Privacy Policy

1. Privacy at a Glance

General Information

The following notes provide a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit this website. Personal data is any data that can be used to personally identify you. Detailed information on the subject of data protection can be found in our privacy policy listed below this text.

Data Collection on This Website

Who is responsible for data collection on this website?

Data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. Their contact details can be found in the section "Information about the responsible party" in this privacy policy.

How do we collect your data?

Your data is collected, on the one hand, from information you provide to us. This may, for example, be data you enter into a contact form.

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

What do we use your data for?

Some of the data is collected to ensure error-free provision of the website. Other data may be used to analyze your user behavior. If contracts can be concluded or initiated via the website, the transmitted data will also be processed for contract offers, orders, or other inquiries.

What rights do you have regarding your data?

You have the right at any time to receive information free of charge about the origin, recipient, and purpose of your stored personal data. 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. You also have the right, under certain circumstances, to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority.

You are welcome to contact us at any time regarding this or any other questions on the subject of data protection.

Analysis Tools and Third-Party Tools

When visiting this website, your surfing behavior may be statistically evaluated. This is done primarily using so-called analysis programs.

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

2. Hosting and Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

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

Webflow

The provider is Webflow, Inc., 398 11th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA (hereinafter "Webflow"). When you visit our website, Webflow collects various log files including your IP addresses.

Webflow is a tool for building and hosting websites. Webflow stores cookies or other recognition technologies that are necessary for the display of the page, for the provision of certain website functions, and for ensuring security (necessary cookies).

Details can be found in Webflow's privacy policy: https://webflow.com/legal/eu-privacy-policy.

The use of Webflow is based on Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in the most reliable possible presentation of our website. If a corresponding consent has been requested, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and Section 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 transfer to the USA is based on the standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission. Details can be found here: https://webflow.com/legal/eu-privacy-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 that is intended to ensure compliance with European data protection standards for data processing in the USA. Every company certified under the DPF commits to complying with these data protection standards. Further information can be obtained from the provider at the following link: https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/participant/6365.

Data Processing Agreement

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

Cloudflare

We use the service "Cloudflare". The provider is Cloudflare Inc., 101 Townsend St., San Francisco, CA 94107, USA (hereinafter "Cloudflare").

Cloudflare offers a globally distributed content delivery network with DNS. This technically routes the information transfer between your browser and our website through Cloudflare's network. This enables Cloudflare to analyze the data traffic between your browser and our website and to serve as a filter between our servers and potentially malicious traffic from the internet. Cloudflare may also use cookies or other technologies to recognize internet users, which are used solely for the purpose described here.

The use of Cloudflare is based on our legitimate interest in providing our website as error-free and securely as possible (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR).

Data transfer to the USA is based on the standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission. Details and further information on the subject of security and data protection at Cloudflare can be found here: https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy/.

3. General Information and Mandatory Information

Data Protection

The operators of these pages 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 data that can be used to 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 happens.

We would like to point out that data transmission over the internet (e.g. when communicating by email) may have security gaps. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible.

Information about the responsible party

The party responsible for data processing on this website is:

Gierer & Peters GbR - Hightide Media
Caroline Peters & Hendrik Gierer
Heinrich-Schütz-Str. 8
18069 Rostock

Phone: +49 163 7762471 / +49 179 2499739
Email: hello@hightide-media.com

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 has been specified within this privacy policy, your personal data will remain with us until the purpose for the data processing no longer applies. If you assert a legitimate request for deletion or revoke your consent to data processing, your data will be deleted unless we have other legally permissible reasons for storing your personal data (e.g. tax or commercial law retention periods); in the latter case, deletion will take place after these reasons cease to apply.

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

If you have consented to data processing, we process your personal data on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR, if special categories of data are processed pursuant to Art. 9 (1) GDPR. In the event of explicit consent to the transfer of personal data to third countries, data processing is also carried out on the basis of Art. 49 (1) (a) GDPR. If you have consented to the storage of cookies or access to information on your device (e.g. via device fingerprinting), the data processing is additionally based on Section 25 (1) TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time. If your data is required for the fulfillment of a contract or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, we process your data on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR. Furthermore, we process your data if this is necessary for fulfilling a legal obligation, on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR. Data processing may also be carried out on the basis of our legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. Information on the relevant legal basis in each individual case is provided in the following paragraphs of this privacy policy.

