1. Legal Notice at a glance

General Information

The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit this website. Personal data refers to all data with which you can be personally identified. Detailed information on data protection can be found in our privacy policy listed below.

Data Collection on This Website

Who is responsible for data collection on this website?

The data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. The operator’s contact details can be found in the section “Notice concerning the responsible party” in this privacy policy.

How do we collect your data?

Your data is collected in part by you providing it to us. This can include, for example, data entered into a contact form.

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

What do we use your data for?

Some data is collected to ensure the website functions properly. Other data may be used to analyze your user behavior. If contracts are concluded or initiated via the website, the transmitted data will also be processed for contract offers, orders, or other transaction inquiries.

What rights do you have regarding your data?

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

For this and other questions on the topic of data protection, you can contact us at any time.

Analysis Tools and Third-Party Tools

When visiting this website, your browsing behavior may be statistically analyzed. This is primarily done using analytics programs.

Detailed information on these analytics programs can be found in the following privacy policy.

2. Hosting

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

Strato

The provider is Strato AG, Otto-Ostrowski-Straße 7, 10249 Berlin, Germany (hereinafter “Strato”). When you visit our website, Strato collects various log files, including your IP addresses.

Further information can be found in Strato’s privacy policy:
https://www.strato.de/datenschutz/.

The use of Strato is based on Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in the most reliable presentation of our website. If consent has been requested, processing is based solely on Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25(1) TDDDG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g., device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

Data Processing Agreement

We have concluded a data processing agreement (DPA) for the use of the aforementioned service. This is a contract required by data protection law that ensures that the provider only processes the personal data of our website visitors in accordance with our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR.

3.General Information and Mandatory Disclosures

Data Protection

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

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

We note that data transmission over the Internet (e.g., when communicating via email) may have security vulnerabilities. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible.

Notice Concerning the Responsible Party

The responsible party for data processing on this website is:

W-FILTER GmbH
Heydenreichstr. 8
D-67346 Speyer
Germany
Phone: +49 6232 85 428 10
Email: info[at]w-filter.eu

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

Storage Duration

Unless a more specific storage period is specified within this privacy policy, your personal data will remain with us until the purpose for data processing ceases to apply. If you make a legitimate deletion request or revoke consent for data processing, your data will be deleted unless we have other legally permissible reasons for storing your personal data (e.g., tax or commercial retention periods); in the latter case, deletion occurs after these reasons cease to apply.

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

If you have given consent to data processing, we process your personal data based on Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR if special data categories pursuant to Art. 9(1) GDPR are processed. If explicit consent for the transfer of personal data to third countries is given, processing is also based on Art. 49(1)(a) GDPR. If you have consented to the storage of cookies or access to information in your terminal device (e.g., via device fingerprinting), data processing is additionally based on § 25(1) TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time. If your data is required for the performance of a contract or for pre-contractual measures, we process your data based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR. Additionally, we process your data if required for fulfilling a legal obligation based on Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR. Data processing may also be based on our legitimate interest per Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The specific legal bases applicable in each case are explained in the following sections of this privacy policy.

Recipients of Personal Data

As part of our business activities, we collaborate with various external entities. In some cases, the transfer of personal data to these external entities is required. We only share personal data with external parties if this is necessary for contract fulfillment, if we are legally obligated to do so (e.g., disclosure of data to tax authorities), if we have a legitimate interest under Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR, or if another legal basis permits the data transfer. When using data processors, we only share personal data of our customers based on a valid data processing agreement. In the case of joint processing, a joint processing agreement is concluded.

Right to Object to Data Collection in Special Cases and Direct Marketing (Art. 21 GDPR)

IF DATA PROCESSING IS BASED ON ART. 6(1)(E) OR (F) GDPR, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT AT ANY TIME, FOR REASONS ARISING FROM YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING BASED ON THESE PROVISIONS. THE APPLICABLE LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING CAN BE FOUND IN THIS PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU OBJECT, WE WILL NO LONGER PROCESS YOUR PERSONAL DATA UNLESS WE CAN DEMONSTRATE COMPELLING LEGITIMATE REASONS FOR PROCESSING THAT OUTWEIGH YOUR INTERESTS, RIGHTS, AND FREEDOMS OR IF THE PROCESSING SERVES THE ASSERTION, EXERCISE, OR DEFENSE OF LEGAL CLAIMS (OBJECTION UNDER ART. 21(1) GDPR).

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

Right to Lodge a Complaint with the Competent Supervisory Authority

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

Right to Data Portability

You have the right to receive data that we process based on your consent or for contract fulfillment in a standard, machine-readable format and to have it transferred to another controller where technically feasible.

