far as the right referred to in paragraph 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.

Right to information

If you have exercised the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing towards the controller, the controller shall communicate this rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing to each recipient to whom the personal data has been disclosed, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.

You have the right to be informed by the controller about those recipients.

Right to data portability

You have the right to receive your personal data that you have provided to a controller in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit those 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 Article 6(1)(a) or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR
2. the processing is carried out by automated means.

In exercising this right, you have the right to have your personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. This shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. The right to data portability shall 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.

Right to object

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

The controller shall no longer process your personal data, unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override your interests, rights and freedoms or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

Where your personal data is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of your personal data 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, your personal data will no longer be processed for these purposes.

In the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, you may exercise your right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

With regard to data processing for scientific, historical or statistical research purposes:
You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to processing of your personal data for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR.

This right to object may be limited to the extent that this right is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of research or statistical purposes and such limit is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes.

Right to withdraw the data protection declaration of consent

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

Automated individual decision-making, including profiling

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

1. is necessary for entering into, or performance of, a contract between the you and the controller,
2. is authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and these laws contain suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or
3. is based on your explicit consent.

However, these decisions shall not be based on special categories of personal data referred to in Article 9(1) of the GDPR, unless Article 9(2)(a) or (g) applies and suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests are in place. In the cases referred to in points (1) and (3), the 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.

Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of your personal data 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 Article 78 of the GDPR.

The competent supervisory authority of the HZI is:
The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information
Husarenstraße 30
53117 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: +49 228 997799-0

Data protection information on the whistleblower reporting office

Whistleblower hotline

As part of our compliance management system, we have set up a whistleblower hotline. You have the opportunity to use this hotline to provide us with information on matters of which we have a legitimate interest in becoming aware.

We have commissioned the law firm Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek as an outsourced internal reporting office (hereinafter: "Reporting Office") to receive and review such information.

Reports to the Reporting Office can be submitted by web form, by telephone, by email, by fax, by post or in person.

Rechtsanwalt Dr. Andre-M. Szesny, LL.M.
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek
Georg-Glock-Straße 4
40474 Düsseldorf
Telefon: 0211-60055-217
Telefax: 0211-600-55-210
E-Mail
Webform

Reports to the Reporting Office can be made anonymously.

Use of the Reporting Office is voluntary.

Further details can be found in the whistleblower guidelines of the HZI GmbH.

When you submit a report to the hotline, it records the information you provide. This includes your personal data, if you disclose it, and usually the names and other personal data of the persons you name in your report. For more details on how the Reporting Office handles your personal data, please refer to the Reporting Office Privacy Policy.

Categories of personal data we process

We will receive a report from the Reporting Office once it has investigated the report, which may include the following personal data:

- Names and other personal data of the whistleblower only if the whistleblower does not wish to remain anonymous and agrees to share it with us;

- Names and other personal data resulting from the report of the persons named in the report.

In the course of further clarification of the reported facts and further processing, further personal data may be collected and processed by us.

Purposes of data processing, legal basis

The purpose of processing the data submitted to us by the Reporting Office is to process and manage indications of compliance violations, violations of statutory provisions and violations in connection with our business operations by employees, customers, suppliers and other third parties.

The legal basis for the processing of your personal data as a whistleblower is, if you disclose your identity and consent to the disclosure of your name to us by the reporting office, your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a DSGVO).

The legal basis for the processing of the personal data of the persons affected by the notification is our legitimate interest in the detection and prevention of legal violations and misconduct (Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 lit. f DSGVO). A legitimate interest in the detection and prevention of legal violations and misconduct exists insofar as we are legally obliged to do so in certain areas. In addition, such violations can not only cause considerable economic damage, but also lead to a significant loss of reputation.

If the data subject is an employee of ours, the legal basis for processing in the course of processing or further investigation of the reported facts is Section 26 (1) sentence 1 BDSG (processing for purposes of the employment relationship) or Section 26 (1) sentence 2 BDSG (processing for the purpose of detecting criminal offences) and, where applicable, our legitimate interest described above (Article 6 (1) sentence 1 lit. f DSGVO).

Disclosure to third parties

If the report concerns another company of our group of companies, we will pass on the contents of the report and the results of the further clarification of the facts to this company of our group of companies.

We may pass on the contents of the report and the results of the further clarification of the reported facts to courts, authorities and other public bodies. This may be the case if we are legally obliged to disclose the data or if this is necessary for the assertion, exercise or defence of legal claims.

In the course of clarification measures and in the assertion, exercise or defence of legal claims, we also make use of the support of law firms or auditing companies where necessary.

In addition, we may involve (technical) service providers in the clarification and processing of the reported facts, who act for us as processors within the meaning of Art. 28 DSGVO and are bound by instructions on the basis of corresponding agreements.

Duration of data storage

The personal data will be stored for as long as is necessary to clarify the report and any subsequent measures, or for as long as there is a legitimate interest on our part, or for as long as this is required by law. Afterwards, the data will be deleted in accordance with the legal requirements.