Recipients of Personal Data

As part of our business activities, we work with various external parties. This sometimes requires the transfer of personal data to these external parties. We only pass on personal data to external parties if this is necessary as part of the fulfillment of a contract, if we are legally obligated to do so (e.g. transfer of data to tax authorities), if we have a legitimate interest in the transfer pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR, or if another legal basis permits the data transfer. When using processors, we only pass on our customers' personal data on the basis of a valid data processing agreement. In the case of joint processing, a joint controllership agreement is concluded.

Revocation of Your Consent to Data Processing

Many data processing operations are only possible with your express consent. You can revoke consent already given at any time. The legality of the data processing carried out until the revocation remains unaffected by the revocation.

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

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

IF YOUR PERSONAL DATA 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 TO THE EXTENT THAT IT IS RELATED TO SUCH DIRECT MARKETING. IF YOU OBJECT, YOUR PERSONAL DATA WILL SUBSEQUENTLY NO LONGER BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF DIRECT MARKETING (OBJECTION PURSUANT TO ART. 21 (2) GDPR).

Right to Lodge a Complaint with the Competent Supervisory Authority

In the event of violations of the GDPR, data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the member state of their habitual residence, place of work, or the place of the alleged violation. The right to lodge a complaint exists without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy.

Right to Data Portability

You have the right to have data that we process automatically on the basis of your consent or in fulfillment of a contract handed over to you or to a third party in a common, machine-readable format. If you request the direct transfer of the data to another controller, this will only be done insofar as it is technically feasible.

Information, Correction, and Deletion

Within the framework of the applicable legal provisions, you have the right at any time to free information about your stored personal data, its origin and recipients, and the purpose of data processing, and, if applicable, a right to correction or deletion of this data. You are welcome to contact us at any time regarding this or any other questions on the subject of personal data.

Right to Restriction of Processing

You have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. You are welcome to contact us at any time for this purpose. The right to restriction of processing applies in the following cases:

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

If you have restricted the processing of your personal data, this data—apart from its storage—may only be processed with your consent or for the assertion, 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 European Union or a member state.

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. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the fact that the address line of the browser changes 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.

4. Data Collection on This Website

Cookies

Our websites use so-called "cookies". Cookies are small data packages and do not cause any damage to your device. They are either stored temporarily for the duration of a session (session cookies) or permanently (permanent cookies) on your device. Session cookies are automatically deleted at the end of your visit. Permanent cookies remain stored on your device until you delete them yourself or they are automatically deleted by your web browser.

Cookies can come from us (first-party cookies) or from third-party companies (so-called third-party cookies). Third-party cookies enable the integration of certain services from third-party companies within websites (e.g. cookies for processing payment services).

Cookies have various functions. Numerous cookies are technically necessary, as certain website functions would not work without them (e.g. the shopping cart function or the display of videos). Other cookies may be used to evaluate user behavior or for advertising purposes.

Cookies that are required for carrying out the electronic communication process, for providing certain functions you desire (e.g. for the shopping cart function), or for optimizing the website (e.g. cookies for measuring the web audience) (necessary cookies) are stored on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR, unless another legal basis is specified. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the storage of necessary cookies for the technically error-free and optimized provision of its services. If consent for the storage of cookies and comparable recognition technologies has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of this consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and Section 25 (1) TDDDG); consent can be revoked at any time.

You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies and only allow cookies in individual cases, exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or generally, and activate automatic deletion of cookies when closing the browser. Deactivating cookies may limit the functionality of this website.

You can find out which cookies and services are used on this website in this privacy policy.

CCM19

Our website uses CCM19 to obtain your consent to the storage of certain cookies on your device or to the use of certain technologies, and to document this in accordance with data protection regulations. The provider of this technology is Papoo Software & Media GmbH, Auguststr. 4, 53229 Bonn (hereinafter "CCM19").

When you enter our website, a connection is established to CCM19's servers to obtain your consent and other declarations regarding cookie use. CCM19 then stores a cookie in your browser so that the consents granted or their revocation can be assigned to you. The data collected in this way is stored until you request that we delete it, you delete the CCM19 cookie yourself, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies. Mandatory statutory retention obligations remain unaffected.

CCM19 is used to obtain the legally required consent for the use of cookies. The legal basis for this is Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 (c) GDPR.

Data Processing Agreement

Server Log Files

The provider of the pages automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. These are:

Browser type and browser version
Operating system used
Referrer URL
Host name of the accessing computer
Time of the server request
IP address

This data is not combined with other data sources.