Right to Access, Rectification, and Erasure

You have the right to access your stored personal data at any time, obtain information about its origin and recipients, and understand the purpose of data processing. You also have the right to request the rectification or deletion of your data. For this and other questions on personal data, you can contact us at any time.

Right to Restrict Processing

You have the right to request the restriction of processing your personal data. This right applies in the following cases:

• If you dispute the accuracy of your stored personal data, we need time to verify this. During the verification period, you have the right to request the restriction of your personal data processing.
• If the processing of your personal data was or is unlawful, you can request restriction instead of deletion.
• If we no longer need your personal data, but you require it to assert, exercise, or defend legal claims, you have the right to request restriction instead of deletion.
• If you have objected under Art. 21(1) GDPR, a balance must be struck between your and our interests. As long as it has not been determined whose interests prevail, you have the right to request the restriction of processing your personal data.

If processing has been restricted, your data—apart from storage—may only be processed with your consent or for legal claims, to protect another person’s rights, or for important public interest reasons.

SSL or TLS Encryption

For security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, such as orders or inquiries that you send to us as the site operator, this site uses SSL or TLS encryption. An encrypted connection is indicated by the browser’s address line changing from “http://” to “https://” and by the lock icon in your browser line.

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

Objection to Promotional Emails

The use of contact data published within the framework of the imprint obligation for sending unsolicited advertising and information materials is hereby rejected. The operators of the website expressly reserve the right to take legal action in the event of unsolicited sending of advertising information, such as spam emails.

4. Data Collection on This Website

Cookies

Our website uses “cookies.” Cookies are small data packets that do not harm your device. They are either stored temporarily for the duration of a session (session cookies) or permanently (persistent cookies) on your device. Session cookies are automatically deleted at the end of your visit. Persistent cookies remain stored on your device until you delete them manually or your web browser deletes them automatically.

Cookies may originate from us (first-party cookies) or from third parties (third-party cookies). Third-party cookies enable certain services from third parties within websites (e.g., cookies for processing payment services).

Cookies serve various functions. Many cookies are technically necessary since certain website functions would not work without them (e.g., the shopping cart function or video display). Other cookies analyze user behavior or are used for advertising purposes.

Cookies necessary for electronic communication, certain requested functions (e.g., the shopping cart), or website optimization (e.g., measuring website traffic) are stored based on Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR unless another legal basis is specified. The website operator has a legitimate interest in storing necessary cookies for the technically error-free and optimized provision of services. If consent for cookie storage and similar recognition technologies has been requested, processing is based solely on this consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25(1) TDDDG); consent can be revoked at any time.

You can configure your browser to notify you about the setting of cookies and allow cookies only in individual cases, exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases, or generally deactivate automatic cookie deletion when closing the browser. If cookies are disabled, website functionality may be restricted.

The specific cookies and services used on this website are detailed in this privacy policy.

Server Log Files

The website provider automatically collects and stores information in server log files that your browser automatically transmits to us. These include:

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

These data are not merged with other data sources.

Data collection is based on Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in ensuring the technically error-free and optimized presentation of the website—server log files must be collected for this purpose.

Contact Form

If you send us inquiries via the contact form, your details, including the contact information you provide, will be stored for processing the inquiry and any follow-up questions. We do not share this data without your consent.

Processing of this data is based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR if your request relates to contract fulfillment or pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, processing is based on our legitimate interest in effectively handling inquiries (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), provided it has been obtained. Consent can be revoked at any time.

Data entered in the contact form remains with us until you request deletion, revoke your consent for storage, or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g., after your request has been processed). Mandatory statutory provisions – especially retention periods – remain unaffected.

Requests via Email, Telephone, or Fax

If you contact us via email, telephone, or fax, your request, including all personal data arising from it (such as name and request details), will be stored and processed by us for the purpose of handling your inquiry. We do not share this data without your consent.

The processing of this data is based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR if your request is related to the fulfillment of a contract or necessary for pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, processing is based on our legitimate interest in effectively handling the inquiries directed to us (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), if this was requested. Consent can be revoked at any time.

The data you send to us via contact requests will remain with us until you request its deletion, revoke your consent for storage, or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g., after your request has been fully processed). Mandatory legal provisions, particularly retention periods, remain unaffected.

5. Social Media

Instagram

This website incorporates functions of the Instagram service. These functions are provided by Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland.

If the social media feature is active, a direct connection is established between your device and the Instagram server. Instagram thereby receives information that you have visited this website.

If you are logged into your Instagram account, clicking on the Instagram button allows you to link the content of this website to your Instagram profile. This enables Instagram to associate your visit to this website with your user account. We note that as the provider of the website, we have no knowledge of the content of the transmitted data or how Instagram uses it.

The use of this service is based on your consent under Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25(1) TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

If personal data is collected on our website using the described tool and forwarded to Facebook or Instagram, we and Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland, are jointly responsible for this data processing (Art. 26 GDPR). Joint responsibility is limited solely to data collection and transmission to Facebook or Instagram. The subsequent processing by Facebook or Instagram is not part of our joint responsibility. Our respective obligations are outlined in an agreement on joint processing. The text of the agreement can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum.

According to this agreement, we are responsible for providing the data protection information when using Facebook or Instagram tools and for the data protection-compliant implementation of these tools on our website. Facebook is responsible for the security of Facebook and Instagram products. You can assert data subject rights (e.g., requests for information) directly with Facebook. If you make a request to us, we are obliged to forward it to Facebook.

The transfer of data to the USA is based on the EU Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses. Details can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum

https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/

https://de-de.facebook.com/help/566994660333381

Further information can be found in Instagram’s privacy policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.

The company is certified under the “EU-US Data Privacy Framework” (DPF). The DPF is an agreement between the European Union and the USA to ensure compliance with European data protection standards for data processing in the USA. Each company certified under the DPF commits to complying with these data protection standards. More information is available here: https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/participant/4452.

6. Newsletter

Newsletter Data

If you wish to receive the newsletter offered on the website, we require an email address from you as well as information that allows us to verify that you are the owner of the provided email address and agree to receive the newsletter. No further data is collected or only on a voluntary basis. We use this data solely for sending the requested information and do not share it with third parties.

The processing of the data entered into the newsletter registration form is based solely on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). You can revoke your consent at any time, for example, via the “unsubscribe” link in the newsletter. The legality of the data processing already carried out remains unaffected by the revocation.

The data you provide for the purpose of receiving the newsletter will be stored until you unsubscribe from the newsletter and will be deleted from the newsletter distribution list after cancellation. We reserve the right to delete or block email addresses from our newsletter distribution list at our discretion within the scope of our legitimate interest under Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.

Data stored for other purposes remains unaffected.

After you unsubscribe from the newsletter, your email address may be stored in a blacklist to prevent future mailings. The data from the blacklist will only be used for this purpose and will not be merged with other data. This serves both your interest and our interest in complying with legal requirements for sending newsletters (legitimate interest under Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Storage in the blacklist is indefinite. You may object to the storage if your interests outweigh our legitimate interest.

Newsletter Distribution to Existing Customers

If you purchase goods or services from us and provide your email address, we may subsequently use this email address to send newsletters, provided we inform you of this in advance. In this case, the newsletter will only contain direct advertising for our own similar goods or services. You can unsubscribe from this newsletter at any time. A corresponding link is provided in every newsletter. The legal basis for sending the newsletter in this case is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR in conjunction with § 7(3) UWG.

After unsubscribing, your email address may be stored in a blacklist to prevent future mailings. This data will not be merged with other data. This serves both your interest and our legitimate interest in compliance with legal newsletter distribution regulations (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Storage in the blacklist is indefinite, and you can object if your interests outweigh our legitimate interest.

7. Plugins and Tools

Google Maps

This website uses the Google Maps mapping service. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. This service allows us to embed map material on our website.

To use Google Maps functions, it is necessary to store your IP address. This information is typically transmitted to a Google server in the USA and stored there. The website provider has no control over this data transfer. If Google Maps is enabled, Google may use Google Fonts for uniform font display. When you access Google Maps, your browser loads the required web fonts into its cache to display texts and fonts correctly.

The use of Google Maps is in the interest of an appealing presentation of our online offerings and easy location of places specified on our website. This constitutes a legitimate interest under Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. If consent has been requested, processing is based solely on Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 25(1) TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

The transfer of data to the USA is based on the EU Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses. Details can be found here:

https://privacy.google.com/businesses/gdprcontrollerterms/

https://privacy.google.com/businesses/gdprcontrollerterms/sccs/

More information about how user data is handled can be found in Google’s privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en.

The company is certified under the “EU-US Data Privacy Framework” (DPF). The DPF is an agreement between the European Union and the United States designed to ensure compliance with European data protection standards for data processing in the United States. Every company certified under the DPF commits to adhering to these data protection standards. More information is available from the provider at the following link:
https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/participant/5780.

Source:
https://www.e-recht24.de