This data is collected on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the technically error-free presentation and optimization of its website—for this purpose, the server log files must be recorded.

Contact Form

If you send us inquiries via the contact form, your details from the inquiry form, including the contact details you provided there, will be stored by us for the purpose of processing the inquiry and in case of follow-up questions. We do not pass on this data without your consent.

The processing of this data is based on Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR, if your inquiry is related to the fulfillment of a contract or is necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective handling of inquiries addressed 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 enter in the contact form remains with us until you request that we delete it, you revoke your consent to storage, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies (e.g. after your inquiry has been processed). Mandatory statutory provisions—in particular retention periods—remain unaffected.

Inquiries by Email, Phone, or Fax

If you contact us by email, phone, or fax, your inquiry, including all resulting personal data (name, inquiry), will be stored and processed by us for the purpose of handling your request. We do not pass on this data without your consent.

The data you send us via contact inquiries remains with us until you request that we delete it, you revoke your consent to storage, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies (e.g. after your request has been fully processed). Mandatory statutory provisions—in particular statutory retention periods—remain unaffected.

Calendly

On our website, you have the option of scheduling appointments with us. We use the tool "Calendly" for appointment booking. The provider is Calendly LLC, 271 17th St NW, 10th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30363, USA (hereinafter "Calendly").

For the purpose of booking an appointment, you enter the requested data and your desired appointment time into the form provided for this purpose. The data entered is used for the planning, execution, and, if applicable, follow-up of the appointment. The appointment data is stored for us on Calendly's servers; you can view Calendly's privacy policy here: https://calendly.com/privacy.

The data you enter remains with us until you request that we delete it, you revoke your consent to storage, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies. Mandatory statutory provisions—in particular retention periods—remain unaffected.

The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in enabling interested parties and customers to schedule appointments as simply as possible. If a corresponding consent has been requested, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and Section 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 transfer to the USA is based on the standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission. Details can be found here: https://calendly.com/pages/dpa.

5. Analysis Tools and Advertising

Google Tag Manager

We use Google Tag Manager. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Google Tag Manager is a tool that helps us integrate tracking or statistics tools and other technologies on our website. Google Tag Manager itself does not create user profiles, does not store cookies, and does not conduct any independent analyses. It merely serves to manage and deliver the tools integrated through it. However, Google Tag Manager does collect your IP address, which may also be transmitted to Google's parent company in the United States.

The use of Google Tag Manager is based on Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the fast and uncomplicated integration and management of various tools on its website. If a corresponding consent has been requested, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and Section 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.

Google Analytics

This website uses functions of the web analytics service Google Analytics. The provider is Google Ireland Limited ("Google"), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Google Analytics enables the website operator to analyze the behavior of website visitors. The website operator receives various usage data, such as page views, length of stay, operating systems used, and the user's origin. This data is combined into a user ID and assigned to the respective end device of the website visitor.

Furthermore, we can use Google Analytics to record, among other things, your mouse and scroll movements and clicks. Google Analytics also uses various modeling approaches to supplement the collected data sets and uses machine learning technologies for data analysis.

Google Analytics uses technologies that enable the recognition of the user for the purpose of analyzing user behavior (e.g. cookies or device fingerprinting). The information collected by Google about the use of this website is generally transferred to a Google server in the USA and stored there.

This service is used on the basis of your consent pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and Section 25 (1) TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

Data transfer to the USA is based on the standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission. Details can be found here: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/controllerterms/mccs/.

IP Anonymization

Google Analytics IP anonymization is activated on this website. As a result, your IP address will be shortened by Google within member states of the European Union or in other signatory states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area prior to transmission to the USA. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and shortened there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activity, and to provide other services related to website usage and internet usage to the website operator. The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of Google Analytics will not be merged with other Google data.

Browser Plugin

You can prevent the collection and processing of your data by Google by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de.

For more information on how Google Analytics handles user data, please see Google's privacy policy: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=de.

Google Signals

We use Google Signals. When you visit our website, Google Analytics collects, among other things, your location, search history, and YouTube history, as well as demographic data (visitor data). This data can be used with the help of Google Signals for personalized advertising. If you have a Google account, the visitor data from Google Signals is linked to your Google account and used for personalized advertising messages. The data is also used to create anonymized statistics on the user behavior of our users.

Data Processing Agreement

We have concluded a data processing agreement with Google and fully implement the strict requirements of the German data protection authorities when using Google Analytics.

Hotjar

This website uses Hotjar. The provider is Hotjar Ltd., Level 2, St Julians Business Centre, 3, Elia Zammit Street, St Julians STJ 1000, Malta, Europe (website: https://www.hotjar.com).

Hotjar is a tool for analyzing your user behavior on this website. With Hotjar, we can record, among other things, your mouse and scroll movements and clicks. Hotjar can also determine how long you remained with the mouse cursor at a particular point. From this information, Hotjar creates so-called heatmaps, which can be used to determine which areas of the website are preferred by website visitors.

Furthermore, we can determine how long you stayed on a page and when you left it. We can also determine at which point you abandoned your entries in a contact form (so-called conversion funnels).

In addition, Hotjar can be used to obtain direct feedback from website visitors. This function serves to improve the website operator's web offerings.

Hotjar uses technologies that enable the recognition of the user for the purpose of analyzing user behavior (e.g. cookies or the use of device fingerprinting).

If consent has been obtained, the above-mentioned service is used exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and Section 25 TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time. If no consent has been obtained, this service is used on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR; the website operator has a legitimate interest in analyzing user behavior in order to optimize both its website offering and its advertising.

Deactivating Hotjar

If you would like to deactivate data collection by Hotjar, click on the following link and follow the instructions provided there: https://www.hotjar.com/policies/do-not-track/

Please note that Hotjar must be deactivated separately for each browser or device.

For more information about Hotjar and the data collected, please see Hotjar's privacy policy at the following link: https://www.hotjar.com/privacy

Data Processing Agreement

perspective.co

We have integrated perspective.co on this website. The provider is Perspective Software GmbH, Müggelstraße 22, 10247 Berlin, Germany (hereinafter "perspective.co").

perspective.co enables us to build landing pages and statistically evaluate website visits. It also enables the management of contact data of interested parties. In this context, all types of data that data subjects transmit to us or that we collect as part of our analyses can be processed. This data is stored on perspective.co's servers.

The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the provision of the service. If a corresponding consent has been requested, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and Section 25 (1) TDDDG. Consent can be revoked at any time.

Further details can be found in the provider's privacy policy at https://www.perspective.co/de/datenschutzerklaerung.

Data Processing Agreement

6. Audio and Video Conferencing

Data Processing

For communication with our customers, we use, among other things, online conferencing tools. The tools we use individually are listed below. When you communicate with us via video or audio conference over the internet, your personal data is collected and processed by us and by the provider of the respective conferencing tool.

The conferencing tools collect all data that you provide/use to use the tools (email address and/or your phone number). Furthermore, the conferencing tools process the duration of the conference, the start and end (time) of participation in the conference, the number of participants, and other "context information" related to the communication process (metadata).

Furthermore, the provider of the tool processes all technical data required to handle the online communication. This includes, in particular, IP addresses, MAC addresses, device IDs, device type, operating system type and version, client version, camera type, microphone or speakers, and the type of connection.

If content is exchanged, uploaded, or otherwise provided within the tool, this is also stored on the servers of the tool providers. Such content includes, in particular, cloud recordings, chat/instant messages, voicemails, uploaded photos and videos, files, whiteboards, and other information shared during use of the service.

Please note that we do not have full control over the data processing operations of the tools used. Our options are largely determined by the corporate policy of the respective provider. Further information on data processing by the conferencing tools can be found in the privacy policies of the tools used, which we have listed below this text.

Purpose and Legal Basis

The conferencing tools are used to communicate with prospective or existing contractual partners or to offer certain services to our customers (Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR). Furthermore, the use of the tools serves the general simplification and acceleration of communication with us or our company (legitimate interest within the meaning of Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). If consent has been requested, the use of the respective tools is based on this consent; consent can be revoked at any time with effect for the future.

Storage Duration

Data collected directly by us via the video and conferencing tools is deleted from our systems as soon as you request that we delete it, you revoke your consent to storage, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies. Stored cookies remain on your device until you delete them. Mandatory statutory retention periods remain unaffected.

We have no influence on the storage duration of your data that is stored by the operators of the conferencing tools for their own purposes. For details, please contact the operators of the conferencing tools directly.

Conferencing Tools Used

We use the following conferencing tools:

Microsoft Teams

We use Microsoft Teams. The provider is Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, One Microsoft Place, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Details on data processing can be found in Microsoft Teams' privacy policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement.